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Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
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https://archive.org/details/historyoferiecou01aldr 


HISTORY 


OF 

ERIE  COUNTY 

OHIO 


WITH  ILLUSTRATIONS  AND  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES 
OE  SOME  OE  ITS  PROMINENT  MEN  AND  PIONEERS. 


EDITED  BY 

LEWIS  CASS  ALDRICH 


SYRACUSE,  N.  Y. 

D.  MASON  & CO.,  PUBLISHERS 
1889 


977  yci,a. 
^ A 3 6SH 

O' 


IN'J'RODUCTION. 


History  is  a statement  of  fact,  clearly  and  concisely  written,  and  without 
comment,  inferences  or  opinions.  One  of  the  most  satisfactory  situations 
in  which  the  writer  of  local  history  can  find  himself  is  that  that  enables  him  to 
realize  that  his  work  is  original.  But  in  Erie  county  this  delightful  reflection 
is  denied  him,  for  there  is  but  little  of  its  history  that  has  not,  in  some  form  or 
other,  appeared  in  print ; still,  it  is  confidently  believed  that  this  volume  con- 
tains records,  the  events  of  which  are  proper  to  be  treated  upon  as  a part  of 
the  cour*-v’s  history,  that  have  been  passed  unnoticed  by  former  writers ; and 
while  th  ajor  part,  perhaps,  of  the  work  is  a compilation  of  records  previously 
discussei  ■ subjects  have  been  herein  arranged  and  classified  so  as  to  make 
them  more  intelligent  to  the  reader,  and  therefore  more  vah’  ble. 

It  would  h ;ed  remarkable  to  find,  after  an  examination,  that  this  vol- 
ume contained  n^c  an  error  of  fact  or  date.  “To  err  is  human,”  and  the  editor 
realizes  fully  the  force  of  the  statement  made  by  Samuel  Johnson,  when  he 
says:  “ He  that  has  a great  work  to  do  will  do  something  wrong.” 

In  the  preparation  of  the  History  of  Erie  County  and  its  several  townships, 
the  compiler  has  to  acknowledge  with  gratitude  the  valuable  assistance  of  a 
number  of  residents  of  the  city  of  Sandusky  and  other  towns.  But  before 
making  any  individual  mention,  the  editor  desires  to  extend  to  the  press  of  the 
city  sincere  thanks  for  uniform  courtesy  and  willing  assistance  rendered  upon 
every  occasion  upon  which  the  same  was  sought. 

To  Charles  N.  Ereeman,  of  Sandusky,  is  due  the  credit  of  a valuable  and 
interesting  contribution  of  material  facts — the  results  of  his  explorations  among 
the  Indian  and  other  mounds  with  which  the  county  was  at  an  early  day  known 
to  abound ; to  Charles  H.  Cramer,  esq.,  an  attorney  of  the  city,  is  also  due 
thanks  for  the  contribution  of  the  Geological  chapter;  to  Professor  A.  A.  Bar- 
tow for  the  chapter  on  education,  and  other  valuable  assistance;  to  Dr.  E.  Von 


8 


Introduction. 


Schulenburg  for  his  able  chapter  on  The  German  Element  of  Erie  county  ; to 
W.  D.  Gurley  for  the  history  of  Perkins  township  ; to  Mrs.  Margaret  B. 
Peeke  for  the  church  history  of  the  city  and  other  important  chapters  ; to  Dr. 

I.  B.  Massey  for  substantial  assistance  in  preparing  the  Medical  chapter  ; to 

J.  F.  Green  for  the  Agricultural  article  ; to  Counsellor  S.  C.  Wheeler  for  valuable 
material  relating  to  the  Masonic  organizations  of  the  city  of  Sandusky  and 
elsewhere  ; and  further,  to  the  people  of  the  county  at  large,  who  by  their 
generous  contributions  to  the  subscription  list  have  made  the  publication  of 
this  volume  not  only  possible  but  successful,  are  also  extended  the  thanks  not 
only  of  the  editor  but  of  the  publishers  as  well. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  I. 

The  Subject  — Beginning  of  Erie  County’s  History Page  13 

CHAPTER  IL 

Traces  of  a Pre-Historic  Race  — An  Unknown  People  — The  Mound  Builders  — Theories 
Concerning  Them  — Character  of  Their  Mounds  — Discoveries  in  Brie  County  of  Evi- 
dences of  Their  Former  Presence  There 14 

CHAPTER  HI. 

The  Indian  Occupation  — The  Eries  — Their  Destruction  by  the  Five  Nations  — The  Iro- 
quois Confederacy  — Lake  Erie  — Its  Name  and  Derivation — The  Huron  or  Wyandot 
Indians  — Their  Subjugation  by  the  Five  Nations  — Other  Tribes  of  this  Region  — In- 
cidents Concerning  Them  — Their  Final  Removal 19 


CHAPTER  IV. 

The  French  Dominion  — La  Salle  — His  Voyage  Up  Lake  Erie  — The  Griffin  — French 
Operations  in  this  Region  — The  French  and  English  Wars  — Extinction  of  French 
Power  in  America  — Pontiac’s  League  — The  Conspiracy — ^ The  War — Peace  Again 
Restored 23 


CHAPTER  V. 

Events  Preceding  the  Revolu  ion  — Twelve  Years  of  Peace  — Growing  English  Power  — 
Early  Commerce  of  the  Lake  — The  Second  Sailing  Vessel  — The  Beaver  — The  Mora- 
vian Missionaries  and  Indians — Their  Settlement  in  Erie  County  — The  Revolution. . 28 

CHAPTER  VI. 

^Extinguishment  of  Indian  Titles  to  Land  — Treaty  at  Fort  McIntosh  — Fort  Laurens  — 

Fort  Finney  — Battle  at  Fallen  Timbers — Wayne’s  Victory  — Treaty  at  Fort  Indus- 
try— Text  of  the  Treaty  — The  Indian  Title  to  Lands  of  Erie  County  Vested  in  the 
United  States  — Later  Events — The  War  of  1812-15 31 


lO 


Contents. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

The  Soil  and  Civil  Jurisdiction  of  Ohio — The  Connecticut  Lands — The  Western  Reserve 
— Connecticut  Sufferers’  or  Fire  Lands — Detailed  Record  of  their  Organization  — 
Laws  — Acts  and  Explanations  — Surveys — Dissolution  of  the  Fireland’s  Company  — 
Records  Transferred  to  Huron  County 38 

CHAPTER  VIII. 

Organization  of  Counties  on  the  Reserve  — Botetourt  — Trumbull — Geauga  — Cuyahoga 
— Huron  — Proceedings  to  Erect  Huron  County  — The  County  Seat  at  Milan  Changed 
to  Norwalk  — Officers  — Erie  County  Erected  — Acts  Regarding  It — County  Civil 
List 50 

CHAPTER  IX. 

A General  Topographical  and  Geographical  View  of  Erie  County — Its  Situation  and 

Boundaries — Civil  Divisions  59' 

CHAPTER  X. 

Locating  the  County  Seat  — Sites  Offered  — Incidents  — Sandusky  Chosen  — The  First 
Court-House  — Change  of  County  Seat  Threatened — Permanent  House  of  Justice 
Provided  — The  Tardy  Proprietors  — Some  Notable  Cases  Tried- — The  First  and  Only 
Murderer  Executed  in  Erie  County  — The  Old  Jail  — Present  County  Buildings 63 

CHAPTER  XL 

Geology  of  Erie  County 72 

CHAPTER  XII. 

Agriculture  of  Erie  County . . , 83 

CHAPTER  XIII. 

Military  History  of  Erie  County 93 

CHAPTER  XIV. 

The  Press  of  Erie  County 178 

CHAPTER  XV. 

'Bench  and  Bar 187 


Contents. 


1 1 

CHAPTER  XVI. 

The  Medical  Profession 211 

CHAPTER  XVII. 

The  German  Element  of  Brie  County 228 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 

Railways  of  the  County 263 

CHAPTER  XIX. 

Some  Events  of  Erie  County’s  Political  History 272 

CHAPTER  XX. 

History  of  the  City  of  Sandusky  — The  Seat  of  Justice  of  Erie  County 280 

CHAPTER  XXL 

History  of  Berlin  Township  438 

CHAPTER  XXII. 

History  of  Florence  Township 450 

CHAPTER  XXHI. 

History  of  Groton  Township 454 

/ 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 

History  of  Huron  Township  459 

CHAPTER  XXV. 

History  of  Kelley’s  Island 473 

s 

CHAPTER  XXVI.  _ 

History  of  Margaretta]  Township 481 


12 


Contents. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

Hi.'^tory  of  Milan  Township  and  Village 492' 

CHAPTER  XXVIII. 

History  of  Oxford  Township 509 

CHAPTER  XXIX. 

History  of  Vermillion  Township 514 

CHAPTER  XXX. 

History  of  Perkins  Township 521 

CHAPTER  XXXI. 

Brief  Biographical  Sketches 541 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Stoll,  Adam  J.,  portrait  facing  406 

Sadler,  Ebeneze  B.,  portrait facing  534 

Simpson,  William  A.,  portrait facing  280 


BIOGRAPHICAL. 

McKelvey,  John 529 

Sadler,  Ebenezer  B 534 

Simpson,  William  A 532 

Stoll,  Adam  J 531 


History  of  Erie  County. 


CHAPTER  I. 

THE  SUBJECT.—  BEGINNING  OF  ERIE  COUNTY’S  HISTORY. 


^''HE  history  of  any  county  properly  begins  with  its  organization,  and  anar- 
rative  of  the  events  occurring  within  its  borders  prior  to  that  organization 
must  necessarily  be  associated  with  the  older  counties  of  which  it  had  previously 
formed  a part.  Erie  county  was  not  organized  with  its  present  name  until  the 
year  1838.  The  larger  and  the  more  interesting  part  of  its  history  had  at  that 
time  already  taken  place.  It  is  necessary,  therefore,  to  point  out  that  the  sub- 
ject of  this  work  is  the  territory  comprised  within  the  present  bounds  of  Erie 
county,  together  with  the  inhabitants  of  that  territory,  no  matter  whether  the 
events  recorded  occurred  before  or  after  the  beginning  of  the  independent  ex- 
istence of  the  county.  Again,  as  has  already  been  intimated,  it  will  be  neces- 
sary to  frequently  refer  to  matters  outside  this  territory  in  order  to  elucidate 
the  history  of  the  county  and  show  a succession  of  events.  Such  extraneous 
references,  however,  will  be  confined  chiefly  to  a few  of  the  earlier  chapters. 

There  is  scarcely  a subject  pertaining  to  the  history  of  Erie  county,  or  to 
this  region,  that  has  not  in  some  manner  been  written,  and  it  is  hardly  to  be 
expected  that  at  this  late  day  any  new  and  important  historical  material  can 
be  unearthed  and  brought  forward  from  the  long  hidden  recesses  of  the  past. 
It  will  be  necessary  in  view  of  the  many  publications  that  have  been  made,  to 
discuss  the  subjects  that  have  therein  appeared  and  in  much  the  same  manner 
as  they  appear  to  be  related ; but  in  quoting  from  other  works  and  other  writ- 
ers full  credit  will  be  given  and  preference  exercised  for  those  who  have  been 
in  some  manner  identifled  with  the  past  of  this  immediate  locality. 

Further,  when  “Erie  county”  is  spoken  of  previous  to  the  organization  and 
naming  thereof,  it  will  be  understood  that  the  words  are  used  chiefly  to  avoid 
circumlocution  and  mean  the  territory  included  within  its  present  boundaries. 
So,  too,  for  convenience  the  territory  now  comprised  in  a township  will  occa- 
3 


14 


History  of  Erie  County. 


sionally  be  mentioned  by  its  present  name,  before  any  such  township  was  act- 
ually in  existence. 

It  is  the  aim  and  hope  of  the  writer,  by  a proper  arrangement  and  classifi- 
cation of  the  subjects  treated  in  the  several  chapters,  to  present  to  the  people 
of  Erie  county  a work  that  shall  be  to  them  of  much  value  for  ready  reference 
and  to  the  succeeding  generations  a work  of  inestimable  value  as  an  instructor 
regarding  the  past  of  the  county  and  region. 


CHAPTER  II. 

Traces  of  a Pre-Historic  Race. — An  Unknown  People. — The  Mound  Builders. — Theories 
Concerning  Them. — Character  of  Their  Mounds. — Discoveries  in  Erie  County  of  Evidences  of 
Their  Former  Presence  There. 

IT  seems  to  be  a fact,  and  a fact  founded  upon  theory,  surmise,  inference  and 
probability,  that  the  whole  region  of  country  now  embraced  within  the  lim- 
its of  the  State  of  Ohio,  was  the  home  of  a large  race  of  people  possessing  traits 
and  a degree  of  intelligence  far  beyond  those  possessed  by  the  average  Amer- 
ican Indian  of  the  seventeenth,  eighteenth  or  nineteenth  centuries,  of  all  of 
whom  we  have  positive  knowledge.  Of  this  peculiar  people  there  exists  no 
written  history,  nor  have  we  any  traditionary  knowledge  of  them  or  other  ev- 
idence than  the  works  and  relics  that  they  left  behind  them  like  “footprints  in 
the  sands  of  time.”  This  people,  the  historians  of  the  last  two  centuries  have 
been  pleased  to  term  as  Mound  Builders.  The  time  of  their  occupation  of  the 
country  has  never  been  determined. 

The  earliest  traditionary  Indian  history  carries  the  reader  back  to  the  oc- 
cupation of  this  whole  lake  and  river  country  by  two  nations  of  people  who 
were  said  to  have  come  from  the  country  west  of  the  Mississippi  River,  those 
:settling  in  the  country  bordering  upon  the  lakes  being  known  as  the  Mengwe, 
■while  the  others  occupied  the  territory  upon  the  larger  rivers  of  New  York, 
Pennsylvania,  Ohio  and  the  country  south  andVho  were  known  as  the  Lenni 
Lenapes  or  “ original  people.”  These  two  peoples  had  a tradition  extending 
back  to  the  early  part  of  the  thirteenth  century,  but  from  them  there  came  no 
knowledge  of  an  earlier  nation  than  their  own.  The  name  Mound  Builders 
■seems  to  have  been  accepted  as  the  only  one  to  properly  designate  the  pecul- 
iar race  who  certainly  did,  in  some  by-gone  age,  occupy  the  territory  of  Ohio. 

The  case  presents  two  features  : That  which  is  known  and  that  which  is 
not  known  concerning  them,  and  the  latter  is  largely  in  preponderance.  “Eu- 
ropeans, Egyptians  and  Asiatics  might  have  voyaged  across  the  Atlantic  by 


Pre-Historic  Evidences. 


15 


way  of  the  Western  Islands,  Iceland  and  Greenland,  or  as  the  Welsh  expedi- 
tion of  Madoc  did  in  1170  A.  D.,  or  as  Christopher  Columbus  did  in  1492,  or  as 
might  have  been  done  by  an  earlier,  bolder  navigator  by  way  of  the  mid-ocean 
island  Atlantis,  of  which  we  read  (though  always  doubtingly)  in  Plato,  and 
which  the  right  of  authority  pronounces  fabulous.”  But  “ we  do  not  know 
where  they  came  from,  when  and  how  they  disappeared,  whether  they  were 
extinguished  by  war,  pestilence,  or  famine,  or  ultimately  degenerated  into  bar- 
barians, or  whether  they  slowly  moved  to  the  southwest  and  finally  came  with- 
in the  domain  of  history  as  Aztecs,  or  some  more  ancient  people,  once  of  pre- 
historic times  in  Mexico  or  Central  America.” 

We  leave  then  the  speculations  of  theorists  for  the  more  practical  knowl- 
edge of  the  Mound  Builders,  as  shown  by  their  works  which  have  been  exam- 
ined and  explored  in  this  State.  These  consisted  of  mounds,  effigies  and  in- 
closures, and  from  the  first,  which,  predominating,  gave  the  name  of  “Mound 
Builders  ” to  this  people. 

Those  who  have  given  this  subject  the  most  study  and  examination  have 
classified  the  mounds  into  sepulchral,  sacrificial,  temple  (or  truncated)  mounds, 
also  mounds  of  observation  and  memorial  or  monumental  mounds.  Effigies 
are  also  called  animal  mounds  ; sometimes,  too,  they  are  named  emblematic  or 
symbolic  mounds. 

“ Inclosures  are  of  several  kinds,  one  class  being  known  as  military  or  de- 
fensive works,  another  as  parallel  embankments  or  covered  ways,  and  the  third 
as  sacred  inclosures.” 

But  it  is  not  well  to  pursue  this  theoretical  subject  further  for  the  purposes 
of  this  chapter.  None  of  these  higher  grades  of  mounds  have  been  discovered 
in  this  locality,  although  they  have  been  known  elsewhere  in  Ohio.  Still  there 
have  been  found  in  Erie  county  evidences  of  the  presence  here  of  this  lost  and 
unknown  people.  Many  of  what  has  been  believed  to  be  the  remains  of  mounds 
in  various  localities  hereabouts  have  been  explored  and  implements  of  warfare 
and  for  domestic  use  among  the  Mound  Builders  have  been  taken  from  them, 

A few  interested  persons,  residents  of  Sandusky  and  elsewhere  in  the 
county,  have  given  these  matters  some  attention.  Therefore,  by  request,  we 
present  to  the  readers  of  this  work  the  results  of  examinations  made  by  Charles 
N.  Ereeman,  of  the  city  of  Sandusky,  written  and  contributed  expressly  for 
this  chapter  : 

Contrary  to  the  generally  accepted  opinion,  Erie  county  bears  abundant 
evidence  of  occupancy  by  a race  of  people  ante-dating  the  present  race  of 
Indians,  or  their  generally  accepted  ancestors.  Although  there  are  no  large 
mounds,  or  those  of  peculiar  shape,  such  as  are  found  in  the  central  and  south- 
ern parts  of  the  State,  yet  a close  examination  of  the  knolls  along  the  banks  of 
the  rivers  and  creeks  tributary  to  Sandusky  Bay  and  Lake  Erie  reveals  the 
fact  that  mounds  did  exist  here  in  large  numbers.  The  action  of  time,  and 


i6 


His'J'ory  oi'  Erie  County. 


more  especially  cultivation,  the  greatest  foe  to  the  preservation  of  such  re- 
mains, have  in  many  instances  almost  obliterated  all  trace  of  them,  but  the  fact 
that  they  are  still  traceable  is  stronger  proof  of  their  existence.  On  the  high- 
est points  and  some  distance  back  from  the  creek  banks,  in  fields  of  light, 
sandy  soil  and  clay  sub-soil,  are  found  circular  deposits  of  extremely  black 
earth,  varying  in  depth  from  one  to  three  feet,  in  which  are  found  skeletons  of 
a “race” — not  Indians.  The  skull  is  well  developed,  being  full  in  the  fore- 
head, broad,  with  good  height  above  the  ears,  and  in  all  respects  different  from 
the  Indians.  The  skeletons  of  adults  are  above  the  average  size  and  some  of 
them  gigantic.  The  writer,  together  with  Dr.  Charles  Stroud  and  Mr.  T.  L. 
Williams,  have  dug  up  a number  in  different  localities,  and  always,  with  one 
exception,  with  the  same  results.  The  graves  were  dug  through  the  soil 
of  varying  depth  to  the  clay  sub-soil,  on  which  was  spread  a deposit  of  ashes 
and  charcoal  from  four  to  eight  inches  thick.  The  skeletons  are  found  lying 
side  by  side,  facing  the  west,  the  arms  closely  pinioned  to  the  sides,  and  sur- 
rounded by  innumerable  bones  of  birds  and  small  animals,  black  with  age,  but 
evidently  not  burnt. 

The  exception  referred  to  was  an  excavation  made  by  the  writer  on  the 
farm  of  Henry  Geasen,  formerly  part  of  the  Upp  property,  situated  on  the 
east  bank  of  Pipe  Creek.  Here,  in  a mound  of  about  one-half  acre  in  extent, 
were  discovered  a large  number  of  skeletons  buried  face  downward  in  parallel 
trenches  running  north  and  south.  Twenty-three  were  removed  and  exam- 
ined, and  a large  number  were  left  untouched.  No  relics  of  importance  were 
found,  but  there  were  large  quantities  of  broken  tomahawks,  pipes  and  pottery, 
the  latter  from  the  shallowness  of  burial,  evidently  destroyed  by  action  of 
frost.  On  this  mound  have  been  found  stone  arrow  and  spear  points,  relics  of 
the  stone  age  ; also  stone  pipes,  fleshers,  tomahawks,  curiously  shaped  totems, 
and  pottery  of  various  and  in  some  instances  of  quite  elaborate  design.  In  the 
collection  of  Mr.  Williams  is  an  arrow  point,  found  in  Oakland  Cemetery,  at  a 
depth  of  eight  feet.  Nearly  all  the  finds  are  made  on  the  east  side  of  the 
creeks.  On  Plum  Brook,  beginning  at  a point  near  where  it  empties  into  the 
marsh,  is  a line  of  mounds,  or  rather  their  remains,  extending  in  almost  a 
straight  line  to  Bogart’s  Corners,  crossing  the  creek  in  one  instance,  but  al- 
ways on  the  highest  elevations.  On  one  of  them  is  a large  ring,  fifty  feet  in 
diameter,  four  feet  wide,  and  being  of  black  earth  is  plainly  discernible  on  the 
yellow  sandy  soil.  In  this  ring  have  been  found  several  fine  specimens,  highly 
polished.  The  arrow  and  spear  points  differ  in  shape  and  material  on  the  dif- 
ferent creeks,  those  found  on  Plum  Brook  being  leaf-shaped,  chert,  and  deeply 
notched  black  flint ; also  the  Icelandic  or  double  notched  arrow  points,  which 
are  very  rare  and  are  found  in  no  other  place  in  this  vicinity.  On  Goose 
Creek,  so  called,  the  arrow  points  are  of  chert,  crude  and  imperfect,  very  few 
good  specimens  being  found.  Even  the  tomahawks  and  fleshers  are  of  the 


Pre-Historic  Evidences. 


17 


crudest  make,  and  bear  evidence  of  great  age.  Pipe  Creek  furnishes  the  most 
of  the  willow-leaf  variety,  double  pointed  arrows  and  drills.  The  specimens 
found  here  are  of  excellent  workmanship.  Mill’s  Creek  furnishes  a greater 
variety,  but  here,  even,  a special  shape,  that  of  the  triangular  or  war  arrow, 
predominates.  These  facts  seem  to  denote  tribal  distinctions.  On  the  north 
bank  of  Mill’s  Creek,  just  south  of  the  Lake  Shore  track,  was  a large  burial 
mound,  which  was  partly  removed  when  the  fill  was  made  at  that  place.  On 
this  mound  grew  an  immense  oak  tree,  of  great  age,  whose  roots  had  pene- 
trated to  the  center  and  there  entwined  themselves  around  the  bones  laid  to 
rest,  drawing  sustenance  from  those  whose  graves  it  sheltered.  When  this 
tree  was  removed  a number  of  relics  were  found,  besides  the  skeletons  referred 
to.  To  the  east  of  this  mound  is  a level  spot  of  about  three  acres,  evidently 
the  site  of  a village.  The  rise  from  the  creek  is  gradual,  and  the  elevation 
commands  a view  of  the  creek  to  its  mouth  as  well  as  the  surrounding  country. 
Its  natural  position  made  it  easy  of  defense,  and  occupied  by  any  considerable 
force  would  seem  almost  impregnable.  It  was  less  than  one-half  mile  from 
the  shore  of  one  of  the  most  beautiful  sheets  of  still  water  to  be  found  along 
the  lake  shore,  whose  depths  swarmed  with  fish  of  countless  variety,  and 
whose  surface  was  covered  with  wild  fowl — the  bay  and  adjoining  marshes 
being  feeding  grounds  during  the  migratory  seasons — and  backed  by  a track- 
less forest,  filled  to  repletion  with  the  game  that  supplied  the  material  for  their 
clothing  and  a large  proportion  of  their  food.  Supplies  of  nuts  and  acorns 
were  easily  obtained,  and  the  marshes  were  thickets  of  wild  rice,  which  for 
them  then,  as  for  the  tribes  of  the  Northwest  now,  no  doubt  formed  part  of 
their  food  supply.  No  stretch  of  the  imagination  is  necessary  to  appreciate 
the  motives  and  sentiments  that  influenced  those  who  chose  this  spot  for  a* 
dwelling  place.  The  ground  bears  evidence  of  having  been  the  scene  of  a 
fierce  conflict.  Scattered  about  all  over  this  field  are  broken  tomahawks  of 
all  shapes  and  sizes,  and  the  small  triangular  or  war  arrows  are  found  in  great 
abundance.  The  soil  is  full  of  specimens  of  great  variety.  There  is  a bed  of 
burned  pottery  material  here,  covering  about  thirty  feet  square,  evidently  the 
seat  of  the  pottery  manufacture  for  this  whole  section.  It  is  composed  of  clay 
and  ground  white  quartz,  mixed  in  proportions  of  about  one  to  twenty,  evi- 
dently to  make  it  harder.  Many  stone  hammers  are  found,  of  granite  and 
greenstone,  fashioned  to  fit  the  hand  perfectly.  There  are  no  large  fragments 
of  flint  found,  but  an  abundance  of  fine  chips,  the  refuse  of  the  arrow- makers. 
Almost  every  stone  in  the  whole  field  bears  evidence  of  having  been  used  for 
some  purpose.  Taken  together,  these  results  prove  conclusively  that  this  is 
the  site  of  the  prolonged  habitation.  The  land  adjoining,  at  this  writing 
planted  in  vineyards,  yields  with  every  turn  of  the  plow  relics  of  every  descrip- 
tion and  grade  of  workmanship.  I have  in  my  collection  two  beveled-edge 
arrow  points,  found  here,  which  for  design  and  symmetry  equal  any  thing  that 


i8 


History  of  Erie  County. 


can  be  fashioned  from  stone.  The  angles  are  exactly  forty-five  degrees,  which 
would  cause  the  arrow  to  revolve  as  soon  as  it  left  the  hand  of  the  archer, 
insuring  more  accurate  aim  and  causing  an  ugly  wound. 

At  a point  on  Sandusky  Bay  known  as  Martin’s  Cave  are  several  mounds 
of  small  pieces  of  stone.  They  have  been  repeatedly  investigated,  but  nothing 
of  importance  found  in  them.  There  are  also  several  earth  mounds  in  that 
vicinity  which  as  yet  remain  untouched. 

Tradition,  the  ally  of  the  historian,  has  made  mention  of  a fort  in  this  vicin- 
ity which  has  finally  been  located  about  one  mile  south  of  Venice.  Repeated 
plowing  and  the  washings  of  many  years  have  effaced  all  semblance  as  regards 
embankments,  but  by  the  discoloration  of  the  soil  the  outline  is  plainly  defined, 
and  within  its  prescribed  limits,  at  various  times,  have  been  found  stone  pipes, 
and  a number  of  those  curious  combination  bird  and  animal  shape  totems. 
They  have  often  the  body,  legs  and  ears  of  an  animal,  and  a bill  like  a duck. 
Through  the  feet  are  drilled  small  holes,  for  what  purpose  is  a mystery.  Nu- 
merous other  relics  have  been  found  differing  from  any  known  to  be  in  any  of 
the  large  collections  of  the  State. 

The  same  general  condition  of  things  is  found  on  the  banks  of  the  Huron 
and  Vermillion  Rivers,  and  in  fact  throughout  the  whole  county;  but  that  part 
of  it  nearest  to  and  within  easy  reaching  distance  of  Sandusky  City  has  been 
the  most  thoroughly  examined,  and  from  it  in  particular  the  facts  have  been 
noted,  and  the  deductions  drawn  which  appear  in  this  article.  To  whatever 
race  made  and  used  these  tools  and  weapons  must  be  given  the  credit  for  in- 
genuity, skill  and  persistent  effort.  With  stone  hammers  they  fashioned  their 
tomahawks  and  fleshers,  and  sharpened  and  polished  them  on  stones  of  Berea 
grit,  by  rubbing  them  in  a circle  until  the  desired  effect  was  obtained.  With 
the  bow  and  flint-drill  were  made  the  holes  in  the  totems  and  pipes,  they  bear- 
ing the  marks  of  the  sharp  edges  of  the  drills  to  this  day.  The  pipes  were  first 
fashioned  as  regards  shape  and  style,  and  then  drilled.  I have  two  in  my  col- 
lection finished,  with  the  exception  of  boring,  which  in  each  is  begun  at  the 
stem  and  bowl.  They  sawed  by  means  of  sand  and  water  on  the  same  princi- 
ple of  to-day,  until  the  required  depth  was  reached,  and  broke  the  remainder. 
Time  to  them  was  an  unknown  quantity,  but  that  admitted,  the  results  they  ob- 
tained were  wonderful.  The  material  for  their  fleshers,  hammers  and  toma- 
hawks were  obtained  from  the  beds  of  the  creeks.  Mill’s  Creek,  especially,  at 
some  points  being  full  of  small  boulders  of  the  same  material  as  the  relics  found. 
The  chert  came  from  the  limestone  beds,  and  the  flint  from  a distance  ; the 
flat  totems  from  stones  picked  up  on  the  lake  shore,  and  other  tools  and  weap- 
ons from  stones  whose  natural  adaptation  attracted  their  notice.  Beginning 
with  the  crudest  relics  found  by  comparison  it  is  an  easy  matter  to  trace  the 
progress  made  not  by  long  strides,  but  little  by  little,  adding  detail  to  detail, 
until  perfection  in  the  material  used  was  obtained.  Adaptation  to  circum- 
stances is  a natural  law  governing  the  human  race. 


Indian  Occupation. 


19 


There  is  also  an  inherent  force  urging  mankind  to  greater  effort,  but  then 
even,  the  diversity  of  their  product,  the  skill  developed,  and  the  patience  shown 
are  marvelous,  and  to  the  student  an  endless  source  of  admiration. 

A large  number  of  specimens  from  Erie  county  have  been  donated  to  the 


Stroud,  Mr.  Williams  and  my  own,  which  together  number  more  than  three 
thousand,  nearly  all  of  which  have  been  collected  personally,  by  careful  and 
persistent  search.  They  embrace  spear  and  arrow  points;  of  the  latter  nine  va- 
rieties being  found,  pipes  of  pottery  and  stone,  carved  and  plain,  tomahawks, 
fleshers,  hammers,  mortars  and  pestles,  totems  of  different  design  and  material, 
drills,  bone  awls,  wampum,  beads  of  pottery,  flint  knives,  polishing-stones, 
round  hammered  stones,  used  as  a bolas,  bears  claws,  with  holes  drilled  through 
them,  evidently  parts  of  amulets  and  necklaces,  worn  by  the  braves  as  proof 
of  their  prowess,  and  a large  number  of  unique  specimens  which  the  writer  has 
never  seen  classified  or  described. 

To  the  student  and  collector  Erie  county  is  a splendid  field  for  observation 
and  exploration,  yielding  rich  rewards  for  rightly  directed,  systematic  research. 
As  yet  no  concerted  action  in  this  direction  has  been  taken,  or  sufficient  inter- 
est awakened  to  form  a society  for  that  purpose.  Erie  county  should  not  be 
behind  in  so  important  a matter,  and  it  is  hoped  such  an  organization  will  soon 
be  effected,  and  many  discoveries  made  that  will  throw  light  upon  this  subject, 
and  many  specimens  added  to  a large  nucleus,  ready  to  be  donated  to  so  wor- 
thy an  object. 


The  Indian  Occupation  — The  Eries  — Their  Destruction  by  the  Five  Nations — The 
Iroquois  Confederacy  — Lake  Erie — Its  Name  and  Derivation  — The  Huron  or  Wyandot 
Indians  — Their  Subjugation  by  the  Five  Nations  — Other  Tribes  of  this  Region- — Incidents 
Concerning  Them  — Their  Final  Removal. 


HE  first  nation  of  Indians  concerning  whom  any  reliable  information  is 


obtainable  as  having  occupied  the  lands  bordering  on  Lake  Erie  in  this 
vicinity  was  the  Eries,  and  they,  prior  to  their  destruction  by  the  powerful 
Iroquois  Confederacy,  occupied  the  greater  part  of  the  country  on  the  south  of 
the  lake.  Erom  this  tribe,  or  nation,  the  lake  derives  its  name.  The  name, 
Erie,  was  always  mentioned  by  the  early  French  writers  as  meaning  “Cat.” 
On  Sanson’s  map,  published  in  1651,  Lake  Erie  is  called  “Lac  du  Chat,”  Lake 
of  the  Cat.  There  were  certainly  no  domestic  cats  among  the  Indians  until 
introduced  by  the  whites,  and  the  name  must  be  attributed  to  the  wild  cat  or 


Fremont  and  Firelands  Associations,  aside  fromi  those  to  the  collections  of  Dr. 


CHAPTER  HI. 


20 


History  of  Erie  County. 


panther.  It  may  have  been  assumed  by  this  tribe  because  its  warriors  thought 
themselves  as  ferocious  as  these  animals,  or  it  may  have  been  assigned  to  them 
by  their  neighbors  because  of  the  abundance  of  wild  cats  and  panthers  in  the 
territory  occupied  by  the  Eries.  It  is,  then,  first  with  this  nation  that  we  have 
to  deal.  The  precise  years  in  which  these  events  occurred  are  uncertain,  nor 
is  it  accurately  known  whether  the  Eries  or  other  tribes  first  felt  the  anger  of 
the  Five  Nations  (the  Iroquois).  According  to  early  French  writers,  among 
these  Indians  there  lived  a tradition  that  runs  somewhat  as  follows  : 

The  Eries  had  been  jealous  of  the  Iroquois  from  the  time  the  latter  formed 
their  confederacy.  About  the  time  under  consideration  the  Eries  challenged 
their  rivals  to  a grand  game  of  ball,  a hundred  men  on  a side,  for  a heavy  stake 
of  furs  and  wampum.  For  two  successive  years  the  challenge  was  declined, 
but  when  it  was  again  repeated  it  was  accepted.  The  Eries  were  defeated,  and 
then  proposed  a foot-race  between  ten  of  the  fleetest  young  men  on  each  side. 
Again  the  Iroquois  were  victorious.  Still  later  the  Eries  proposed  a wrestling 
match  between  ten  champions  on  each  side,  the  victor  in  each  bout  to  have  the 
privilege  of  knocking  out  his  adversary’s  brains  with  his  tomahawk.  This 
challenge,  too,  was  accepted,  though,  as  the  various  Iroquois  historians  assert, 
with  no  intention  of  claiming  the  forfeit  if  successful.  In  the  first  bout  the 
Iroquois  wrestler  threw  his  antagonist,  but  declined  to  play  the  part  of  execu- 
tioner. The  chief  of  the  Eries,  infuriated  by  his  champion’s  defeat,  himself 
struck  the  unfortunate  wrestler  dead,  as  he  lay  supine  where  the  victor  had 
flung  him.  Another  and  another  of  the  Eries  was  in  the  same  way  conquered 
by  the  Iroquois,  and  in  the  same  way  dispatched  by  the  wrathful  chief,  until 
the  Eries  were  thrown  into  a state  of  terrific  excitement,  and  the  leader  of  the 
confederates,  fearing  an  outbreak,  ordered  his  followers  to  take  up  their  march 
home. 

But  the  jealousy  and  hatred  of  the  Eries  was  still  more  inflamed  by  their 
defeat,  and  they  soon  laid  a plan  to  surprise,  and,  if  possible,  destroy  the  Iro- 
quois. In  this  they  were  foiled  and  terribly  beaten  in  an  open  conflict.  After- 
wards a powerful  body  of  the  descendants  of  the  Eries  went  from  the  west  to 
attack  the  Iroquois,  but  were  utterly  defeated  and  slain. 

Such  is  the  tradition.  It  is  a very  nice  story  for  the  Iroquois.  None  of 
these  scenes  was  enacted  in  this  region,  but  in  the  far  eastern  country  occu- 
pied by  the  Eries ; and  as  the  possessors  of  the  soil  hereabouts  were  engaged 
actively  in  that  series  of  events,  it  is  here  related. 

The  time  of  the  destruction  of  the  Eries  by  the  Iroquois  is  somewhat  uncer- 
tain, but  from  all  authorities  it  may  be  placed  at  about  1655.  It  was  certainly 
later  than  1645,  and  earlier  than  1660. 

This  fierce  Iroquois  nation  possessed  the  soil  of  this  region  for  a few  years 
after  the  subjugation  of  the  Eries,  but  as  their  possessions  were  so  vast,  and 
they  were  engaged  in  a terrible  warfare  with  the  Delawares,  soon  after  they 


Indian  Occupation. 


21 


withdrew  from  its  actual  occupation,  still,  however,  exercising  authority  and 
acts  of  ownership  until  their  treaty  with  the  whites  extinguished  their  claim  to 
title. 

A word  or  two  will  suffice  to  describe  these  temporary  possessors  of  the 
soil  of  Erie  county,  who  have  been  variously  known  as  the  Five  and  subse- 
quently as  the  Six  Nations  and  as  the  Iroquois  Confederacy.  It  should  be 
said  that  the  name  “Iroquois”  was  never  applied  by  the  confederates  to  them- 
selves. It  was  first  used  by  the  French,  and  its  meaning  is  veiled  in  obscu- 
rity. The  men  of  the  Five  Nations  (afterwards  the  Six  Nations)  called  them- 
selves “ Hedonosaunee,”  which  means  literally,  “They  form  a cabin”;  describ- 
ing in  this  expressive  manner  the  close  union  existing  among  them.  The 
Indian  name  just  quoted  is  more  liberally  and  commonly  rendered  “The  Peo- 
ple of  the  Fong  House  ;”  which  is  more  fully  descriptiveof  the  confederacy, 
though  not  quite  so  accurate  a translation. 

The  tribes  comprising  the  Five  Nations  were  the  Mohawks,  Onondagas, 
Oneidas,  Cayugas  and  Senecas.  During  one  of  their  warlike  excursions  to  the 
Carolinas  they  were  assisted  by  the  Tuscaroras  in  overpowering  the  Powhat- 
tans.  At  a later  period  the  Tuscaroras  were  overcome  by  the  Powhattans  and 
whites  and  driven  out  of  the  country.  They  came  north  and  were  taken  into 
the  confederacy,  whereupon  the  Five  Nations  became  the  Six  Nations. 

The  best  authority  regarding  the  name  of  the  first  Indian  occupants  of  this 
region  is  the  work  of  the  Jesuit  priest.  Father  Fouis  Hennepin,  published 
about  the  year  1684,  in  which  he  says:  “These  good  fathers  were  great 
friends  of  the  Hurons,  who  told  them  that  the  Iroquois  went  to  war  beyond 
Virginia,  or  New  Sweden,  near  a lake  which  they  called  ‘ Frige,’  or  ‘ Erie,’ 
which  signifies  ‘the  cat,’  or  ‘nation  of  the  cat;’  and  because  these  savages 
brought  captives  from  the  nation  of  the  cat  in  returning  to  their  cantons  along 
this  lake,  the  Hurons  named  it,  in  their  language,  ‘Frige,’  or  ‘ Ericke,’  ‘the 
lake  of  the  cat,’  and  which  our  Canadians,  in  softening  the  word,  have  called 
‘ Fake  Erie.’  ” 

Another  French  writer,  Charlevoix,  says  respecting  the  lake  : “ The  name 
it  bears  is  that  of  an  Indian  nation  of  the  Huron  (Wyandot)  language,  which 
was  formerly  seated  on  its  banks,  and  who  have  been  entirely  destroyed  by 
the  Iroquois.  Erie,  in  that  language,  signifies  cat,  and  in  some  accounts,  this 
nation  is  called  the  Cat  Nation.  This  name  probably  comes  from  the  large 
number  of  those  animals  formerly  found  in  this  country.” — Howe's  Hist.  Col. 

From  this  it  is  inferred  that  the  Hurons  were  the  successors  to  the  soil  of 
this  region  under  sufferance  of  the  Iroquois  Confederacy.  Charlevoix  credits 
the  Hurons,  or  Wyandots,  for  they  were  the  same  people,  with  speaking  the 
same  language  as  the  Fries.  This  would  seem  to  confirm  the  theory  advanced 
by  some  writers  of  note  that  a remnant  of  the  unfortunate  Fries,  some  years 
after  their  subjugation,  returned  and  possessed  the  soil  of  their  fathers. 


4 


22 


History  of  Erie  County. 


although  unwilling  to  assert  their  relationship  to  the  Eries  through  fear  of  an- 
other visitation  of  the  vengeance  of  the  dreaded  Iroquois. 

But  the  Hurons,  too,  fell  victims  to  the  merciless  attacks  of  these  fierce 
confederates,  for,  says  Johnson  : “ After  the  overthrow  of  the  Kahquahs  and 
Eries  the  Iroquois  went  forth  conquering  and  to  conquer.  This  was  probably 
the  day  of  their  greatest  glory.  Stimulated  but  not  yet  crushed  by  contact 
with  man,  they  stayed  the  progress  of  the  Erench  into  their  territories,  they 
negotiated  on  equal  terms  with  the  Dutch  and  English,  and,  having  supplied 
themselves  with  the  terrible  arms  of  the  pale-faces,  they  smote  with  direst 
vengeance  whomsoever  of  their  own  race  were  so  unfortunate  as  to  provoke 
their  wrath. 

“ On  the  Susquehanna,  on  the  Alleghany,  on  the  Ohio,  even  to  the  Mis- 
sissippi in  the  west  and  the  Savannah  in  the  south,  the  Iroquois  bore  their 
conquering  arm.s,  filling  with  terror  the  dwellers  alike  on  the  plains  of  Illinois 
and  in  the  glades  of  Carolina.  They  strode  over  the  bones  of  the  slaughtered 
Kahquahs  and  Eries  to  new  conquests  on  the  lakes  beyond,  even  to  the  foam- 
ing cascades  of  Michillimacinac,  and  the  shores  of  the  mighty, Superior.  They 
inflicted  such  terrible  defeat  upon  the  Hurons,  despite  the  alliance  of  the  latter 
with  the  Erench,  that  many  of  the  conquered  nation  sought  safety  on  the 
frozen  borders  of  Hudson’s  Bay.  In  short,  they  triumphed  on  every  side, 
save  only  where  the  white  man  came,  and  even  he  was  for  a time  held  at  bay 
by  these  fierce  confederates.” 

The  seat  of  government  of  the  Erie  Indians  was  in  the  western  part  of  New 
York  State,  but  their  possessions  extended  westward  along  the  lake  even  to 
this  region  and  beyond  it  on  the  west.  With  the  Hurons  or  Wyandots  their 
relations  were  entirely  friendly  and  they  spoke  the  same  language.  The  Hu- 
rons occupied,  in  their  time,  this  locality,  both  on  the  east  and  west,  in  the  lat- 
ter direction  their  lands  extended  to  Lake  Huron,  and  from  them  that  body  of 
water  derives  its  name. 

The  name  “ Wyandot  ” is  applied  to  a branch  of  this  family  or  people,  as 
it  was  a custom  followed  for  hundreds  of  years  to  give  the  scattered  branches 
of  the  parent  tribe  some  name  suitable  to  the  locality  in  which  they  chanced 
to  dwell. 

The  name  Huron  was  applied  to  this  people  by  the  French,  but  its  signifi- 
cation is  unknown. 

The  Ottawas,  also,  were  a tribe  of  Indians  that  used  to  visit  this  locality,, 
but  their  main  seat  of  residence  was  on  the  Maumee.  The  “Ottawa,”  is  an 
Indian  word  meaning  “ trader.” 

Occasionally  there  comes  information  that  other  tribes  have  been  repre- 
sented in  this  vicinity,  and  frequently  some  chief  of  prominence  in  the  wars 
made  a visit  here.  The  Shawnees  were  one  of  these.  They  came  from  the 
country  of  the  Susquehanna  River  of  Pennsylvania,  having  been  compelled  to 


French  Dominion. 


23 


leave  that  region  by  the  sale  of  the  lands  to  the  proprietaries  of  that  province 
by  the  Five  Nation  Indians.  The  Shawnees  were  formerly  allied  to  the  Dela- 
wares, and  with  the  latter  were  beaten  by  the  Iroquois  in  their  greatest  devas- 
tating and  conquering  excursion.  They  (the  Shawnees)  are  supposed  to  have 
been  of  Southern  origin.  They  spoke  the  Algonquin  language. 

Some  of  these  Indians  'figured  in  the  early  wars,  but  their  depredations 
were  confined  to  the  localities  where  white  settlement  had  made  an  advance. 
Therefore  we  can  furnish  to  the  reader  none  of  the  blood-curdling  incidents  or 
tales  of  horror  as  having  occurred  within  the  boundaries  of  Erie  county.  Yet, 
in  a general  way,  as  a part  of  the  history  of  this  region,  some  reference  will 
be  made  to  the  early  battles  in  Northwestern  Ohio. 

The  last  treaty  with  the  Indians  by  which  their  title  to  lands  in  Ohio  was 
extinguished  was  made  in  the  year  1829,  and  soon  thereafter  their  removal  was 
■commenced  under  the  authority  and  direction  of  the  general  government.  It 
was  nearly  ten  years  later,  however,  before  the  last  remnant  of  the  tribes  was 
removed. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

FRENCH  DOMINION. 

The  French  Dominion — La  Salle —His  Voyage  up  Lake  Erie — The  Griffin— French  Opera- 
tions in  this  Region — The  French  and  English  Wars — Extinction  of  French  Power  in  America 
— Pontiac’s  League — The  Conspiracy — The  War — Peace  Again  Restored. 

France  laid  claim  to  the  soil  and  right  of  possession  of  this  country  by 
discovery.  The  chief  central  figure  in  all  operations  of  that  sovereign 
power  was  Robert  Cavalier  de  La  Salle,  a Frenchman  of  good  family,  then 
thirty-five  years  of  age,  and  one  of  the  most  gallant,  devoted  and  adventur- 
ous of  all  the  bold  explorers  who,  under  many  different  banners,  opened  the 
new  world  to  the  knowledge  of  the  old.  This  man  arrived  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Niagara  in  the  month  of  January,  1679.  He  left  his  native  Rouen  at  the 
age  of  twenty-two,  and  from  that  time  forward  he  was  employed  in  leading  a 
life  of  adventure  and  exploration  among  the  Indians  of  America.  He  held  a 
commission  from  King  Louis  to  discover  the  western  part  of  New  France,  and 
in  carrying  out  this  work  he  first  came  to  Lake  Erie.  He  was  authorized  to 
build  such  forts  as  were  necessary,  but  at  his  ovvn  expense,  being  granted  cer- 
tain privileges  in  return,  the  principal  of  which  appears  to  have  been  the  right 
to  trade  in  furs  and  skins.  During  this  same  year,  1679,  he  sent  Sieur  de  La 


24 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Motte  and  Father  Hennepin  (the  priest  and  historian  of  his  expedition),  in  ad- 
vance to  the  mouth  of  the  Niagara.  La  Motte  soon  returned. 

At  a point  about  six  miles  above  the  falls  La  Salle  built  the  first  vessel  that 
navigated  the  waters  of  Lake  Erie.  It  was  named  Le  Grijfon  (The  Griffin),  in 
compliment  to  the  Count  de  Frontenac,  minister  of  the  French  colonies,  whose 
coat  of  arms  was  ornamented  with  representations  of  that  mythical  beast. 

The  Griffin  was  a diminutive  vessel  compared  with  the  ’leviathans  of  the 
deep  which  now  navigate  these  inland  seas,  but  was  a marvel  in  view  of  the 
difficulties  under  which  it  had  been  built.  It  was  of  sixty  tons  burthen,  com- 
pletely furnished  with  anchors  and  other  equipments,  armed  with  seven  small 
cannon,  and  filled  with  thirty-four  men,  all  Frenchmen  with  a single  excep- 
tion. 

In  1680  La  Salle  sailed  the  length  of  Lake  Erie  and  into  the  chain  of  lakes 
beyond.  Whether  he  touched  Sandusky  Bay  does  not  appear,  either  by  rec- 
ord or  tradition.  But  his  was  a voyage  of  exploration  and  discovery,  and  it  is 
more  than  possible  that  he  did  visit  this  locality;  and,  in  view  of  the  subse- 
quent French  erections  in  this  region,  it  may  reasonably  be  inferred  the  in- 
trepid commander  delighted  his  eyes  with  the  beautiful  harbor  of  Sandusky 
Bay. 

To  follow  La  Salle  through  all  his  voyages  and  journeyings  is  not  within 
the  province  of  this  work.  Suffice  it  to  say,  therefore,  that  the  Griffn  was 
lost  in  the  eastern  waters  of  the  lake,  while  her  brave  commander  fell  a victim 
to  the  murderous  assaults  of  his  own  men  w’hom  he  had  employed  to  serve 
him. 

Lor  the  next  half  century  after  the  adventures  of  La  Salle,  the  French 
maintained  a general  but  not  very  substantial  ascendency  in  this  region.  Their 
voyagers  traded  and  their  missionaries  labored.  Among  the  Huron-Wyan- 
dots,  and  other  tribes  of  this  region,  they  made  friends  and  converts.  The 
French  sovereigns  and  ministers  considered  the  whole  lake  region  as  being  un- 
questionably a part  of  “New  France”  (or  Canada).  Their  maps  so  described  it, 
and  they  looked  forward  with  entire  assurance  to  the  time  when  French  troops 
and  French  colonists  should  hold  undisputed  possession  of  all  this  vast  domain. 

During  the  latter  years  of  the  seventeenth  century  the  French  and  English 
claimants  (for  the  English  claimed  also  by  discovery  and  possession),  became 
involved  in  a conflict,  each  endeavoring  not  only  to  maintain  but  to  extend 
their  possessions,  in  the  eastern  country,  and  scarcely  had  an  adjustment  of 
their  difficulties  been  reached  and  the  echoes  of  conflict  died  away  than  they 
again  became  involved  in  the  long  contest  knbwn  as  “ Queen  Anne’s  War.” 

But,  meanwhile,  through  all  this  western  country  the  French  extended 
their  influence.  Detroit  was  founded  in  1701,  the  most  important,  perhaps,  of 
all  the  western  posts  and  the  key  to  the  whole  lake  region.  Other  posts  were 
established  far  and  wide,  but  it  was  not  until  near  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth. 


French  Dominion. 


2 5' 

century  that  operations  were  commenced  within  the  borders  of  Erie  county, 
and  the  offensive  and  defensive  measures  were  then  adopted  by  the  French 
and  their  firm  allies,  the  Hurons,  on  account  of  the  growing  English  settle- 
ment generally  in  the  region.  It  has  been  stated  that  near  the  middle  of  the 
seventeenth  century,  which  would  be  about  1650,  some  English  traders  made 
a settlement  and  built  a stockade  on  the  site  of  the  present  village  of  Venice, 
in  Margaretta  township  ; and  that  for  something  like  one  hundred  years  were 
they  in  possession  before  being  compelled  to  leave  by  the  French.  The  same 
authority  is  also  somewhat  uncertain  as  to  the  exact  location  of  Fort  Junan- 
dat,  but  thinks  tradition  accurately  locates  it  at  Venice.  Upon  the  authority 
of  Evan’s  map  of  the  Middle  British  Colonies  the  location  of  Fort  Junandat  is 
given  as  the  east  bank  of  Sandusky  River,  near  the  'oay,  and  that  it  was  built 
in  1754. 

The  war  between  England  and  France  was  begun  in  1744  and  closed  by 
the  treaty  of  Aix-la-Chapelle,  in  1748.  None  of  its  more  stirring  events  were 
enacted  in  Erie  county,  save  the  incidents  to  which  reference  has  already  been 
made,  and  even  they  were  auxiliary  and  of  subsequent  performance.  During 
these  years  the  Huron-Wyandots  remained  firm  in  their  allegiance  to  the 
Erench. 

During  the  eight  years  of  nominal  peace  which  succeeded  the  treaty,  both 
the  Erench  and  English  made  numerous  efforts  to  extend  their  dominion  be- 
yond their  frontier  settlements,  the  former  with  the  more  success  ; and  it  was 
unquestionably  during  these  years,  and  those  that  followed,  down  to  the  out- 
break of  the  struggle  for  American  independence,  that  the  more  stirring  scenes 
of  warlike  acts  were  performed  in  this  county  and  vicinity.  To  their  already 
established  posts  the  Erench  added  many  others,  and  endeavored  to  establish  a. 
complete  line  of  defenses  from  the  lakes  to  the  Mississippi.  Among  these 
forts  so  constructed,  although  a position  of  minor  importance,  was  that  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Huron  River,  within  the  borders  of  Huron  township  ; and 
another  on  the  shore  of  the  bay  near  the  site  of  Sandusky  city.  They  were 
constructed  in  order  to  afford  a protection  to  the  French  missionaries,  traders 
and  colonists  who  were  living  among  the  Huron-Wyandot  Indians,  should 
they  become,  at  any  time,  in  need  of  greater  defenses  than  their  own  strength. 
These  forts  were  abandoned  prior  to  the  Revolution. 

Frequent  detachments  of  French  troops  and  their  Indian  allies  passed 
along  the  route.  Gaily  dressed  French  officers  sped  backward  and  forward,  at- 
tended by  the  fierce  warriors  of  their  allied  tribes,  and  not  infrequently  the 
Hurons.  Dark-gowned  Jesuits  hastened  to  and  fro,  everywhere  receiving  the 
respect  of  the  red  men,  even  when  their  creed  was  rejected,  and  using  all  their 
art  to  magnify  the  power  of  both  Rome  and  France. 

In  1754  open  hostilities  and  violent  acts  were  indulged  in,  but  it  was  not 
until  1756  that  war  was  again  declared  between  England  and  France,  this 


26 


History  of  Erie  County. 


being  their  last  great  struggle  for  supremacy  in  the  New  World.  At  first  the 
French  were  everywhere  victorious.  Braddock,  almost  at  the  gates  of  Fort 
Du  Ouesne,  was  slain,  and  his  army  cut  in  pieces  by  a force  utterly  contempt- 
ible in  comparison  with  his  own.  Oswego  fell.  The  French  lines  along  the 
lakes  and  across  the  country  were  stronger  than  ever.  But  gradually  the  tide 
of  war  turned  in  favor  of  the  British,  and  many  of  the  Indian  tribes  wavered  in 
their  fidelity  to  the  cause  of  France.  Not  so,  however,  with  the  Ohio  Indians, 
Avho  entertained  only  feelings  of  hatred  for  the  English.  They  knew  only  the 
P'ronch,  and  were  strongly  attached  to  them — the  Ottawas,  the  Wyandots  and 
the  Chippewas,  the  inhabitants  of  this  region.  The  first  visit  these  tribes  re- 
ceived from  the  English  was  after  the  surrender  of  Vaudreuil,  when  Major 
Robert  Rogers  was  sent  to  take  charge  of  Detroit.  He  left  Montreal  in  Sep- 
tember, 1760.  By  way  of  Presque  Isle  he  proceeded  slowly  up  Fake  Erie  and 
reached  Detroit  on  the  19th  of  November.  He  at  once  demanded  the  sur- 
render of  the  post,  but  it  was  not  until  the  29th  that  Beleter,  the  commander, 
yielded,  and  this  important  point  passed  into  possession  of  the  British. 

While  before  Detroit  Major  Rogers  was  visited  by  the  great  Ottawa  chief, 
Pontiac,  and  between  them  a friendship  was  at  once  formed.  From  Detroit,  in 
December,  1760,  Rogers  proceeded  to  the  Maumee,  and  thence  across  Ohio  to 
P'ort  Pitt.  His  route  lay  “from  Sandusky,  where  Sandusky  city  now  is, 
crossed  the  Huron  River,  then  called  Bald  Eagle  Creek,  to  ‘ Mohickon  John’s 
Town,’  upon  what  we  know  as  Mohicon  Creek,  the  northern  branch  of  White 
Woman’s  River,  and  thence  crossed  to  Beaver’s  Town,  a Delaware  town  on 
the  west  side  of  the  ‘ Maskongam  Creek,’  opposite  ‘ a fine  river,’  which,  from 
Hutchins’s  map,  we  presume  was  Sandy  Creek.’’ 

The  reader  will  observe  that  the  worthy  historian  places  the  fort  on  or  near 
the  site  of  Sandusky  city.  Evan’s  map  of  the  Middle  British  Colonies  locates 
it  on  the  west  of  Sandusky  River,  and  a third  authority,  referred  to  before  in 
this  chapter,  gives  it  as  near  Venice.  As  to  which  may  be  correct  is  a ques- 
tion that,  perhaps,  cannot  be  satisfactorily  settled  at  this  day,  but  from  the  best 
information  at  hand  it  is  thought  that  Venice  was  not  the  site  of  the  fort,  but 
that  it  was  several  miles  distant  therefrom. 

The  years  1761  and  1762  proved  disastrous  to  the  French  arms,  and  soon 
the  struggle  was  over.  The  English  Octavius  had  defeated  the  Gallic  Antony. 
Forever  destroyed  was  the  hope  of  a French  peasanty  inhabiting  the  plains  of 
Erie  county  ; of  baronial  castles  crowning  the  vine-clad  heights  of  the  islands 
of  the  lake  ; of  a gay  French  city  overlooking  the  placid  waters  of  Sandusky 
Bay.  The  treaty  of  peace  between  England  and  France  was  ratified  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1763,  and  by  that  treaty  Canada  was  ceded  to  the  former  power.  Not- 
withstanding the  disappearance  of  the  French  soldiers,  the  western  tribes  still 
remembered  them  with  affection,  and  were  still  disposed  to  wage  war  upon  the 
English.  The  celebrated  Pontiac  united  nearly  all  these  tribes  in  a league 


French  Dominion. 


27 


against  the  red-coats,  immediately  after  the  advent  of  the  latter,  and,  as  no 
such  confederation  had  been  formed  against  the  French,  during  all  their  long 
years  of  possession,  this  action  of  Pontiac  must  be  assigned  to  some  cause  other 
than  mere  hatred  of  all  civilized  intruders.  In  truth,  there  appeared  abundant 
room  for  the  belief  that  Pontiac  was  but  carrying  out  the  schemes  devised  by 
some  of  the  more  revengeful  of  the  defeated  Frenchmen.  And  but  two  short 
years  before  this  league  was  formed,  and  while  the  war  between  the  English 
and  French  was  working  hard  against  the  latter  and  defeat  seemed  inevitable, 
this  same  chief  of  the  Ottawas  is  credited  with  having  said : “ Englishmen  ! 

Although  you  have  conquered  the  French,  you  have  not  yet  conquered  us.  We 
are  not  your  slaves.  These  lakes,  these  woods,  these  mountains,  were  left  to 
us  by  our  ancestors.  They  are  our  inheritance,  and  we  will  part  with  them  to 
none.  Your  nation  supposes  that  we,  like  the  white  people,  cannot  live  with- 
out bread,  and  pork  and  beef  But  you  ought  to  know  that  He,  the  Great 
Spirit  and  Master  of  Life,  has  provided  food  for  us  upon  these  broad  lakes  and 
in  these  mountains.” 

So  powerful  indeed  was  the  Pontiac  league  that  the  old  animosity  existing 
between  some  of  the  tribes  and  the  Iroquois  was,  for  the  time,  laid  aside,  and 
a few  of  the  Five  Nations  joined  the  great  body.  By  far  the  greater  portion, 
however,  were  of  the  Ottawa,  Wyandot,  Chippewa,  Miami,  Delaware  and 
Shawnee  tribes.  All  from  this  region  were  enlisted  in  league. 

In  May,  1763,  the  league  surprised  nine  out  of  twelve  English  posts,  and 
massacred  their  garrisons.  Detroit,  Pittsburg  and  Niagara  alone  escaped  sur- 
prise, and  each  successfully  resisted  a siege,  in  which  branch  of  warfare,  in- 
deed, the  Indians  were  almost  certain  to  fail. 

In  September  of  that  year  occurred  the  horrible  massacre  at  Devil’s  Hole ; 
and  following  close  upon  that,  in  October,  came  the  awful  slaughter  of  the 
forces  of  Major  Wilkins,  who  was  moving  to  reinforce  the  garrison  at  Detroit. 

In  the  West,  Pontiac  kept  up  active  though  unavailing  hostilities,  and  in 
the  summer  of  1764  the  English  commander-in-chief  determined  to  send  a 
force  up  the  lakes,  able  to  overcome  all  opposition.  Accordingly,  General 
Bradstreet,  an  able  officer,  with  twelve  hundred  British  and  Americans,  ac- 
companied by  the  indefatigable  Sir  William  Johnson  and  a body  of  his  faithful 
Iroquois  warriors.  The  Senecas,  the  only  tribe  of  the  Iroquois  nation  that 
gave  aid  to  the  French,  or  to  Pontiac,  were  met  by  Bradstreet  and  brought 
into  submission.  That  commander  then  embarked  on  the  lake  and  went  to 
the  relief  of  Detroit.  He  caused  to  be  destroyed  the  Indian  towns  and  crops 
through  this  locality  and  upon  the  Maumee,  and  drove  the  Indians  from  the 
country. 

Arriving  at  Detroit  Bradstreet  easily  routed  the  forces  of  the  now  disheart- 
ened Pontiac,  after  which  he  returned  to  this  county  and  proceeded  up  San- 
dusky Bay  and  River  into  the  heart  of  the  Wyandot  country  where  he  en- 


128 


History  of  Erie  County. 


camped.  Here  he  soon  after  made  a peace  treaty  with  the  chiefs  and  sachems 
of  the  hostile  tribes. 

So  ended  this  struggle  that  has  been  known  in  history  as  Pontiac’s  War. 
Peace  again  was  restored,  not  long,  however,  to  be  enjoyed  by  the  already 
over-burdened  American  colonists  before  the  whole  country  was  thrown  into  a 
state  of  excitement  growing  out  of  the  wrongs  inflicted  by  the  mother  coun- 
try, and  which  finally  resulted  in  overthrow  of  British  rule  in  America. 

Before  entering  upon  a narrative  of  the  events  of  our  country  succeeding 
Cresap’s  War,  in  order  to  be  entirely  just  toward  all  writers,  is  given  an  ac- 
count of  the  destruction  of  the  Indian  crops  in  this  county,  alleged  to  have 
taken  place  in  1763,  but  it  must  be  said  that  the  statement  lacks  verification  by 
the  standard  authorities.  It  is  as  follows: 

“ In  June,  following  (1763),  Captain  Dalzell,  on  a coastwise  voyage  from 
Niagara  to  the  relief  of  Detroit,  with  a force  of  two  hundred  and  eighty  men, 
stopped  at  Sandusky,  burnt  the  fields  of  standing  corn,  and  the  Wyandot  vil- 
lage at  Castalia  ; then  marched  his  men  northward,  to  Detroit,  and  relieved  the 
garrison  at  that  place.” 

The  expedition  sent  out  by  the  commander-in-chief  of  the  British  forces  to 
relieve  Detroit,  was  placed  under  command  of  General  Bradstreet,  and  its  de- 
parture was  made  from  Niagara.  On  their  way  the  Wyandot  village  and  crops 
were  destroyed,  and  it  is,  of  course,  possible  that  their  destruction  may  have 
been  accomplished  by  a detachment  from  Bradstreet’s  troops  under  command 
of  Captain  Dalzell ; still  no  standard  authority  credits  the  latter  with  command 
of  the  expedition  sent  to  relieve  the  post  at  Detroit. 


CHAPTER  V. 


Events  Preceding- the  Revolution  — Twelve  Years  of  Peace — Growing  English  Power  — 
Early  Commerce  of  the  Lake  — The  Second  Sailing  Vessel  — The  Beaver — ^ The  Moravian 
Missionaries  and  Indians  — Their  Settlement  in  Erie  County  — The  Revolution. 

OF  the  British  and  Americans  who  had  been  in  the  closest  frendship,  and  un- 
der the  same  banners  had  passed  to  and  fro  over  the  county  and  the  lakes, 
there  were  not  a few  who  in  twelve  more  years  were  destined  to  seek  each  oth- 
er’s lives  on  the  blood-stained  battle-fields  of  the  Revolution.  For  a while, 
however,  there  was  peace,  not  only  between  England  and  France,  but  between 
the  Indians  and  the  colonists.  The  Six  Nations,  though  the  seeds  of  dissen- 


Preceding  the  Revolution. 


29 


sion  were  sown  among  them,  were  still  a powerful  confederacy,  and  their  war 
parties  occasionally  made  incursions  into  their  county,  against  their  old  ene- 
mies, the  dwellers  of  this  region,  but  the  latter  generally  avoided  an  engage- 
ment and  withdrew  upon  their  approach.  Hither,  too,  came  occasional  de- 
tachments of  red  coated  Britons  passing  along  the  borders  of  the  lake  and  bay 
in  open  boats  journeying  westward  to  Detroit,  Mackinaw  and  other  forts  and 
trading  posts. 

Along  the  borders  of  this  country,  too,  went  nearly  all  the  commerce  of  the 
upper  lakes,  consisting  of  supplies  for  the  military  posts,  goods  for  barter  and 
trade  with  the  Indians,  and  the  furs  received  in  return.  Trade  was  carried  on 
almost  entirely  in  open  boats  propelled  by  oars,  with  the  occasional  aid  of  a 
temporary  sail.  In  good  weather  tolerable  progress  could  be  made,  but  woe 
to  any  of  these  frail  craft  which  might  be  overtaken  by  a storm. 

The  New  York  Gazette  in  February,  1770,  informed  its  readers  that  several 
boats  had  been  lost  in  crossing  Lake  Erie,  and  that  the  distress  of  the  crews 
was  so  great  that  they  were  obliged  to  keep  two  human  bodies  found  on  the 
north  shore,  so  as  to  kill  for  food  the  ravens  and  eagles  which  came  to  feed  on 
the  corpses.  Other  boats  were  mentioned  at  the  same  time  as  frozen  up  or 
lost,  but  nothing  was  said  as  to  sail-vessels.  There  were,  however,  at  least  two 
or  three  English  trading  vessels  on  Lake  Erie  before  the  Revolution,  and  prob- 
ably one  or  two  armed  vessels  belonging  to  the  British  government.  One  of 
the  former,  called  the  Beaver,  is  known  to  have  been  lost  in  a storm  on  the 
southeastern  coast  of  Lake  Erie,  and  to  have  furnished  relics  found  in  that  vi- 
cinity (Eighteen-Mile  Creek)  by  early  settlers,  which  by  some  have  been  attrib- 
uted to  the  ill-fated  Grijjiii. 

It  was  about  the  year  1770  that  the  great  body  of  people  known  as  the  Mo- 
ravian Missionaries  and  Indians  left  their  established  home  on  the  Susquehanna 
River  in  Pennsylvania,  and  emigrated  westward  to  various  places  in  Ohio  and 
elsewhere.  Their  Pennsylvania  settlement  and  colony  was  in  the  country  of 
the  Shawnees,  among  whom  they  had  made  many  converts  and  strong  friend- 
ships. By  the  treaty  and  sale  of  1768  concluded  between  the  Iroquois  and  the 
proprietaries  of  the  province  of  Pennsylvania,  the  lands  occupied  by  the  Shaw- 
nees and  the  Moravians  as  well,  passed  into  the  control  of  the  proprietors, 
whereupon  the  occupants  prepared  to  vacate,  although  such  action  was  not  en- 
forced. 

The  Iroquois  claimed  title  to  this  whole  country  of  Pennsylvania  by  con- 
quest, and  from  that  time  the  Shawnees  were  a broken  people,  many  of  whom 
came  to  Ohio  and  made  a settlement  in  this  region,  while  others  remained  on 
the  Susquehanna,  as  they  were  permitted  to  do  by  the  conquerors.  Rev.  Chris- 
tian Frederick  Post  seems  to  have  been  the  leader  of  the  missionaries,  and  his 
influence  among  all  the  Indian  people  was  something  remarkable.  He  was  the 
great  mediating  power  between  the  whites  and  natives  in  time  of  trouble,  and 
5 


30 


His'J'ory  of  Erie  C(»unty. 


his  strength  among  the  savages  was  attained  through  his  entire  freedom  from 
deception,  sham,  avarice.  Truth  and  singleness  of  mind  were  his  characteris- 
tics. The  Indians  knew  this  and  trusted  him  as  fully  as  if  he  was  of  their  own 
people. 

Some  of  the  Moravians  accompanied  the  Shawnees  at  the  time  of  their  ear- 
liest immigration  into  Ohio,  but  the  great  body  did  not  come  until  many  years 
later,  the  time  mentioned  above.  One  branch  or  body  of  them  made  a settle- 
ment in  Erie  county  on  the  Huron  River  about  two  miles  from  Milan,  but  after- 
ward moved  to  Milan.  The  precise  date  of  their  coming  is  not  known,  but  it 
is  supposed  to  have  been  soon  after  the  Revolutionary  War;  still  some  authori- 
ties place  their  coming  at  an  earlier  day. 

Concerning  these  people  in  this  county  we  extract  the  following  sketch  from 
the  work  of  Mr.  Henry  Howe,  the  sketch  having  been  contributed  by  Rev.  E. 
Judson,  of  Milan  : “ On  the  spot  where  the  town  of  Milan  now  stands,  there 

was,  at  the  time  of  the  survey  of  the  fire-lands  in  1807,  an  Indian  village,  con- 
taining within  it  a Christian  community,  under  the  superintendence  of  Rev. 
Christian  Frederick  Dencke,  a Moravian  missionary.  The  Indian  name  of  the 
town  was  Petquotting.  The  mission  was  established  here  in  1804.  Mr.  Dencke 
brought  with  him  several  families  of  Christian  Indians  from  the  vicinity  of  the 
Thames  River  in  Upper  Canada.  They  had  a chapel  and  a mission-house, 
and  were  making  good  progress  in  the  cultivation  of  Christian  principles,  when 
the  commencement  of  the  white  settlements  induced  them  in  1809  to  emigrate 
with  their  missionary  to  Canada.  There  was  a Moravian  mission  attempted  as 
early  as  1787.  A considerable  party  of  Christian  Indians  had  been  driven  from 
their  settlement  at  Gnadenhutton  on  the  Tuscarawas  River,  by  the  inhuman 
butchery  of  a large  number  of  the  inhabitants  by  the  white  settlers.  After  j^ears 
of  wandering,  with  Zeisberger  for  their  spiritual  guide,  they  at  length  formed  a 
home  on  the  banks  of  the  Cuyahoga  River  near  Cleveland,  which  they  named 
Pilgerruh,  “ Pilgrim’s  Rest”.  They  were  soon  driven  from  this  post,  whence 
they  came  to  the  Huron,  and  commenced  a settlement  on  its  east  bank,  and 
near  the  north  line  of  the  township.  To  this  village  they  gave  the  name  of 
New  Salem.  Here  the  labors  of  their  indefatigable  missionary  were  crowned 
by  very  considerable  success.  They  were  soon  compelled  to  leave,  however, 
by  the  persecutions  of  the  pagan  Indians.  It  seems  to  have  been  a portion  of 
these  exiles  who  returned  in  1841  to  commence  the  new  mission.” 

In  1775  the  Revolution  began.  Its  important  events  were  enacted  without 
the  boundaries  of  what  now  constitutes  the  State  of  Ohio.  Still,  it  is  to  that 
war  that  Erie  county  owes  some  of  the  most  important  events  of  its  early  his- 
tory, for,  by  reason  of  the  sufferings  of  residents  of  Connecticut  at  the  hands 
of  the  British,  the  whole  body  of  land  now  embraced  by  the  county  and  more, 
was  donated  to  them,  and  the  historic  “ Firelands”  were  brought  into  exist- 
ence. This  subject  will  appear  fully  discussed  in  a later  chapter  of  this  work. 


Acquisition  of  Land  Titles. 


31 


During  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  Indian  sentiment  was  divided.  The  pow- 
erful Six  Nations,  through  the  influence  of  Sir  William  Johnson,  and,  after  his 
death  in  1774.  of  his  nephew,  Colonel  Guy  Johnson,  remained  true  to  the  cause 
of  Great  Britain,  while  many  of  the  tribes  who  had  been  allied  to  the  French 
during  the  early  wars,  inclined  to  the  cause  of  the  colonies,  who  were  receiving 
not  only  sympathy,  but  substantial  support  from  the  French  government.  Still, 
many  tribes  were  unwilling  to  aid  the  patriot  cause  for  the  reason  that  their 
settlements  were  becoming  too  numerous,  and  they  were  transgressing  against 
what  the  Indians  firmly  believed  to  be  their  undeniable  rights.  The  inhabit- 
ants of  this  region  were  not  called  into  active  service,  either  aggressive  or  de- 
fensive ; they  were  destined  to  wait  for  coming  years  when  later  wars  called 
them  into  action,  which  ended  in  their  defeat,  the  loss  of  their  favorite  hunting 
and  fishing  grounds,  and  they  themselves  compelled  to  end  their  days  in  a new 
country  beyond  the  Mississippi. 

With  the  surrender  of  Cornwallis,  in  October,  1781,  hostilities  ceased.  In 
the  fall  of  1783  peace  was  formally  declared  between  Great  Britain  and  the  re- 
volted colonies,  henceforth  to  be  acknowledged  by  all  men  as  the  United  States 
of  America,  of  which  Lake  Erie  formed  a portion  of  the  northern  boundary. 
Although  the  forts  held  by  the  British  on  the  American  side  of  the  line  were  not 
given  up  for  many  years  afterward,  and  although  they  thus  retained  a strong 
influence  over  the  Indians  located  on  this  side,  yet  the  legal  title  was  admitted 
to  be  in  the  United  States.  Thus  the  unquestioned  English  authority  over 
the  territory  of  Erie  county  lasted  only  from  the  treaty  with  Erance  in  1763, 
to  that  with  the  United  States  in  1783,  a little  over  twenty  years. 


CHAPTER  VI. 


Extinguishment  of  Indian  Titles  to  Land  — Treaty  at  Fort  McIntosh  — Fort  Laurens  — 
Fort  Finney  — Battle  at  Fallen  Timbers  — Wayne’s  Victory  — Treaty  at  P'ort  Industry  — 
Text  of  the  Treaty  — The  Indian  Title  to  Lands  of  Erie  County  Vested  in  the  United  States  — 
Later  Events — The  War  of  1812-15. 

IN  the  peace  treaty  made  between  Great  Britain  and  the  United  States  no 
provision  was  made  for  the  Indians  who  had  been  hostile  to  the  American 
arms.  It  became,  therefore,  one  of  the  most  important  duties  of  the  govern- 
ment to  peaceably  acquire  the  Indian  title  and  there  seemed  to  be  a general  de- 
sire to  possess  the  territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio  River.  The  British  gov- 
ernment had  already  offered  their  supporting  Indians  territory  in  the  Canadas, 
but  this  offer  was  accepted  only  by  the  Mohawks. 


32 


History  of  Erie  County. 


The  treaty  at  Fort  McIntosh  was  made  on  the  2ist  of  January,  1785,  with 
the  Wyandots,  Delawares,  Chippewas  and  Ottawas,  by  the  terms  of  which  they 
released  all  claim  to  lands  of  the  Ohio  Valley,  and  established  the  boundary 
line  between  them  and  the  United  States  to  be  the  Cuyahoga  River,  and  along 
the  main  branch  of  the  Tuscarawas  to  the  forks  of  said  river  near  Fort  Laurens, 
thence  westwardly  to  the  Portage  between  the  head  waters  of  the  Great  Miami 
and  the  Maumee  or  Miami  of  the  lakes  ; thence  down  said  river  to  Lake  Erie 
and  along  said  lake  to  the  mouth  of  the  river  Cuyahoga.  This  treaty  was  ne- 
gotiated by  George  Rogers  Clark,  Richard  Butler  and  Arthur  Lee  for  the  gov- 
ernment and  by  the  chiefs  representing  the  several  tribes. 

Subsequently,  on  January  31,  1786,  at  Fort  Finney,  the  Shawnees  accepted 
the  terms  of  this  treaty  and  became  a party  to  it.  This  treaty  retained  to  the 
several  tribes  mentioned  the  right  to  possess  the  lands  along  Lake  Erie  from 
the  Cuyahoga  to  the  Maumee,  and  thenceforth  they,  the  Wyandots,  Ottawas, 
Chippewas,  Delawares  and  Shawnees  occupied  the  lands  of  Erie  and  adjoining 
counties. 

The  treaty  at  Fort  Harmar,  held  by  General  St.  Clair,  January  9,  1789, 
was  but  confirmatory  of  the  former  treaties,  and  was  necessitated  by  the  dis- 
content of  the  tribes  who  were  parties  to  them. 

It  was  not  long,  however,  before  the  Indians  again  violated  their  agreement 
and  their  acts  led  to  the  salutary  punishment  administered  by  Gen.  Wayne  in 
the  ever  memorable  battle  of  Fallen  Timbers  on  the  20th  day  of  August, 
1794. 

This  decisive  victory  resulted  in  the  treaty  at  Greenville,  in  which  Wayne 
met  chiefs  of  the  most  powerful  of  the  northwestern  tribes  and  made  an  amica- 
ble adjustment  of  all  difficulties. 

It  ma}'  be  stated  as  a matter  of  fact  and  interest  that  the  insurrectionary 
movement  on  the  part  of  the  Indians  that  led  to  their  chastisement  at  Fallen 
Timbers  was  instigated  by  the  British  occupants  of  the  forts  in  the  Maumee 
country.  And  further,  after  Wayne’s  victory  some  unpleasant  words  passed 
between  the  officers  of  the  post  and  Wayne’s  men.  This  coming  to  the  ears  of 
the  “ old  warrior,”  he  at  once  intimated  that  if  they  wanted  a taste  of  his  met- 
tle their  wishes  should  be  gratified.  Wayne  knew  perfectly  well  that  the  jeal- 
ous and  beaten  British  had  incited  the  Indians  to  such  acts  and  depredations 
as  they  had  committed. 

Of  the  many  treaties  made  with  the  Indians  for  the  purpose  of  acquiring 
the  title  to  lands  claimed  by  them  there  was  not  one  perhaps  in  which  such 
extreme  care  was  exercised  as  in  that  held  at  Fort  Industry  on  the  4th  day  of 
July,  1805.  A portion  of  the  lands  involved  in  this  purchase  were  the  Western 
Reserve  of  Connecticut,  the  title  to  which  had  been  ceded  by  that  State  to  the 
United  States,  subject,  however,  to  the  rights  of  owners  prior  to  Connecticut’s 
deed  of  cession. 


Acquisition  of  Land  Titles. 


33 


It  was  the  intention  of  the  agent  of  the  government  that  the  council  should 
t)e  convened  at  Cleveland,  but  owing  to  the  inability  of  the  representatives  of 
all  the  tribes  to  meet  there,  another  meeting  was  arranged  to  be  held  at  Fort 
Industry,  on  the  Maumee,  which  was  done  on  the  4th  of  July,  1805. 

It  is  possible  that  the  reader  may  be  somewhat  confused  regarding  some  of 
the  provisions  of  this  treaty  and  their  application  and  force,  but  after  having 
’ read  the  chapter  on  the  “ Western  Reserve,”  and  the  “ Firelands  ” the  whole 
subject  will  become  clear. 

The  treaty  with  its  preceding  certificate  and  the  president’s  proclamation 
in  conclusion  is  as  follows:  “To  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come, 
greeting : I certifiy,  that  the  annexed  writing  contains  a true  copy  of  a 
treaty  concluded  with  certain  Indian  tribes  at  Fort  Industry,  on  the  4th  day 
of  July,  1805,  the  original  whereof  remains  in  this  office.  In  faith  whereof,  I, 
Robert  Smith,  secretary  for  the  department  of  state  of  the  United  States  of 
America,  have  signed  these  presents  and  caused  the  seal  of  my  office  to  be  af- 
fixed hereto,  at  the  city  of  Washington,  this  22d  day  of  March,  A.  D.  1809, 
and  in  the  thirty-third  year  of  the  independence  of  the  said  States. 

“ [L.  S.]  R.  Smith. 

“ Thomas  Jefferson,  President  of  the  United  States  of  America  : To  all  to 
who7n  these  presefiis  shall  come,  greeting  : 

“Whereas,  a treaty  was  held  on  the  4th  day  of  July,  A.  D.  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  five,  under  the  authority  of  the  United  States,  with  the 
sachems,  chief  and  warriors  of  the  Wyandot,  Ottawa,  Chippezvay,  Munsee  and 
Delaware,  Shawanee  and  Pottawatomie  nations  or  tribes  of  Indians  at  Fort 
Industry  on  the  Miami  of  the  lake,  in  the  presence  and  with  the  approbation 
of  Charles  Jewett,  the  commissioner  of  the  Lbiited  States  appointed  to  hold 
the  same,  the  following  agreement  was  made  between  the  said  nations 
and  tribes  of  Indians  and  the  agent  of  the  land  companies  hereinafter  men- 
tioned. 

“A  treaty  between  the  United  States  of  America  and  the  sachems,  chiefs 
and  warriors  of  the  Wyandot,  Ottawa,  Chippezva,  Mtuisee,  and  Delaware, 
Shawanee  and  Pottawatomie  nations,  holden  at  Fort  Industry,  on  the  Miami 
of  the  lake,  on  the  4th  day  of  July,  A.  D.,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
five. 

“ Whereas,  Thomas  Jefferson,  President  of  the  United  States,  did  appoint 
Charles  Jewett,  esquire,  a commissioner  to  hold  a treaty  with  said  Indian 
Nations,  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  the  agents  of  the  Connecticut  Reserve  to 
negotiate  and  conclude  a cession  of  their  lands  ; and, 

“ Whereas,  The  company  incorporated  by  the  name  of  the  ‘ Proprietors 
of  the  half  million  acres  of  land  lying  south  of  Lake  Erie,  called  “ Sufferers’ 
Lands,”  ’ and  the  owners  and  proprietors  of  the  one  half  million  acres  of  land. 


34 


History  of  Erie  County. 


part  of  said  Connecticut  Reserve,  lying  on  the  west  end  thereof,  and  south  of 
the  shore  of  Lake  Erie  ; and, 

“ Whereas,  The  Connecticut  Land  Company,  so  called,  are  the  owners 
and  proprietors  of  the  remaining  part  of  said  Reserve  lying  west  of  the  river 
Cuyahoga  ; and, 

“Whereas,  Henry  Champion,  esquire,  agent  of  the  said  Connecticut 
Land  Company,  and  Isaac  Mills,  esquire,  agent  of  the  directors  of  the  com- 
pany, incorporated  by  the  name  of  the  ‘ Proprietors  of  the  half  million  acres  of 
land  lying  south  of  Lake  Erie,  called  “Sufferers’  Lands,”  ’ were  both  duly  au- 
thorized and  empowered  by  their  respective  companies  and  the  directors  there- 
of, to  treat  for  the  cession  and  purchase  of  said  Connecticut  Reserve. 

“ Noiv,  Know  all  men  by  these  presents.  That  we,  the  sachems,  chiefs,  and 
warriors  of  the  Nations  aforesaid,  for  the  consideration  of  eighteen  thousand 
nine  hundred  sixteen  and  sixty-seven  one- hundredths  dollars  received  of  the 
companies  aforesaid,  by  the  hands  of  their  respective  agents,  to  our  full  satis- 
faction, have  ceded,  remised,  released,  and  quit  claimed,  and  by  these  presents 
do  cede,  remise,  release,  and  forever  quit  claim  to  the  companies  aforesaid,  and 
the  individuals  composing  the  same,  and  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  all  the 
interest,  right,  title,  and  claim  of  title  of  the  said  Indian  Nations  respectively, 
of,  in  and  to  all  the  lands  of  said  companies  lying  west  of  the  river  Cuyahoga, 
and  the  portage  between  that  and  the  Tuscarawas  branch  of  the  Muskingum, 
north  of  the  northernmost  part  of  the  forty- first  degree  of  north  latitude,  east 
of  a line  agreed  and  designated  in  a treaty  between  the  United  States  and  said 
Indian  Nations,  bearing  even  date  herewith,  being  a line  north  and  south  one 
hundred  and  twenty  miles  due  west  of  the  west  line  of  Pennsylvania,  and  south 
of  the  northwesternmost  part  of  the  forty-second  degree  and  two  minutes 
north  latitude,  for  them  the  said  companies  respectively,  to  have,  hold,  occupy^ 
peaceably  possess  and  enjoy  the  granted  and  quit-claimed  premises  forever,  free 
and  clear  of  all  let,  hindrance,  or  molestation  whatever,  so  that  said  Nations 
and  neither  of  them,  the  sachems,  chiefs,  and  warriors  thereof,  and  neither  of 
them,  or  any  of  the  posterity  of  said  nations  respectively,  shall  ever  hereafter 
make  any  claim  to  the  quit- claimed  premises,  or  any  part  thereof,  but  there- 
from said  Nations,  the  sachems,  chiefs,  and  warriors  thereof,  and  posterity  of 
said  Nations  shall  be  forever  barred. 

''In  ivitness  whereof,  The  commissioner  of  the  United  States,  the  agents 
of  the  Companies  aforesaid,  and  the  sachems,  chiefs,  and  warriors  of  the  respec- 
tive Indian  Nations  aforesaid,  have  hereunto  inter-changeably  fixed  their  seals 
and  set  their  names. 

“ Charles  Jewett,  (l.  s.) 

“ Henry  Champion,  (l.  s.) 

“ Isaac  Mills,  (l.  s.) 

“Nekik,  or  Little  Otter,  (l.  s.)” 


Acquisition  of  Land  Titles. 


35 


Here  follows  the  names  of  the  other  sachems,  etc.,  of  the  aforesaid  Indian 
tribes  : 

“ In  the  presence  of  William  Dean,  C.  F.  L.  C. 

“J.  B.  Mower, 

“ Jasper  Parish. 

“Now,  be  it  known,  that  I,  Thomas  Jefferson,  president  of  the  United 
States  of  America,  having  seen  and  considered  the  said  treaty,  do,  by  and 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  Senate  thereof,  accept,  ratify  and  confirm 
the  same  and  every  article  and  clause  thereof. 

“In  testimony  whereof,  I have  caused  the  seal  of  the  United  States  to  be 
hereunto  affixed,  and  signed  the  same  with  my  hand. 

“ Done  at  the  city  of  Washington,  the  25th  day  of  January,  A.  D.  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  six,  and  of  the  independence  of  the  United  States 
of  America  the  thirtieth. 

“ Th.  Jefferson. 

“ By  the  President 

“ James  Madison,  Secretary  of  State. 

“ Recorded  and  examined  by  Isaac  Mills,  Clerk.” 

Thus,  by  this  treaty,  was  ended  the  right  to  possession  or  claim  of  title  of 
any  of  the  Indian  tribes  to  the  territory  of  Erie  county,  but  it  was  a number 
of  years  thereafter  before  they  entirely  disappeared  from  the  region,  and  not 
until  their  removal  was  ordered  by  the  general  government,  some  twenty-five 
or  more  years  later.  Many  remained  to  end  their  days  on  their  favorite  hunt- 
ing and  fishing  grounds  in  the  region  of  the  lake,  the  bay,  and  the  Sandusky 
and  Huron  Rivers  and  other  streams  of  the  locality.  And  we  have  records, 
too,  of  one  at  least,  who  performed  missionary  labors  among  his  brethren,  and 
who  finally  met  a tragic  death  at  the  hands  of  one  whom  he  had  sought  to 
befriend.  This  worker  for  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  resident  tribes  was  the 
chief,  Ogontz,  of  the  Ottawa  nation.  It  is  said  that  his  cabin  stood  upon  the 
site  of  Sandusky  City. 

After  the  e.xtinguishment  of  the  Indian  titles  to  lands  in  this  vicinity  had 
been  completed,  the  proprietors  of  the  various  companies  took  immediate  steps 
for  their  improvement  and  settlement ; but  in  this  direction  not  much  was 
accomplished,  and  only  a few  families  settled  on  the  Firelands  prior  to  the 
war  of  1812.  The  whole  country  was  in  an  unsettled  condition  on  account  of 
the  difficulties  then  existing,  and  which  led  to  the  declaration  of  war,  and  but  a 
few  availed  themselves  of  the  offer  of  lands  in  Erie  county. 

The  Indian  occupants  of  the  soil  were  unfriendly  to  the  American  colonists, 
and  they  committed  many  petty  depredations  at  the  direct  instigation  of  the 
British,  who  still  held  various  posts  on  the  frontier. 

To  meet  and  check  these  acts  of  hostility  troops  were  ordered  to  the  north- 
western country,  and  the  government  was  strongly  urged  to  place  a naval  war 


36 


History  of  Erie  County. 


fleet  on  Lake  Erie  to  engage  the  British  fleet  already  there.  Hull  was  in  com- 
mand at  Detroit  at  this  time,  and  while  the  Democratic  or  Republican  (for  at 
this  time  they  were  both  one)  element  of  the  National  Congress  was  in  favor 
of  immediate  and  decisive  action,  nevertheless  they  were  continually  embar- 
rassed and  hampered  by  the  Federalists  who  were  a large  and  influential  minor- 
ity of  the  House,  and  were  opposed  to  the  war  and  demanded  further  negoti- 
ations with  Great  Britain.  This  delay  enabled  the  British  to  perfect  their 
organization  and  strengthen  their  military  posts. 

Early  in  the  year  1812,  and  prior  to  the  actual  outbreak  of  the  war,  the 
Indians  of  this  locality  became  troublesome  — so  much  so  that  an  organization 
was  perfected  at  Huron  to  resist  any  attack,  and,  if  possible,  to  prevent  further 
outrages.  But  while  the  citizens  were  in  meeting  for  the  purpose  stated,  a 
report  was  brought  in  that  two  men,  Gibbs  and  Buel,  had  been  foully  murdered 
at  a point  not  far  south  from  Sandusky.  As  soon  as  the  report  was  confirmed, 
these  “ Minute  men”  of  Erie  county  started  in  pursuit  of  the  murderers  and 
eventually  captured  them.  They  were  Omeek  and  Semo.  The  former  was 
hanged  at  Cleveland,  but  the  latter,  who  was  not  secured  until  later,  knowing 
his  probable  fate,  died  by  his  own  hand. 

In  the  latter  part  of  June,  1812,  the  war  was  commenced.  Hull,  as  has 
been  stated,  was  in  command  at  Detroit,  and  through  his  inefficiency  and 
blundering  that  post  was  surrendered  to  the  British  on  the  l6th  of  August, 
together  with  the  whole  command,  numbering  nearly  fifteen  hundred  men, 
while  the  opposing  force  reached  less  than  one  thousand. 

Indian  outrages  in  this  locality  continued  even  w’hile  the  British  with  their 
allies  were  besieging  Detroit  and  fighting  the  various  commands  sent  out  by 
Hull.  The  record  of  these  events  in  Erie  county  and  its  immediate  vicinity 
are  so  clearly  recited  in  a local  publication,  made  some  thirty  years  ago,  that 
free  quotations  are  made  from  it. 

“During  the  same  spring  (1812)  another,  and  perhaps  one  of  the  most 
barbarous  massacres  occurring  before  or  since,  took  place  at  the  head  of  Cold 
Creek.  There  were  living  there  at  this  time  the  families  of  D.  P.  Snow,  But- 
ler and  Putnam,  and  a girl  named  Page,  all  of  whom  were  captured  by  the 
Indians.  Snow  had  erected  on  Cold  Creek  a grist-mill  in  which  he  usually 
kept  corn.  The  Indians,  being  aware  of  this,  would  come  in  the  night  and 
carry  much  of  it  away.  Snow  devised  a plan,  by  laying  boards  on  the  floor 
leading  from  the  embankment  to  the  mill  in  such  a manner  that  when  trod 
upon  they  would  give  way  and  let  the  Indians  through.  After  being  caught 
in  this  manner  several  times,  they  became  exasperated  and  determined  upon 
revenge.  Concealing  themselves  one  morning  among  bushes  that  lined  the 
creek,  they  awaited  the  departure  from  the  house  of  the  men  who  were  culti- 
vating a field  of  corn  some  distance  away.  After  they  had  gone  the  savages 
approached  the  cabins,  captured  the  women  and  children,  killed  Mrs.  Snow, 


Acquisition  of  Land  Titles. 


37 


who  was  too  ill  to  travel,  together  with  her  small  children,  and  carried  the 
others  captives  to  Canada,  but  they  were  subsequently  released.” 

After  the  surrender  of  Hull  the  inhabitants  of  this  region  were  in  a still 
more  defenseless  condition,  and  for  mutual  preservation  and  protection  oro-an- 
ized  a company  of  “Rangers,”  who  were  placed  under  command  of  Captain 
Cotton  to  stand  guard  at  the  block-house  at  Huron,  and  be  in  constant  readi- 
ness for  any  emergency  that  might  arise.  They  had  not  long  to  wait,  how- 
ever, for  one  morning  there  appeared  in  the  vicinity  of  Bull’s  Island  a laro-e 
body  of  Pottowatomies,  and,  being  anxious  to  engage  with  them,  the  Rano-ers 
proceeded  by  boats  to  that  place.  The  Indians  watched  them,  unperceived 
until  they  left  the  boats  and  went  into  the  woods,  after  which  they  (the  In- 
dians) destroyed  the  boats  and  started  to  overtake  the  Rangers.  A conflict 
followed  in  which  the  savages  were  beaten  and  routed,  but  the  whites  suffered 
a serious  loss  in  the  killing  of  two  of  their  number.  Comrades  Randall  and 
Mingus,  and  the  serious  wounding  of  Jonas  Lee.  Their  boats  being  destroyed, 
the  Rangers  were  compelled  to  remain  on  the  island  for  two  days  before  relief 
boats  reached  them. 

At  the  time  of  Hull’s  surrender,  extensive  preparations  were  making  to 
relieve  him  and  other  western  posts,  particularly  those  on  the  Maumee,  at 
Fort  Wayne,  and  in  Illinois.  For  this  object  three  expeditions  were  marching, 
one  of  which  was  to  scour  the  country  hereabouts  and  drive  out  the  hostile 
Indians,  while  the  others  were  to  proceed  by  other  routes,  each  having  a com- 
mon destination  — the  Rapids  of  the  Maumee. 

The  expedition,  however,  failed  of  its  purpose,  and  the  relief  hoped  for  was 
not  secured  ; and  it  is  doubtful,  indeed,  whether,  had  the  troops  accomplished 
the  march,  any  substantial  benefit  could  have  been  acquired  without  a co-oper- 
ating naval  force  on  the  lakes. 

Having  summarized  the  leading  events  of  this  locality,  it  will  not  be  nec- 
essary to  relate  the  other  incidents  that  occurred  during  this  memorable  war. 
The  main  battles  were  fought  in  the  Eastern  States,  still  the  country  of  the 
Maumee,  and  to  the  north  of  it  were  not  without  several  serious  conflicts  at 
arms.  The  sieges  of  Fort  Meigs,  and  Perry’s  splendid  achievement  on  Lake 
Erie,  about  twenty-five  miles  from  Sandusky  City,  were  the  crowning  events 
of  this  region.  The  American  arms  were,  after  three  long  years  of  strife,  vic- 
torious, and  with  the  close  of  this  struggle  America  had  fought  her  last  battle 
with  a foreign  foe. 

This  last  victory  of  the  United  States  over  Great  Britain^  brought  lasting 
peace.  Nothing  now  existed  to  disturb  and  hinder  the  tide  of  emigration  west. 
From  this  time,  substantially,  dates  the  civil  and  social  growth  and  develop- 
ment of  this  region  of  country,  although  the  formal  acts  of  civil  organization 
had,  years  before,  been  accomplished. 


6 


38 


History  of  Erie  County. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


The  Soil  and  Civil  Jurisdiction  of  Ohio  — The  Connecticut  Lands — The  Western  Reserve 
— Connecticut  Sufferers’  or  Firelands  — Detailed  Record  of  Their  Organization — Laws — Acts- 
and  Explanations  — Surveys  — Dissolution  of  the  Firelands  Company — Records  Transferred 
to  Huron  County. 

There  is  unquestionably  no  subject  of  greater  interest  to  the  average 
resident  of  Erie  county  than  the  history  of  the  soil  and  civil  jurisdiction  of 
that  locality  already  named.  And  inasmuch  as  this  county  is  embraced  within 
the  limits  of  what  has  been  variously  termed  the  “ Connecticut  Lands,”  the 
“Western  Reserve,”  the  “Connecticut  Sufferers’  Lands”  or  “ Firelands,”  the 
subject  becomes  doubly  important  to  those  whose  ancestors  may  have  been 
identified  with  the  events  that  led  to  the  donation  of  these  lands  for  the  pur- 
poses of  compensating  losses  suffered  at  the  hands  of  British  soldiery. 

And  it  is  believed,  too,  there  is  no  theme  that  has  been  more  thoroughly 
discussed  in  pioneer  assemblages,  no  subject  upon  which  more  has  been  writ- 
ten, and  yet  one  that  is  as  little  understood  as  that  — the  leading  subject  of  this- 
chapter. 

In  order  to  make  a clear  and  intelligent  explanation  of  this  important  and 
interesting  subject,  there  must  be  laid  a proper  foundation,  which  necessitates 
reference  to  the  events  of  years  much  earlier  than  those  in  which  the  losses 
were  suffered  that  gave  rise  to  the  names  by  which  this  region  is  designated. 

In  the  following  pages  liberal  quotations  are  made  from  such  standard  au- 
thorities as  are  extant  upon  the  subject,  and  as  much  of  the  history  bearing  up- 
on it  as  is  a matter  of  established  law,  those  laws  will  be  copied  fully  and  free- 
ly whenever  necessary,  whether  specially  referred  to  at  the  time  or  not. 

The  first  claimant  to  the  soil  of  Ohio,  and  not  only  that  but  of  America,  as 
well,  was  the  kingdom  of  France.  This  was  a claim  by  right  of  discovery  and 
exploration  made  by  the  adventurous  M.  de  La  Salle,  who  traversed  the  coun- 
try far  and  wide,  taking  possession  of  each  region  in  the  name  of  his  king. 

England  set  up  a like  claim  and  finally  the  two  became  involved  in  the 
French  and  English  War,  and  by  it  France  was  deprived  of  all  title  and  there- 
after our  country  was  under  absolute  British  rule  for  something  over  twenty 
years. 

The  result  of  the  Revolutionary  War  overthrew  and  ended  the  rule  of  Great 
Britain  and  vested  in  the  United  States,  as  conqueror,  this  vast  domain. 

But  during  the  rule  of  the  aforementioned  sovereign  powers,  charters,  grants 
and  patents  of  immense  tracts  were  made,  either  as  a reward  of  fealty  or  for 
consideration  ; and  after  the  United  States  had  become  the  acknowledged  owner 
conflicting  claims  of  title  in  many  localities  arose,  but  happily  most  of  them 


Early  Land  Claimants. 


39 


were  settled  without  recourse  to  arms.  Some  of  these  so  far  as  they  relate  to 
the  territory  of  Ohio,  it  is  proposed  to  mention.  “ Virginia  acquired  title  to 
the  great  Northwest  by  its  several  charters,  granted  by  James  I,  bearing  dates 
respectively,  April  lo,  1606,  May  23,  1609,  and  March  12,  1611.  The  col- 
ony of  Virginia  first  attempted  to  exercise  authority  in  and  jurisdiction  over 
that  portion  of  its  extensive  domains  that  was  organized  by  the  ordinance  of 
’87  into  ‘the  territory  northwest  of  the  River  Ohio,’  when  in  1769,  the  House 
■of  Burgess  of  that  colony  passed  an  act  establishing  the  county  of  Botetourt,  with 
the  Mississippi  River  as  its  western  boundary.”  Again  in  1778  the  Legisla- 
ture of  Virginia  subdivided  this  great  territory  by  the  erection  of  the  county 
of  Illinois,  which  included  within  its  boundaries  all  the  lands  of  Virginia  lying 
west  of  the  Ohio  River. 

But  in  1783,  in  compliance  with  the  desire  of  the  general  government,  the 
Legislature  of  Virginia  passed  an  act  authorizing  and  directing  her  representa- 
tives in  Congress  to  execute  a deed  of  cession  to  the  United  States,  of  all  her 
territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio. 

Having  thus  acquired  the  title  to  the  territory  northwest  of  the  Ohio  River, 
so  far,  at  least,  as  the  claim  of  Virginia  was  concerned.  Congress  immediately 
proceeded  to  adopt  measures  for  its  civil  government,  which  measures  resulted 
in  the  somewhat  celebrated  ‘‘  Ordinance  of ’87,”  and  which  has  otherwise  been 
known  as  the  “ Ordinance  of  Lreedom.”  This  was  the  fundamental  law  of  the 
great  Northwest,  upon  which  were  based  all  territorial  enactments,  as  well  as 
subsequent  State  legislation. 

The  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts  based  her  claim  to  the  soil  of  Ohio 
upon  royal  charter  granted  by  James  I,  in  1620,  to  the  council  of  Plymouth, 
and  embracing  all  the  territory  of  America  between  the  fortieth  and  forty- 
eighth  parallels  of  latitude,  extending  east  and  west  between  the  Atlantic  and 
Pacific  oceans  and  comprising,  in  area,  over  one  million  square  miles  of  land. 

In  1785  Massachusetts  ceded  her  claim  of  title  to  Ohio  soil  to  the  United 
States,  but  reserved  the  portion  concerning  which  she  and  New  York  were  in 
dispute. 

In  1664,  Charles  II  ceded  to  his  brother,  the  Duke  of  York,  and  afterwards 
King  James  II  of  England,  the  country  from  Delaware  Bay  to  the  river  St. 
Croix.  This  constituted  New  York’s  claim  to  the  western  territory,  of  which 
the  lands  of  the  Western  Reserve  were  a portion. 

New  York  relinquished  her  claim  to  this  territory  in  1780,  earlier  by  some 
years  than  any  of  the  other  claimants. 

The  Connecticut  claim,  that  which  is  of  more  interest  to  the  people  of  this 
county  than  all  the  others,  was  rested  upon  royal  charter  granted  by  the  king 
in  1662  to  nineteen  patentees,  bounded  by  Massachusetts  on  the  north,  the 
sea  on  the  south,  Narragansett  Bay  on  the  east,  but  extending  to  the  Pacific 
Ocean  on  the  west.  The  northern  and  southern  boundaries  of  this  tract  were 
the  same  as  form  the  north  and  south  bounds  of  the  Reserve. 


40 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Connecticut  last  of  all  deeded  her  claim  to  Ohio  soil,  with  reservations,  to 
the  United  States  in  September,  1786,  which  deed  of  cession  duly  authorized 
by  the  Legislature  of  the  State,  was  as  follows : 

CESSION  FROM  THE  STATE  OF  CONNECTICUT. 

“ To  all  who  shall  see  these  presents,  we,  William  Samuel  Johnson  and 
Jonathan  Sturges,  the  underwritten  delegates  for  the  State  of  Connecticut  in 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  send  greeting:  Whereas,  the  General  As- 
sembly of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  on  the  second  Thursday  of  May,  in  the 
year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  eighty-six,  passed  an  act 
in  the  following  words,  viz.  : 'Be  it  enacted  by  the  governor,  council,  and  repre- 
sentatives in  general  court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of  the  same.  That 
the  delegates  of  this  State,  or  any  two  of  them,  who  shall  be  attending  the 
Congress  of  the  United  States,  be  and  they  are  hereby  directed,  authorized, 
and  fully  empowered,  in  the  name  and  behalf  of  this  State,  to  make,  execute, 
and  deliver,  under  their  hands  and  seals,  an  ample  deed  of  release  and  cession 
of  all  the  right,  title,  interest,  jurisdiction  and  claim,  of  the  State  of  Connecti- 
cut, to  certain  western  lands,  beginning  at  the  completion  of  the  forty-first 
degree  of  north  latitude,  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  west  of  the  western 
boundary  line  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  as  now  claimed  by  said 
Commonwealth,  and  from  thence  by  a line  drawn  north  parallel  to,  and  one 
hundred  and  twenty  miles  west  of  the  said  west  line  of  Pennsylvania,  and  to 
continue  north  until  it  comes  to  forty-two  degrees  and  two  minutes  north  lati- 
tude. Whereby  all  the  right,  title,  interest,  jurisdiction,  and  claim  of  the  said 
State  of  Connecticut  to  the  lands  lying  west  of  said  line  to  be  drawn  as  afore- 
mentioned, one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  west  of  the  western  boundary  line 
of  the  Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania,  as  now  claimed  by  said  Commonwealth,, 
shall  be  included,  released  and  ceded  to  the  United  States  in  Congress  assem- 
bled, for  the  common  use  and  benefit  of  the  said  States,  Connecticut  in- 
clusive.’ Now,  therefore,  know  ye,  that  we,  the  said  William  Samuel  Johnson 
and  Jonathan  Sturges,  by  virtue  of  the  power  and  authority  to  us  committed 
by  the  said  act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  etc.,  do,  by 
these  presents,  assign,  transfer,  quit-claim,  cede,  and  convey  to  the  United 
States  of  America,  for  their  benefit,  Connecticut  inclusive,  all  the  right,  title, 
interest,  jurisdiction,  and  claim,  which  the  said  State  of  Connecticut  hath,  in 
and  to  the  before  mentioned  and  described  territory  or  tract  of  country,  as  the 
same  is  bounded  and  described  in  the  said  act  of  Assembly,  for  the  uses  in  the 
said  recited  act  of  Assembly  declared. 

“ In  witness  whereof,  we  have  hereunto  set  our  hands  and  seals  this  thir- 
teenth day  of  September,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred 


Early  Land  Claimants. 


41 


and  eighty-six,  and  of  the  sovereignty  and  independence  of  the  United  States 
of  America  the  eleventh. 

“Will.  Sam.  Johnson,  [l.s.] 
“Jonathan  Sturges,  [l.s.] 

“ Signed,  sealed  and  delivered  in  the  presence  of 
“ Cha.  Thompson, 

“ Roger  Alden, 

“James  Mathers.” 

It  will  be  observed  that  this  deed  of  cession,  executed  and  delivered  by  the 
proper  officers  of  the  State  of  Connecticut  to  the  United  States,  released  and 
conveyed  all  lands  claimed  by  the  State  except  that  commonly  known  as  the 
Reserve ; and  while  it  was  intended  that  the  reservation  should  be  made,  no 
provision  of  the  deed  vests  any  right  or  civil  jurisdiction  over  the  lands  of  the 
Reserve  in  the  United  States,  but  absolute  control,  not  only  of  the  title,  but 
of  jurisdiction  over  the  same  remains  in  the  State. 

By  virtue  of  an  act  of  Congress  passed  April  28,  1800,  the  president  was 
authorized  to  issue  letters  patent  to  the  governor  of  Connecticut  for  the  lands 
of  the  Reserve,  but  upon  condition  that  the  State  renounce  all  jurisdictional 
claims  over  the  same ; and  further,  that  the  State  execute  a deed  by  its  agents 
of  the  same;  also  expressly  providing  that  the  United  States  should  not  in 
any  manner  be  pledged  for  the  extinguishment  of  the  Indian  titles  to  the  lands 
of  the  Reserve.  This,  the  reader  will  understand,  was  done  on  the  authority 
and  at  the  expense  of  the  State  at  Fort  Industry,  on  the  4th  of  July,  1805,  to 
which  full  reference  is  made  in  a preceding  chapter. 

On  the  30th  day  of  May,  1800,  the  additional  deed  was  executed  by  Gov- 
ernor Trumbull,  as  follows: 

“To  all  who  shall  see  these  presents,  I,  Jonathan  Trumbull,  governor  of 
the  State  of  Connecticut,  send  greeting  : 

“ Whereas,  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  at  their  ses- 
sion holden  in  Hartford,  on  the  second  Thursday  of  May,  one  thousand  eight 
hundred,  passed  an  act  entitled,  ‘An  act  renouncing  the  claims  of  this  State  to 
certain  lands  therein  mentioned,’  in  the  words  following,  to-wit: 

“ ‘Whereas,  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  at  their  session,  begun  and 
holden  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  on  the  first  Monday  of  December,  in  tlie 
year  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety-nine,  made  and  passed  an  act  in 
the  words  following,  to-wit:  [Act  of  Congress  of  April  28,  1800,  hereinbefore 
mentioned]  ; therefore,  in  consideration  of  the  terms,  and  in  compliance  with, 
the  provisions  and  conditions  of  the  said  act.  Be  it  e7iacted  by  the  Governor  and 
Council,  and  House  of  Represe7itatives,  in  Ge7ieral  Court  asse77ibled,  T\\a.t  the 
State  of  Connecticut  doth  hereby  renounce  forever,  for  the  use  and  benefit  of 
the  United  States,  and  of  the  several  individual  States,  who  may  be  therein 
concerned,  respectively,  and  of  all  those  deriving  claims  or  titles  from  them  or 


42 


History  of  Erie  County. 


any  of  them,  all  territorial  and  jurisdictional  claims  whatever,  under  any  grant, 
charter  or  charters  whatever,  to  the  soil  and  jurisdiction  of  any  and  all  lands 
whatever  lying  westward,  northwestward,  and  southwestward,  of  those  counties 
in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  which  are  bounded  westwardly  by  the  eastern  line 
of  the  State  of  New  York,  as  ascertained  by  agreement  between  Connecticut 
and  New  York,  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  thirty-three;  ex- 
cepting only  from  this  renunciation,  the  claim  of  the  said  State  of  Connecticut, 
and  of  those  claiming  from  and  under  the  said  State  of  Connecticut,  to  the  soil 
of  said  tract  of  land,  in  said  act  of  Congress  described  under  the  name  of  the 
Western  Reserve  of  Connecticut.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  the  gov- 

ernor of  this  State  for  the  time  being,  be,  and  hereby  is,  empowered,  in  the 
name  and  behalf  of  this  State,  to  execute  and  deliver  to  the  acceptance  of  the 
president  of  the  United  States,  a deed  of  the  form  and  tenor  directed  by  the 
•said  act  of  Congress,  expressly  releasing  to  the  United  States  the  jurisdictional 
claims  of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  to  all  that  territory  called  the  Western  Re- 
serve of  Connecticut,  according  to  the  description  thereof  in  said  act  of  Con- 
gress, and  in  as  full  and  ample  manner  as  therein  is  required.’ 

“ Therefore,  know  ye,  that  I,  Jonathan  Trumbull,  governor  of  the  State  of 
Connecticut,  by  virtue  of  the  powers  vested  in  me,  as  aforesaid,  do,  by  these 
presents,  in  the  name  and  for  and  on  behalf  of  the  said  State,  remise,  release, 
and  forever  quit  claim  to  the  United  States,  the  jurisdictional  claim  of  the  State 
of  Connecticut,  to  all  that  tract  of  land  called,  in  the  aforesaid  act  of  Congress, 
the  Western  Reserve  of  Connecticut,  and  as  the  same  therein  under  that  name 
is  particularly  and  fully  described. 

“ In  witness  whereof,  I have  hereunto  subscribed  my  name,  and  affixed  my 
seal  in  the  Council  Chamber  at  Hartford,  in  the  State  of  Connecticut,  this  thir- 
teenth day  of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred,  and 
in  the  twenty-fourth  year  of  the  independence  of  the  United  States. 

“Jonathan  Trumbull,  (l.  s.)” 

Many  readers  and  not  a few  writers  have  taken  the  position  that  the  State 
of  Connecticut,  through  her  officers,  unduly  and  unwarrantably  delayed  com- 
plying with  the  desire  of  Congress,  and  the  United  States,  in  the  matter  of 
ceding  her  western  territory  to  the  general  government ; and  that  she  (Con- 
necticut) thought  that  by  retaining  possession  under  her  claim  that  it  might 
be  held  for  her  own  absolute  use  and  control.  In  this  impression  there  has 
been  a serious  error.  Connecticut  occupied  a position  in  this  matter  which  was 
certainly  peculiar,  if  not  embarrassing;  her  pledge  by  deed  was  given  and  she 
was  by  law  and  equity  bound  to  protect  those  persons  to  whom  conveyances 
had  been  made.  The  State,  also,  had  encouraged  the  purchase  and  settlement 
of  the  lands  of  the  reserve  by  her  own  people,  and  it  was  that  their  individual 
rights  might  be  upheld  and  sustained  that  she  delayed  her  deeds  of  cession  ; 
and  this  delay  was  occasioned  by  the  deliberation  and  counsel  necessary  to 
ascertain  the  best  means  of  accomplishing  the  end  sought. 


Early  Land  Claimants. 


43 


This  position  of  Connecticut  was,  so  far  as  we  have  any  established  record, 
unlike  that  of  any  other  State  claiming  these  lands,  and  the  others  had  only 
to  execute  the  deeds  of  cession  and  were  not  obliged  to  protect  the  rights  and 
interests  of  their  immediate  grantees,  having  none.  This  state  of  affairs  led  to 
the  reservation  made  by  the  State  and  gave  existence  to  that  which  for  all  sub- 
sequent years  was  known  as  the  “ Western  Reserve  of  Connectictit." 

This  vast  tract  of  land  lies  north  of  the  forty-first  parallel  and  south  of  par- 
allel forty-two  two  minutes;  therefore  a large  portion  of  Lake  Erie  comes  within 
its  boundaries.  Its  eastern  limit  is  the  Pennsylvania  line,  and  from  that  line  it 
extends  west  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles.  In  area  it  covers  an  extent  of 
about  four  million  acres  of  land.  The  entire  Western  Reserve  embraces  the 
present  counties  of  Ashtabula,  Cuyahoga,  Erie,  Geauga,  Huron,  Lake,  Lorain, 
Medina,  Portage  and  Trumbull  ; also  a major  portion  of  Mahoning  and  Sum- 
mit, and  smaller  parts  of  Ashland  and  Ottawa.  Danbury  township  represents 
the  portion  of  Ottawa  county  that  lies  within  the  reserve,  and  was  formerly  a 
part  of  Erie,  but  set  off  to  the  former  upon  the  erection  thereof  in  1840. 
Trumbull  county,  the  oldest  formed  of  the  reserve  territory,  was  erected  in 
1800,  and  included  all  the  lands  thereof 

Having  now  sufficiently  described  the  lands  of  the  Connecticut  Western 
Reserve,  and  furnished  in  detail  the  reasons  of  its  creation,  the  next  step  brings 
the  reader  to  a large  subdivision  of  the  reserve  territory  set  apart  by  the  State 
of  Connecticut  for  purposes  therein  fully  described  ; and  which  subdivision  is 
properly  known  as  the  “ Sufferers’  Land,”  but  more  commonly  designated  as 
the  “Firelands.”  Within  this  tract  Erie  county  is  wholly  situate. 

It  appears  that  during  the  War  of  the  Revolution  many  of  the  recruits  of 
the  State  of  Connecticut  suffered  severe  losses  of  property  at  the  hands  of  the 
British  soldiers  ; and  in  order  to  compensate  these  people  the  State  set  apart 
of  its  Western  Reserve,  a large  tract  of  land,  embracing  half  a million  acres,  to 
be  divided  pro  rata  among  them  as  their  respective  losses  might  appear. 

The  impression  had  gone  abroad  among  many  people  that  the  losses  re- 
ferred to  were  suffered  by  people  who  were,  during  the  Revolutionary  War, 
residents  of  the  reserve,  and  one  writer  has  asserted  in  his  work  that  such  was 
the  case,  as  the  following  extract  will  show:  “ During  the  Revolutionary  War 
the  inhabitants  through  this  region,”  etc.  Of  course  this  is  a wrong  impres- 
sion, and  it  is  safe  to  say  that  during  that  war  there  was  not  a single  perma- 
nent resident  from  Connecticut  or  elsewhere  upon  the  soil  of  the  reserve,  at 
least  a thorough  search  fails  to  disclose  such  an  one.  Soon  after  the  close  of 
the  war  these  sufferers  presented  a petition  to  the  State  of  Connecticut  asking 
that  compensation  be  awarded  them  for  their  losses,  which  petition  was  re- 
ferred to  a committee  appointed  by  the  Assembly.  The  action  of  the  Legis- 
lature of  the  State  will  be  fully  and  clearly  shown  by  their  resolution,  passed 
May  10,  1792,  as  follows: 


44 


History  of  Erie  County. 


“ Upon  the  memorial  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  towns  of  Fairfield  and  Mo- 
hawk showing  to  this  Assembly  that  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  towns 
suffered  great  losses  by  the  devastations  of  the  enemy  during  the  late  war, 
praying  a compensation  therefor;  and  on  report  of  a committee  appointed  by 
this  Assembly  at  their  sessions  held  in  Hartford  in  May,  1791,  to  ascertain 
from  documents  in  the  public  offices  the  amount  of  the  losses  of  the  said  mem- 
orialists, and  others  under  similar  circumstances,  which  had  been  estimated 
conformably  to  acts  of  this  Legislature,  being  such  as  were  incurred  by  incur- 
sions of  the  enemy  during  the  late  war,  distinguishing  the  losses  of  buildings 
and  necessary  furniture  from  those  of  other  articles  by  said  documents,  or 
otherwise  ; and  also  to  ascertain  the  advancements  which  have  been  made  to 
the  sufferers  by  abatement  of  taxes,  or  otherwise  ; and  report  the  same  with 
their  opinion  relative  to  the  ways  and  means  of  affording  further  relief  as  per 
memorial  and  report  on  file. 

“ Resolved  by  this  Assembly,  That  there  be,  and  there  hereby  is,  released 
and  quit- claimed  to  the  sufferers  hereafter  named,  or  their  legal  representa- 
tives, when  they  are  dead,  and  to  their  heirs  and  assigns  forever,  five  hundred 
thousand  acres  of  the  lands  belonging  to  this  State,  lying  west  of  the  State  of 
Pennsylvania,  and  bounding  northerly  on  the  shore  of  Lake  Erie,  beginning  at 
the  west  line  of  said  lands,  and  extending  eastward  to  a line  running  northerly 
and  southerly,  parallel  to  the  east  line  of  said  tract  of  land  belonging  to  this 
State,  and  extending  the  whole  width  of  said  lands,  and  easterly,  so  far  as  to 
make  said  quantity  of  five  hundred  thousand  acres  of  land,  exclusive  of  any 
lands  within  said  bounds,  if  any  be,  which  may  have  been  heretofore  granted 
to  be  divided  to  and  among  the  said  sufferers,  and  their  legal  representatives, 
where  they  are  dead,  in  proportion  to  the  several  sums  annexed  to  their  names, 
as  follows,  in  the  annexed  list.” 

It  is  not  thought  to  be  of  sufficient  importance  to  this  chapter  that  there 
should  be  appended  the  names  of  individual  sufferers  to  whom  lands  were 
awarded.  There  were  many  of  them,  several  hundred,  and  the  losses  ranged 
from  a few  shillings  to  nearly  two  thousand  pounds.  It  will  be  understood  by 
the  reader  that  few,  comparatively  few,  of  these  people  ever  became  actual 
residents  of  the  Firelands.  There  were  many  who  were  entitled  to  but  very 
little  land,  and  in  nearly  every  such  case  the  person  sold  out  his  claim  or 
award  to  another  who  was  entitled  to  a larger  tract,  and  thus  the  greater 
absorbed  the  less.  More  than  this,  speculators  and  land  operators  became 
owners  of  large  tracts  for  the  purpose  of  gain,  and  they  sold  to  the  person  of- 
fering the  largest  price.  Again,  at  that  time,  the  Indian  title  to  the  Sufferers’ 
Lands  had  not  been  extinguished,  nor  was  this  done  until  thirteen  years  later. 
Neither  had  they  been  surveyed,  nor  was  provision  made  therefor  until  the 
year  1806.  There  was  very  little  inducement  for  people  to  settle  in  the  re- 
gion, and  those  owning  tracts  held  them  at  such  extravagant  figures  as  to 


Early  Land  Claimants. 


45 


alarm  the  few  pioneers  that  came  to  the  region  from  other  places,  so  they 
passed  further  west,  and  to  the  south,  where  equally  good  lands  could  be  pur- 
chased and  at  half  the  price  demanded  for  those  of  the  Firelands.  This  proved 
a great  hindrance  to  the  early  growth  of  Erie  county,  and  even  at  a much  later 
day  Sandusky  city’s  growth  was  much  retarded  from  like  causes.  While  it  is 
not  deemed  advisable  to  give  the  names  of  the  sufferers,  a mention  of  the  Con- 
necticut towns  in  which  the  losses  were  incurred  may  properly  be  made. 
They  were:  Greenwich,  Norwalk,  Fairfield,  Danbury,  New  Haven  and  East 
Haven,  New  London,  Ridgefield  and  Groton.  These  names  were  given  to 
townships  of  Erie  and  Huron  counties  (this  being  formerly  a part  of  Huron), 
upon  their  organization,  respectively  : thus  preserving  and  carrying  to  this  re- 
gion the  names  of  townships  of  Connecticut  in  which  losses  were  suffered. 

An  act  of  the  Legislature  of  Connecticut,  passed  May,  1795,  provided, 
“That  all  deeds  conveying  any  of  said  lands,  shall  be  recorded  in  the  town 
clerk’s  office  in  the  town  or  towns  where  the  loss  or  damage  of  the  original 
grantee  or  grantees,  mentioned  in  said  grant,  was  sustained,  by  the  town  clerk 
of  such  town,  in  a book  to  be  by  him  kept  for  that  purpose  only.’’  This  act, 
however,  was  revised  by  the  act  of  1808. 

By  virtue  of  an  act  of  the  Connecticut  Legislature,  passed  in  1799,  and  re- 
vised in  1808,  it  was  provided  : “That  the  proprietors  of  said  lands  be  a body 
corporate  and  politic,  and  they  are  hereby  ordained,  constituted  and  declared 
to  be  a body  corporate  and  politic,  for  the  purposes  herein  mentioned,  in  fact 
and  in  name,  and  shall  be  known  and  called  by  the  name  of  ‘ The  Proprietors 
of  the  Half  Million  Acres  of  Lajid  lying  south  of  Lake  Erie,'  and  by  that  name 
they  and  their  heirs  and  assigns  may,  and  shall,  have  succession,  and  shall  be 
persons  known  in  law,  capable  of  suing  and  being  sued,  of  pleading  and  being 
impleaded.” 

In  May,  1797,  the  same  Legislature  passed  an  additional  and  amendatory 
act,  which  also  was  revised  in  1808,  but  containing  no  provisions  of  impor- 
tance bearing  on  these  lands  that  needs  a mention  here, 

To  digress  briefly  from  these  events  and  look  to  the  progress  of  Ohio  to- 
ward a State  formation,  it  may  be  stated  that  in  1798  the  territory  reached  the 
second  grade  of  territorial  government,  having  been  found  to  contain  “ five 
thousand  free  male  inhabitants,  of  full  age.”  Upon  this  fact  being  made  to 
appear  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  governor,  on  the  29th  of  October,  of  that  year, 
his  proclamation,  directing  the  holding  of  an  election  for  territorial  represent- 
atives, was  issued,  and,  on  the  third  Monday  of  December  thereafter,  officers 
were  chosen  “ to  constitute  the  popular  branch  of  the  Territorial  Legislature 
for  the  ensuing  two  years.” 

The  third  session  of  the  Territorial  Legislature  continued  from  the  24th  of 
November,  1801,  until  the  23d  day  of  January,  1802,  when  it  adjourned  to 
meet  at  Cincinnati  on  the  fourth  Monday  of  November  following,  “ but  that 
7 


46 


History  of  Erie  County. 


fourth  session  was  never  held,  for  reasons  made  obvious  by  subsequent  events.” 
By  an  act  of  Congress,  passed  April  30,  1802,  entitled  “An  act  to  enable  the 
people  of  the  eastern  division  of  the  territory  northwest  of  the  river  Ohio  to 
form  a constitution  and  State  government,  and  for  the  admission  of  such  State 
into  the  Union  on  an  equal  footing  with  the  original  States,  and  for  other  pur- 
poses.” 

In  pursuance  of  this  enactment  an  election  was  held,  and  members  of  a 
constitutional  convention  chosen,  the  first  meeting  of  which  convention  was 
held  at  Chillicothe,  in  November,  1802. 

The  Territorial  government  of  Ohio  was  ended  by  the  organization  of  the 
State  government,  March  1803,  pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  the  constitu- 
tion framed  the  year  before.  Therefore,  when  the  Ohio  Legislature  passed  an 
act  (which  she  soon  did),  relative  to  the  Sufferers’  Lands,  that  was  the  first 
measure  adopted  by  the  State  of  Ohio  bearing  upon  the  subject  under  consid- 
eration. 

The  first  official  action  by  the  Legislature  of  Ohio  after  her  admission  into  the 
Union,  that  had  any  bearing  upon  the  Firelands,  was  the  passage  of  an  act  on 
the  15th  of  April,  1803,  entitled,  “An  act  to  incorporate  the  owners  and  pro- 
prietors of  (the)  half  million  acres  of  land,  lying  south  of  Lake  Erie,  in  the 
county  of  Trumbull.” 

Section  I of  the  act  provides,  “ That  the  owners  and  proprietors  of  said 
half  million  acres  of  land  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  ordained  and  constituted  a 
body  politic  and  corporate,  in  fact  and  in  name,  by  the  name  of  ‘ The  Proprie- 
tors of  the  half  million  acres  of  land,  lying  south  of  Lake  Erie,  called  Sufferers’ 
Land,’  and  by  that  name  they,  their  heirs  and  assigns,  may  and  shall  have 
succession,  capable  of  suing  and  being  sued,  of  pleading  and  being  impleaded.” 

Section  2 provides  for  a board  of  directors,  consisting  of  nine  persons,  one 
to  represent  each  of  the  suffering  towns  of  Connecticut,  except  the  town  of 
New  London,  which  shall  have  two  votes,  besides  other  provisions. 

Section  3,  “That  Jabez  Fitch  of  Greenwich,  Taylor  Sherwood  of  Norwalk, 
Walter  Bradley  of  Fairfield,  Philip  B.  Bradley,  of  Ridgefield,  James  Clark  of 
Uanbury,  Isaac  Mills  of  New  Haven  and  East  Haven,  Elias  Perkins  and  Guy 
Richards  of  New  London,  and  Star  Chester  of  Groton,  be  and  they  are  hereby 
constituted  and  appointed  the  first  directors  for  said  company,  and  may  hold 
their  first  meeting,  after  passing  of  this  act,  at  such  time  and  place  as  any  five 
or  more  of  said  directors  shall  appoint,”  etc. 

Very  soon  after  the  conclusion  of  the  treaty  with  the  several  Indian  tribes, 
and  even  before  the  same  had  been  confirmed  and  ratified  by  the  United  States, 
the  proprietors  of  the  Sufferers’  Land  took  steps  to  have  the  same  surveyed  in- 
to townships,  and  for  that  purpose  authorized  Taylor  Sherman,  one  of  their 
body,  to  negotiate  for  and  make  the  necessary  arrangements.  An  agreement 
was  made  by  Mr.  Sherman,  for  and  on  behalf  of  the  proprietors,  with  John 


Early  Land  Claimants. 


47 


McLean  and  James  Clark,  both  of  Danbury,  Conn.,  and  they  employed  Almon 
Ruggles  to  superintend  the  work. 

According  to  the  terms  of  their  agreement  McLean  and  Clark  were  to  re- 
ceive the  sum  of  two  dollars  for  each  mile  surveyed,  and  an  additional  fifty 
cents  per  mile  should  the  work  be  found  to  be  performed  satisfactorily,  and, 
unless  the  treaty  be  not  confirmed,  the  survey  was  to  be  completed  within  one 
year.  But,  as  frequently  occurs  where  separate  parties  are  interested,  and  one 
depends  upon  the  other,  the  government  surveyors  failed  to  run  the  south  line 
of  the  reserve  in  time,  therefore  an  extension  of  one  year  was  granted  McLean 
and  Clark,  thus  giving  them  until  June  i,  1807. 

By  an  agreement  entered  into,  Lebruary,  1806,  between  the  Connecticut 
Land  Company  and  the  Proprietors  of  the  Sufferers’  Lands,  it  was  agreed  that 
the  half  million  acres  should  include  the  territory  of  Johnson’s  Island,  but  not 
the  waters  of  the  bay  between  that  island  and  the  main  land. 

The  south  or  base  line  of  the  reserve  was  surveyed  and  marked  by  Seth 
Pease,  he  acting  under  orders  from  the  secretary  of  the  treasury.  This,  except 
fifty  miles  next  west  of  the  Pennsylvania  State  line,  was  performed  in  June, 
1806.  This  being  done  the  survey  and  subdivision  of  the  Sufferers’  Lands  was 
resumed  in  the  last  named  year,  1806,  and  completed  in  about  one  year  there- 
after. In  some  manner  in  running  the  base  line  Mr.  Pease  made  an  error  and 
this  resulted  in  some  temporary  difficulty,  which,  however,  was  afterward  ad- 
justed. The  survey  and  subdivision  of  the  half  million  acre  tract  was  made  by 
Almon  Ruggles,  he  using  and  relying  upon  the  lines  and  corners  established 
by  the  government  surveyor,  but,  through  the  error  therein,  this  work  was  re- 
quired to  be  done  a second  time.  In  his  centennial  address  Mr.  Schuyler  re- 
marks that  the  southeast  corner  of  the  Lirelands  was  fixed  on  the  Ludlow  line, 
“ twenty-eight  chains  and  sixty-eight  links  west  from  the  ninety-fourth  mile 
post  from  the  Pennsylvania  line.  The  line  ran  from  that  point  north  four  de- 
grees forty  seconds  west  to  the  lake,  to  a point  forty-three  links  east  of  a black 
oak  tree  marked  ‘ J.  Snow,’  on  the  east  side,  and  ‘A.  R.’  on  the  west  side,  and 
standing  near  the  bank  of  the  lake  and  near  the  first  perpendicular  bluff  of 
rocks,  east  of  the  Vermillion  River.  On  computation  of  the  survey,  afterwards, 
it  was  found  that  the  quantity  of  land  so  cut  off  was  five  hundred  thousand  and 
twenty-seven  acres.” 

Prom  east  to  west  the  breadth  of  the  “ Sufferers’  Land”  was  found  to  be 
twenty- five  miles,  fifty-one  chains  and  thirty-two  links,  and  by  the  apportion- 
ment of  the  overplus,  each  township  was  five  miles  and  two-fifteenths  east  and 
west  measurement.  The  townships  bordering  on  the  bay  and  lake  were,  of 
course,  fractional. 

The  survey  of  the  Lirelands  being  completed,  the  next  move  made  by  the 
proprietors  was  the  partition  and  division  thereof  among  those  entitled  to  lands 
thereon  according  to  their  several  interests,  which  was  in  this  wise  : The  whole 


48 


His'I'ury  of  Erie  County. 


tract  contained  thirty  townships,  and  there  being  four  sections  to  each,  made 
an  aggregate  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  sections.  Upon  this  basis  the  whole 
loss  was  divided  into  one  hundred  and  twenty  parts,  each  part  representing  one 
thousand  three  hundred  and  forty- four  pounds  and  seven  shillings;  therefore, 
each  separate  section  represented  that  amount  in  value.  For  the  one  hundred 
and  twenty  sections  that  number  of  tickets  were  prepared,  on  each  of  which 
was  written  the  names  of  the  donees  arranged  in  such  manner  that  each  ticket 
should  represent  a loss,  as  near  as  possible,  of  one  thousand  three  hundred  and 
fifty-four  pounds  and  seven  shillings.  These  tickets  were  grouped  in  fours, 
each  group  to  represent  a township,  the  value  of  which,  it  will  be  seen,  aggre- 
gated five  thousand  three  hundred  and  seven  pounds,  and  eight  shillings. 
These  were  then  deposited  in  a box  from  which  they  were  drawn  by  some  per- 
son not  interested  in  the  proceeding;  and  in  this  manner  the  lands  were  appor- 
tioned, there  being  no  possible  chance  for  any  person  to  select  particular  lands, 
and  therefore  no  charge  of  favoritism  was  ever  made,  and  each  person  was 
bound  to  accept  lands  in  whatever  locality  fortune  or  luck  placed  him.  In  fact, 
there  was  but  little  choice  in  the  lands  except  that  possibly  those  bordering 
upon  the  lake,  bay,  or  the  larger  streams  of  the  tract  were  the  most  desirable. 

The  duties  of  the  proprietors  were  now  nearly  ended.  With  the  funds  in 
their  hands  they  caused  to  be  constructed  a road  leading  from  the  lake  south, 
along  the  east  side  of  the  Huron  River  to  a point  “near  the  center  of  the  north 
line  of  the  township  of  Norwalk,  and  thence  southward  on  a line  as  near  the 
center  of  the  other  townships  as  the  grounds  will  admit.”  This  work  was  per- 
formed under  the  direction  of  William  Eldridge,  and  cost  eight  hundred  dollars 
or  thereabouts. 

Subsequently  other  thoroughfares  were  ordered  to  be  laid  and  constructed: 
One  near  the  line  between  ranges  twenty  and  twenty-one,  running  north  and 
south,  one  leading  east  and  west,  and  a continuation  of  that  marked  out  to  be 
constructed  through  lands  of  the  Connecticut  Land  Company,  on  the  Reserve; 
one  running  west  on  the  south  line  of  Norwalk  township,  and  continuing  west 
on  other  township  lines  as  near  as  could  be  done ; another  running  west  on 
the  south  line  of  Fairfield  township.  The  last  two  commenced  at  the  north 
and  south  road  and  continued  west  to  the  county  line,  that  is,  the  west  line  of 
the  Sufferers’  Lands.  Other  roads  were  also  provided  for  before  the  final  meet- 
ing of  the  board  of  directors  of  the  proprietors,  noticeable  among  which  was  one 
leading  from  Norwalk  to  Sandusky  Bay,  and  another  in  the  township  of  Dan- 
bury, on  the  peninsula,  now  in  Ottawa  county. 

As  shown  by  the  report  of  the  treasurer,  Joseph  Darling,  the  total  receipts 
of  the  corporation  up  to  October  lO,  1809,  was  $47,775.77,  and  that  the  ex- 
penditures had  been  $44,206.66,  leaving  an  unexpended  balance  in  his  hands 
$3,569.11.  This  balance  was  further  reduced  by  appropriations  for  various 
purposes  until  exhausted. 


Early  Land  Claimants. 


49 


The  final  meeting  of  the  board  was  held  at  New  Haven,  Conn.,  on  the  28th 
of  August  181 1,  there  being  present:  Guy  Richards  and  William  Eldridge  rep- 
resenting New  London  ; Ebenezer  Avery,  jr.,  for  Groton  ; Ebenezer  Lessup  for 
Eairfield;  Taylor  Sherman  for  Norwalk;  Philip  B.  Bradley  for  Ridgefield,  and 
Epaphras  W.  Bull  for  Danbury.  A petition  was  there  prepared,  addressed  to 
the  General  Assembly  of  Ohio,  making  report  of  their  proceedings,  and  asking 
that  their  acts  be  declared  legal  by  the  State,  and  their  records  kept  and  pre- 
served in  Huron  county.  This  county  had  been  erected  two  years  before. 

The  reader  will  bear  in  mind  the  fact  that  down  to  the  time  of  the  final  re- 
port and  dissolution  of  the  body  corporate  known  as  “ the  proprietors  of  the 
half  million  acres  of  land  lying  south  of  Lake  Erie,  called  Sufferers’  Land,”  all 
the  business  and  proceedings  thereof  were  transacted  in  the  State  of  Connecti- 
cut; all  records  were  kept  in  the  towns  in  which  the  “Sufferers”  respectively 
resided,  and  in  books  especially  provided  therefor ; all  taxes  were  payable  and 
receivable  there.  In  fact  all  matters  relating  to  these  lands  were  performed  in 
the  same  manner  as  if  the  Sufferers’  Lands  were  a part  and  parcel  of  Connecti- 
cut, except  that  the  records  and  proceedings  were  specially  and  separately  kept. 

Upon  the  petition  of  the  directors  mentioned  above  the  Legislature  of  the 
State  of  Ohio,  on  the  20th  day  of  February,  1812,  passed  an  act  of  which  the 
following  is  a copy  : 

“Whereas,  it  is  represented  to  this  General  Assembly  by  the  directors  of 
the  proprietors  of  the  half  million  acres  of  land  lying  south  of  Lake  Erie  called 
‘ Sufferers’  Land,’  incorporated  by  that  name  by  an  act  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly of  this  State,  passed  the  15th  day  of  April,  one  thousand  eight  hundred 
and  three,  that  by  virtue  of  the  authority  vested  in  them  by  said  act,  the  said 
proprietors  have  extinguished  the  Indian  Claim  of  title  to  said  lands,  surveyed 
and  located  the  same  into  townships  and  sections,  made  an  exact  partition 
thereof  to  and  among  the  proprietors,  and  used  the  surplus  monies  which  re- 
mained in  the  hands  of  their  treasurer  after  the  Indian  title  was  extinguished, 
and  partition  of  said  lands  was  made,  amounting  to  two  thousand  six  hundred 
dollars,  for  laying  out  and  improving  the  public  roads  in  said  tract,  and  have 
now  fully  done  and  completed  all  and  singular  the  matters  and  things  which 
the  interest  of  said  proprietors  required,  and  agreeably  to  the  provisions  and 
requirements  of  said  act  of  incorporation. 

“And  whereas,  it  is  further  represented  by  the  said  directors,  that  in  trans- 
acting the  business  of  said  company,  under  the  provisions  of  the  act  aforesaid, 
they  have  caused  their  clerk  to  make  and  keep  a true  entry  and  record  of  all 
the  votes  and  doings  of  the  directors,  agreeably  to  the  requirements  of  said  act, 
and  that  said  company  have,  in  consequence  thereof,  two  record  books,  one  of 
which  contains  the  votes  and  proceedings  of  the  directors,  and  a record  of  the 
field  minutes  of  the  survey  of  said  land  ; and  the  other,  a complete  partition  of 
the  whole  of  said  half  million  acres,  both  of  which  record  books  are  certified  to 


50 


History  of  Erie  County. 


be  the  records  of  said  company,  by  Isaac  Mills,  esq.,  their  clerk,  and  deposited 
in  the  hands  of  the  recorder  of  Huron  county,  where  the  directors  of  said  com- 
pany pray  they  be  and  remain  as  a part  of  the  records  of  said  county — There- 
fore, 

“Sec.  I.  That  the  record  books,  aforesaid,  containing  the  votes  and  pro- 
ceedings of  the  directors  of  said  company,  and  records  of  the  field  minutes  of 
said  survey  of  said  half  million  acres,  and  the  records  of  partition  thereof,  be 
kept  by  the  recorder  of  Huron  county  and  his  successors  in  office,  and  that  said 
record  books  be  and  remain  a part  and  parcel  of  the  records  of  said  county, 
and  that  any  certified  copies  therefrom,  which  may  hereafter  be  made  by  the 
recorder  of  said  county,  may  be  used  and  read  as  legal  evidence  in  all  courts  of 
record  or  elsewhere  ; and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  recorder  of  Huron  county, 
to  give  a certified  copy  of  any  part  of  said  records,  to  any  person  demanding 
the  same,  for  which  he  shall  be  entitled  to  the  same  fees  as  are  provided  for  by 
law  for  copies  of  other  records. 

“Sec.  2.  That  the  expenditure  of  said  sum  of  two  thousand  six  hundred 
dollars  surplus  money,  in  laying  out  and  improving  the  public  roads  on  said 
lands,  as  before  mentioned,  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  ratified  and  confirmed. 

“This  act  to  take  effect  from  and  after  the  passage  thereof” 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

Organization  of  Counties  on  the  Reserve  — Botetourt  — Trumbull  — Geauga — Cuyahoga 
— Huron  — Proceedings  to  Erect  Huron  County  — The  County  Seat  at  Milan  Changed  to  Nor- 
walk — Officers  — Erie  County  Erected  — Acts  Regarding  It  — County  Civil  List. 

The  reader  will  remember  that  reference  has  heretofore  been  made  in  this 
work  to  the  claims  of  the  older  States  and  colonies  to  the  territory  northwest 
of  the  Ohio  River,  and  will  also  recall  the  fact  that  the  colony  of  Virginia  first 
exercised  authority  of  that  territory  by  the  establishment  by  the  House  of  Bur- 
gess, of  the  county  of  Botetourt  in  the  year  1769,  long  years  before  the  “ Re- 
serve,” as  such,  was  known. 

In  the  act  that  established  the  county  of  Botetourt  it  is  stated  that,  “whereas,, 
the  people  situated  on  the  Mississippi  will  be  very  remote  from  the  court-house,” 
etc.  This  was  an  undoubted  fact ; the  people  were  certainly  remote  from 
the  county  seat,  as  the  whole  territory  from  the  Ohio  to  the  Mississippi  was  in- 
cluded in  the  county  so  erected. 

But  after  the  war  of  the  Revolution  was  passed  and  the  United  States  es- 
tablished, Virginia  quit-claimed  this  whole  county  to  the  general  government,. 


Erection  of  Counties. 


51 


thus  extinguishing  the  county  of  Botetourt,  which,  in  fact,  never  had  an  or- 
ganization more  than  in  name. 

o 

The  next  organization  of  which  Erie  county  at  one  time  formed  a part,  was 
Trumbull,  which  embraced  the  whole  of  the  Connecticut  Western  Reserve.  It 
was  erected  December  6,  1800,  while  Ohio  was  yet  territorial  land. 

Trumbull  county  now  bears  no  resemblance  to  its  original  size  or  descrip- 
tion as  by  the  surrender  of  her  territory  to  subsequent  organizations  there  now 
occupies  the  soil,  either  in  whole  or  in  part,  thirteen  separate  and  distinct  coun- 
ties. 

The  first  county  erection  that  called  for  a surrender  of  the  territory  of 
Trumbull  was  that  of  Geauga,  under  an  act  passed  December  31,  1805, 
entitled  “ An  act  for  the  division  of  Trumbull  county.” 

It  has  been  generally  supposed,  and  by  all  writers  it  has  been  generally  con- 
ceded that  Geauga  county  originally  embraced  a part  of  the  Eirelands.  This 
may  be  true,  but  there  exists  a serious  question  as  to  the  fact.  The  act  that 
brought  Geauga  county  into  existence  declares  “ that  all  that  part  of  the  county 
of  Trumbull  lying  north  and  east  of  a line  beginning  on  the  east  line  of  said 
county,  on  the  line  between  the  townships  number  eight  and  nine,  as  known  by 
the  survey  of  said  county,  and  running  west  on  the  same  to  the  west  line  of 
range  number  five ; thence  south  on  said  west  line  of  range  five  to  the  north- 
west corner  of  township  number  five,  thence  west  on  the  north  line  of  town- 
ship number  five,  to  the  middle  of  the  Cuyahoga  River,  where  the  course  of 
the  same  is  northerly  ; thence  up  the  middle  of  said  river  to  the  intersection 
of  the  north  line  of  township  number  four  to  the  west  line  of  range  fourteen, 
wherever  the  same  shall  run  when  the  county  west  of  the  Cuyahoga  River  shall 
be  surveyed  into  townships  or  tracts  of  five  miles  square  each,  and  thence  north 
to  Lake  Erie,  shall  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  set  off  and  erected  into  a new 
county  by  the  name  of  Geauga.” 

This  misunderstanding  unquestionably  arises  from  the  fact  that  by  a sup- 
plemental act  passed  Eebruary  10,  1807,  which  declares  “That  all  that  part  of 
the  Connecticut  Western  Reserve,  which  lies  west  of  the  Cuyahoga  River,  and 
north  of  the  townships  numbered  four,  shall  belong  to  and  be  a part  of  the 
county  of  Geauga,  until  the  county  of  Cuyahoga  shall  be  organized,”  etc. 

This  implies  that  Cuyahoga’s  organization  was  under  way  and  not  perfected 
and  that  some  disposition  must  be  made  of  that  part  of  the  reserve  lands,  which 
was  done.  The  act  also  provides  that  the  moneys  derived  from  taxes  on  that 
land  shall  be  used  by  the  commissioners  of  Geauga  county  in  “ laying  out  and 
making  roads  and  erecting  bridges  within  the  boundaries  of  said  district  west 
of  the  Cuyahoga.”  It  will  be  seen  that  this  attachment  was,  at  best,  but  tem- 
porary and  not  intended  as  making  the  western  district  a part  of  Geauga  county 
except  for  the  purpose  therein  specified. 

Portage  county  was  organized  Eebruary  10,  1807,  out  of  the  older  county 


52 


History  of  Erie  County. 


of  Trumbull  by  taking  all  thereof  that  lay  west  of  the  fifth  range  of  the  Re- 
serve townships. 

Huron  county  came  into  life  under  and  by  virtue  of  an  act  of  the  General 
Assembly  passed  February  7,  1809,  and  entitled,  “ An  act  to  set  off  a part  of 
the  Connecticut  Western  Reserve,  into  a separate  county.”  By  the  act  it  was 
provided  “ That  that  part  of  the  Connecticut  Reserve  called  the  Firelands,  be- 
ginning at  the  southwest  corner  of  said  reserve,  then  north  to  the  north  bound- 
ary line  of  the  United  States;  then  easterly  along  said  line  to  where  the  east 
line  of  the  twentieth  range  would  intersect  said  boundary  line;  thence  south 
along  the  line  of  the  twentieth  range  to  the  south  line  of  the  said  reserve,  which 
east  line  of  the  twentieth  range  is  the  east  line  of  the  Firelands,  so  called  ; then 
west  along  the  south  line  of  said  reserve  to  the  place  of  beginning,  be  and  is 
hereby  erected  into  a county  by  the  name  of  Huron,  to  be  organized  whenever 
the  Fegislature  shall  think  proper,  but  to  remain  attached  to  the  counties  of 
Portage  and  Geauga,  as  already  by  law  provided,  except  as  hereinafter  pro- 
vided.” 

As  is  very  well  known  Erie  county,  prior  to  its  separate  organization,  formed 
an  integral  part  of  Huron  county  ; but  at  the  time  of  the  formation  of  Erie,  by 
the  terms  of  the  act  creating  it,  it  was  taken  from  the  two  counties,  Huron  and 
Sandusky.  It  was  created  wholly  of  what  has  been  termed  the  Firelands. 
Prior  to  that  separate  organization  the  history  of  Erie  county  was  the  history 
of  Huron  county.  Its  townships  were  all  formed  some  years  earlier  than  the 
erection  of  either,  and  settlement  was  commenced  while  it  was  a part  of  the 
Western  Reserve  and  before  either  of  the  counties  was  contemplated. 

The  next  legislative  action  affecting  Huron  county  was  the  passage  of  an 
act  January  16,  1810,  providing,  “ That  the  county  of  Huron  (as  designated 
by  an  act  of  the  Fegislature,  passed  the  7th  day  of  February,  1809),  and  also 
the  lands  lying  north  of  township  number  four,  and  west  of  the  fourteenth 
range  of  townships,  and  east  of  said  Huron  county,  shall  be  attached  to,  and 
be  a part  of  the  county  of  Cuyahoga,  until  the  same  shall  be  organized  into  a 
separate  county,  or  be  otherwise  disposed  of  by  law.” 

The  full  and  complete  civil  organization  of  Huron  county  was  accomplished 
by  an  act  of  the  Fegislature,  passed  January  31,  1815,  whereby  it  was  pro- 
vided “ that  the  county  of  Huron  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  erected  into  a 
separate  county  ; provided,  that  all  suits  and  actions,  whether  of  civil  or  crim- 
inal nature,  which  shall  be  pending,  and  all  crimes  which  shall  have  been  com- 
mitted shall  be  prosecuted  to  final  judgment  and  execution  in  the  county  of 
Cuyahoga,  as  though  the  county  of  Huron  had  not  been  organized.” 

The  second  section  of  the  same  act  provides,  “ That  on  the  first  Monday 
in  April  next,  the  legal  voters  residing  in  the  county  of  Huron  shall  assemble 
in  their  respective  townships,  at  the  usual  place  of  holding  elections  in  said 
townships,  and  elect  their  several  county  officers,  who  shall  hold  their  offices 
until  the  next  annual  election.” 


Erection  of  Counties. 


53 


Section  three  provides  for  the  annexation  of  certain  other  lands  to  Huron 
county.  The  first  county  officers,  so  far  as  their  names  are  accurately  ascer- 
tainable, were:  Abijah  Comstock,  treasurer;  Nathan  Strong,  recorder;  David 
Abbott,  clerk  of  the  couiTs  ; Lyman  Farwell,  sheriff;  Caleb  Palmer,  Charles 
Parker  and  Eli  S.  Barnum,  county  commissioners. 

The  Legislature,  in  January,  i8ii,  appointed  Ephraim  Quinby,  of  Trum- 
bull county,  Joseph  Clark,  of  Geauga  county,  and  Solomon  Griswold,  of  Ash- 
tabula county,  as  commissioners  to  decide  upon  a location  for  the  county  seat. 
In  their  report  they  selected  a site  on  the  farm  of  David  Abbott,  in  Avery 
'(now  Milan)  township,  and  not  far  distant  from  the  village  of  Milan.  Hon. 
George  Tod  held  the  first  Court  of  Common  Pleas  at  this  place,  and  other 
courts  were  held  there  until  the  Legislature,  in  January,  i8i8,  appointed  three 
other  commissioners,  William  Wetmore,  of  Portage,  Elias  Lee,  of  Cuyahoga, 
and  Abraham  Tappan,  of  Geauga,  to  view  the  locality  in  Avery  township, 
hear  the  numerous  complaints  that  were  being  made  against  it  on  account  of 
-its  inconvenient  situation,  hear  the  arguments  presented  in  favor  of  other 
localities,  and,  should  they  become  convinced  that  the  best  interests  of  the 
-county  required  a change,  they  were  authorized  and  empowered  to  make  it. 
The  commissioners  decided  that  Norwalk  would  be  a much  better  location, 
whereupon  the  county  seat  was  removed  to  that  place. 

From  the  time  of  the  complete  organization  of  Huron  county,  January  31, 
1815,  until  the  subdivision  thereof  by  the  erection  of  Erie  county,  March  15, 
1838,  the  latter  formed  a part  of  the  former  (excepting  the  small  portion  taken 
from  Sandusky  county),  and  the  whole  was  under  the  control  of  and  governed 
by  the  same  officers.  And  it  is  appropriate  that,  before  leaving  this  branch  of 
the  subject  and  confining  this  narrative  substantially  to  Erie  county  and  its 
history,  that  a record  should  be  made  of  those  who  were  connected  with  the 
county  government  in  the  administration  of  its  affairs.  This  civil  list  of  county 
officers  is  compiled  from  the  records  of  Huron  county: 

County  Auditors — -Asa  Sanford,  Moses  Kimball,  James  Williams,  Cyrus 
Butler,  John  Kennan. 

Treasurers — Abijah  Comstock,  David  Abbott,  Ichabod  Marshall,  Cyrus 
Butler,  Ichabod  Marshall,  Henry  Buckingham,  George  Sheffield,  John  V.  Vre- 
denburg,  William  H.  Caswell. 

Clerks  of  the  Courts — David  Abbott,  James  Williams,  David  Gibbs. 

Recorders — Almon  Ruggles,  Nathan  Strong,  Ichabod  Marshall,  Paul  G. 
Smith,  Woodward  Todd. 

Sheriffs — Lyman  Farwell,  D.  W.  Hinman,  Enos  Gilbert,  H.  G.  Morse, 
Enos  Gilbert,  Philo  Adams,  John  Miller,  William  Karkhuff. 

County  Commissioners — 1815,  Nathan  Cummins,  Frederick  Falley,  Bildad 
Adams;  1816,  Falley,  Adams  and  Ebenzer  Merry;  1817,  Adams,  Joseph 
Reed  and  Joseph  Strong;  1818,  Adams,  Reed  and  Strong ; 1819,  Adams, 


54 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Strong  and  Lyman  Farwell;  1820,  Adams,  Strong  and  Eli  S.  Barnum  ; 1821,, 
Barnum,  Robert  S.  Southgate  and  Amos  Woodward;  1822-23,  Barnum,. 
Southgate  and  Woodward;  1824,  Barnum,  Woodward  and  Schuyler  Van 
Rensselaer;  1825,  Barnum,  Van  Rensselaer  and  George  W.  Choate;  1826,. 
Van  Rensselaer,  Choate  and  Frederick  Forsythe;  1827-28,  Choate,  Forsythe 
and  Bradford  Sturtevant ; 1829-30,  Choate,  Sturtevant  and  M.  McKelvey; 
1831,  Sturtevant,  McKelvey  and  George  Hollister;  1832,  Sturtevant,  Hollister 
and  George  W.  Choate;  1833,  Hollister,  Choate  and  Samuel  B.  Carpenter; 
1834,  Choate,  Carpenter  and  W.  C.  Spaulding;  1835,  Carpenter,  Spaulding 
and  John  Bounce;  1836,  Spaulding,  Dounce  and  Benjamin  Cogswell;  1837,. 
Spaulding,  Cogswell  and  John  Miller. 

ERECTION  AND  ORGANIZATION  OF  ERIE  COUNTY. 

Without  question  the  most  important  event  in  connection  with  the  history 
of  Erie  county  was  the  action  of  the  State  Legislature  that  gave  the  county  an 
existence — the  action  that  separated  it  from  Huron  and  Sandusky  counties — 
that  enabled  it  to  elect  its  own  officers  and  administer  its  own  affairs. 

The  preliminary  discussion  that  led  to  this  separate  organization  was  not 
of  spontaneous  origin  ; it  was  not  the  result  of  a pet  scheme  on  the  part  of  a 
few  persons  ; it  was  not  undertaken  through  any  feeling  of  jealous  rivalry 
between  the  leading  towns  of  Huron  county,  Norwalk,  and  Sandusky  city. 
To  be  sure  there  was  a rivalry,  a growing  friendly  competition  between  these 
municipalities,  each  striving  to  outstrip  the  other  in  point  of  population,  of  in- 
dustry, of  internal  welfare,  of  thrift  and  all  the  essential  requisites  of  a well- 
appointed  and  well-ordered  city;  a commendable  and  unselfish  interest  shown 
on  the  part  of  the  people  representing  the  northern  and  southern  sections  of 
Huron  county. 

Again,  about  this  time,  there  seemed  a general  tendency  throughout  the 
State  to  new  and  additional  county  organizations,  by  a reduction  of  the  territory 
of  the  larger  counties.  This  was  not  the  only  reason  why  the  residents  of 
Northern  Huron  county  asked  to  be  set  off  Such  action  had  become,  at  that 
time,  a positive  necessity.  Sandusky  city  had  become  the  natural  center  of 
extensive  and  rapidly  increasing  business  interests — manufacturing,  shipping 
and  mercantile.  She  had,  moreover,  become  tributary  to  a large  area  of  agri- 
cultural country,  so  that  by  every  necessary  consideration  she  was  justly  en- 
titled to  become  the  county  seat  of  a new  county. 

As  might  naturally  be  expected,  the  proposition  for  the  new  county  erec- 
tion was  not  accepted  by  the  whole  people  without  strong  opposition,  and 
while  the  measure  was  very  generally  supported  by  the  inhabitants  in  the 
northern  part  of  the  county,  a strong  opposition  developed  in  the  southern 
townships,  and  in  others  that  were  liable  to  be  affected  by  the  change. 

The  petition  for  the  new  county  was  met  by  a strong  remonstrance,  and 


Erection  of  Counties. 


55 


for  a time  it  seemed  doubtful  whether  the  measure  would  be  carried.  Nor- 
walk, the  county  seat  of  Huron  county,  might  well  object  for  her  interests 
more  than  any  other  locality  would  suffer  in  losing  the  trade  of  so  prosperous 
n locality  as  was  comprised  by  the  townships  proposed  to  be  taken. 

At  length,  after  the  matter  had  been  thoroughly  agitated  and  discussed, 
for  and  against,  the  Legislature  of  the  State,  on  the  15th  day  of  March,  1838, 
passed  an  act  entitled,  “ An  act  to  erect  the  county  of  Erie,”  as  follows : 

“ Sec.  I.  Be  it  enacted,  etc..  That  such  parts  of  the  counties  of  Huron  and 
Sandusky,  as  are  embraced  by  the  boundaries  hereinafter  described,  be,  and 
the  same  are  hereby  erected  into  a separate  and  distinct  county,  which  shall 
be  known  by  the  name  of  the  county  of  Erie,  and  the  seat  of  justice  in  and  for 
said  county,  shall  be,  and  is  hereby  fixed  and  established  at  Sandusky  City, 
to-wit : Beginning  at  a point  on  the  east  line  of  Oxford  township,  in  the  county 
of  Huron,  one  mile  north  of  the  southeast  corner  thereof,  thence  northerly  on 
the  said  east  line  and  in  the  same  direction,  to  the  Canada  line ; thence  west- 
erly along  said  Canada  line  to  a point  therein  directly  opposite  the  west  line  of 
the  township,  in  Sandusky  county ; thence  southerly,  parallel  with  the  east 
line  of  said  Sandusky  county,  to  the  northwest  corner  of  the  township  of 
Townsend,  in  Sandusky  county  ; thence  east  to  the  west  boundary  of  Huron 
county;  thence  south  on  said  west  boundary  of  Huron  county  to  a point  one 
mile  north  of  the  south  line  of  the  township  of  Groton,  in  said  county  of 
Huron;  and  from  thence  to  the  place  of  beginning:  provided,  and  it  is  hereby 
declared,  that  if  the  east  line  of  said  county  of  Erie,  as  above  described,  will 
not  include  the  whole  of  Cunningham’s  Island  in  Lake  Erie,  then,  and  in  that 
case,  said  line  shall  be  so  far  varied  from  the  south  shore  of  the  said  lake  to 
the  said  Canada  line  that  it  will  embrace  the  whole  of  said  Cunningham’s 
Island. 

“ Sec.  2.  That  the  said  county  of  Erie  be,  and  remain  attached  to  the 
counties  from  which  it  is  taken,  until  the  same  be  organized  by  the  Legislature.” 

But  the  people  of  the  newly  erected  county  had  not  long  to  wait  for  the 
complete  organization  thereof,  as,  on  the  day  next  succeeding  that  on  which 
the  above  act  was  passed,  the  Legislature  adopted  another  measure,  entitled, 
“ An  act  to  organize  the  county  of  Erie.”  It  was  as  follows  : 

‘‘  Sec.  I.  Be  it  enacted,  etc.,  That  the  county  of  Erie  is  hereby  organized 
into  a separate  and  distinct  county. 

“ Sec.  2.  That  all  justices  of  the  peace  and  constables  residing  within  the 
territory  taken  from  the  counties  of  Huron  and  Sandusky,  and  embraced  within 
the  limits  of  the  county  of  Erie,  shall  continue  to  discharge  the  duties  of  their 
repective  offices  until  their  commissions  or  terms  of  office  shall  expire,  and 
their  successors  are  chosen  and  qualified ; and  suits  commenced  before  the 
taking  effect  of  this  act  shall  proceed  and  be  prosecuted  as  though  this  act  had 
not  been  passed,  notwithstanding  the  parties,  or  either  of  them,  may  reside 


56 


History  of  Erie  County. 


without  the  limits  of  the  said  county  of  Erie,  except  that  writs  and  process 
issuing  after  the  first  of  April  next  shall  be  styled  of  Erie  county,  instead  of 
Huron  or  Sandusky  county. 

“ Sec.  3.  That  on  the  first  Monday  of  May  next,  the  legal  voters  residing 
within  the  limits  of  the  county  of  Erie  shall  assemble  in  their  respective  town- 
ships, at  the  usual  places  of  holding  elections,  and  proceed  to  elect  their  dif- 
ferent county  officers  in  the  manner  pointed  out  in  the  act  to  regulate  elections,, 
who  shall  hold  their  offices  until  the  next  annual  election,  and  until  their  suc- 
cessors are  chosen  and  qualified. 

“ Sec.  4.  That  the  county  of  Erie,  for  judicial  purposes,  is  hereby  attached 
to  the  second  judicial  circuit,  and  the  first  court  of  common  pleas  held  in 
said  county  shall  commence  its  session  in  the  city  of  Sandusky  on  the  second 
Monday  of  December  next.” 

In  this  manner,  then,  and  by  these  proceedings,  was  Erie  county  brought 
into  existence,  and  thus  was  provision  made  for  civil,  internal  government  and 
control.  But,  two  years  later,  1840,  by  a further  act  of  the  State  Legislature, 
certain  territory  was  added  or  attached  to  Erie  county,  and  other  lands  at  the 
same  time  were  taken  from  it.  This  change  was  made  by  the  erection  of  the 
county  of  Ottawa,  March  6,  1840,  the  leading  clause  of  which  was  as  follows: 

“ That  a new  county,  to  be  called  Ottawa,  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby 
formed  out  of  the  north  part  of  Sandusky  and  Erie,  and  the  eastern  part  of 
Lucas  county,  commencing  at  a point  two  miles  north  of  the  southeast  corner 
of  the  surveyed  township  number  sixteen,  called  Bay  township,  Sandusky 
county,  running  thence  west  on  section  lines  to  the  western  boundary  line  of 
said  county ; thence  north  to  the  Lucas  county  line  ; thence  east  six  miles ; 
thence  north  till  it  intersects  the  Michigan  line;  thence  with  said  line  until  it 
intersects  the  line  between  the  British  and  American  governments  in  Lake 
Erie;  thence  down  the  lake  with  said  line,  so  that  a line  to  the  mouth  of  San- 
dusky Bay  will  include  Cunningham’s  Island;  thence  up  Sandusky  Bay  to  the 
place  of  beginning.” 

This  act,  it  will  be  seen,  took  from  Erie  county  the  township  of  Danbury  on 
the  peninsula,  between  the  bay  and  the  lake ; also  the  islands,  the  principal  of 
which  was  Cunningham’s,  afterwards  known  as  Kelley’s  Island,  both  of  which 
were  set  off  to  the  county  of  Ottawa. 

But  in  order  to  give  Erie  county  an  equivalent  for  the  territory  so  taken, 
a further  section  of  the  act  provided,  “That  all  the  territory  now  in  the  county 
of  Huron  north  of  the  north  line  of  the  townships  of  Wakeman,  Townsend, 
Norwalk,  Ridgefield  and  Lyme,  which  includes  the  townships  of  Vermillion, 
Elorence,  Berlin,  Milan  and  Huron,  and  also  a strip  from  off  the  south  side  of 
the  townships  of  Oxford  and  Groton,  one  mile  in  width,  be,  and  the  same  is 
hereby  attached  to  the  county  of  Erie.” 

Cunningham’s  Island,  or,  as  it  became  known  on  its  organization  as  a 


Erection  of  Counties. 


57 


township  of  Ottawa  county,  January  21,  1840,  “ Kelley’s  Island,”  remained  a 
part  of  and  was  under  the  civil  control  and  jurisdiction  of  the  officers  of  Ot- 
tawa county  until  the  year  1845,  when,  upon  the  petition  of  its  inhabitants, 
setting  forth  their  reasons,  chiefest  among  which  was  the  great  incovenience 
occasioned  by  their  being  compelled  to  transact  their  legal  and  county  business 
at  Port  Clinton,  the  county  seat  of  Ottawa  county,  while  all  their  other  busi- 
ness and  social  relations  were  associated  with  Erie  county,  the  Legislature 
in  February  of  that  year  passed  an  act  to  “ set  off”  that  tract  and  territory 
of  land  known  as  the  township  of  Kelley’s  Island  into  the  county  of  Erie. 
Thenceforth  Kelley’s  Island  became  one  of  the  townships  of  Erie  county. 
These  several  acts,  recited  in  detail,  established  the  territory  and  boundaries 
of  Erie  county  as  it  now  exists.  It  parted  company  with  Danbury  township 
in  1840,  upon  the  organization  of  Ottawa  county,  and  that  was  the  only  con- 
siderable section  of  her  territory,  a part  of  the  original  Firelands,  of  which 
she  has  been  deprived.  And  inasmuch  as  Danbury  now  formiS  a part  of  an- 
other county,  and  its  history  has  been  for  nearly  a half  century  associated  with 
such  other  county,  no  chapter  of  this  work  will  be  devoted  thereto,  but  rather 
to  the  things  and  events  of  the  territory  that  now  comprises  the  county  of 
Erie. 

It  is  appropriate  in  this  connection  to  furnish  a civil  list  of  those  who  at 
various  times  have  been  identified  with  the  administrative  affairs  of  the  county. 

CIVIL  LIST  OF  COUNTY  OFFICERS. 

Anditoi's. — 1838  to  1840,  H.  W.  Conklin;  1840  to  1841,  William  Neill;. 
1841  to  1846,  Orlando  McKnight  ; 1846  to  1850,  George  W.  Smith;  1850  to 
1852,  F.  M.  Follett ; 1852  to  1856,  Charles  H.  Botsford ; 1856  to  i860,  F.  M. 
Follett ; i860  to  1867,  George  W.  Smith;  1867  to  1881  Ebenezer  Merry; 
1881  to  1884,  Thomas  McFall ; 1884  to  1888,  William  J.  Bonn,  the  present 

incumbent 

Treasurers. — 1838  to  1841,  William  B.  Smith;  1841  to  1843,  Horace  Al- 
pin;.i843  to  1845,  Samuel  Johnson  ; 1845  to  t849.  Earl  Bill;  1849  to 
John  B.  Wilbur;  1851  to  1853,  John  W.  Sprague;  1853  to  1855,  Thomas  S. 
Fuller;  1855  to  1857,  Holly  Skinner;  1857  to  1861,  Thomas  S.  Fernald  ; 1861 
to  1865,  W.  H.  McFall;  1865  to  1871,  James  D.  Chamberlain  ; 1871  to  1873, 
James  S.  Chandler;  1873  to  1877,  James  D.  Chamberlain;  1877  to  l88i‘ 
Reuben  Turner ; 1881  to  1883,  James  Alder;  1883  to  1887,  William  Zimmer- 
man; 1887  to  1889,  James  Alder,  the  present  incumbent. 

Probate  Judges. — This  became  an  elective  office  under  the  new  constitution 
of  1852.  1852  to  1855,  Ebenezer  Andres ; 1855  to  1858,  A.  H.  Striker ; 1858 

to  January,  1861,  Rush  R.  Sloane  ; January,  1861  to  November.  1861,  F.  D. 
Parish;  November,  1861,  to  November,  1863,  George  Morton;  November, 
1863,  to  February,  1870,  A.  W.  Hendry;  February,  1870,  to  February,  1879,, 
E.  M.  Colver  ; February,  1879,  to  1888,  A.  E.  Merrill 


58 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Recorders. — 1838  to  1840,  Horace  Alpin  ; 1840  to  1844,  C.  B.  Squire;  1844 
to  1850,  Ebenezer  Merry  ; 1850  to  1854,  Charles  Wilbur;  1854  to  1862,  James 
W.  Cook  ; 1862  to  1868,  John  W.  Reid  ; 1868  to  1880,  William  A.  Till;  1880 
to  1887,  James  Flynn  ; 1887  to  1889,  John  Strickland,  the  present  incumbent. 

Sheriffs. — 1838-40,  Harvey  Long;  1840-42,  Zalmuna  Phillips;  1842-46, 
Ebenezer  Warner;  1846-48,  Isaac  Fowler;  1848-50,  Henry  D.  Ward  ; 1850- 
54,  George  W.  Smith;  1854-58,  G.  B.  Gerrard ; 1858—60,  Frederick  F.  Smith; 
1860-64,  David  S.  Worthington;  1864— 66,  Jesse  S.  Davis  ; 1866— 70,  David  S. 
Worthington;  1870-72,  Charles  H.  Botsford  ; 1872— 76,  David  S.  Worthing- 
ton; 1876-80,  M.  L.  Starr;  1880—84,  John  Strickland;  1884-88,  Thomas  A. 
Hughes,  the  present  incumbent. 

Clerks  of  the  Courts. — 1838-39,  Zenas  W.  Barker  ; 1839-55,  Rice  Harper; 
1855-61,  Horace  N.  Bill;  1861-62,  John  J.  Penfield  ; 1862-64,  George  W. 
Penfield  ; 1864-70,  George  O.  Selkirk;  1870-75,  O.  C.  McLouth ; 1875-78, 
F.  W.  Alvord  ; 1878-85,  W.  J.  Affieck  ; 1885-89,  Silas  E.  Bauder,  the  latter 
being  the  present  incumbent. 

Prosecuting  Attorneys. — 1838-40,  John  S.  Campbell  ; 1840-42,  Francis  D. 
Parish;  1842-44,  Morris  Homan;  1844-48,  S.  F.  Taylor;  1848-52,  A.  W. 
Hendry;  1852-56,  John  Mackey  ; 1856—60,  O.  C.  McLouth  ; 1860-72,  F.  W. 
Cogswell;  1872-77,  Benjamin  F.  Lee  ; 1877— 79,  Walter  W.  Bowen ; 1879-80, 
Herman  Ohly ; July,  1880,  to  January,  1881,  Walter  W.  Bowen;  1881—83, 
Grayson  Mills;  1883-88,  Cyrus  B.  Winters,  the  present  incumbent. 

Surveyors. — 1838-40,  S.  H.  Smith;  1840-41,  W.  H.  Smith;  1841—45,  J. 
B.  Darling;  1845—47,  Alvin  Brooks;  1847-50,  J.  B.  Darling;  1850-52,  A.  B. 
Foster;  1852-54,  Joel  Smith;  1854-61,  J.  B.  Darling;  1861—63,  H.  C.  Jones, 
sen.;  1863-76,  J,  B.  Darling;  1876-79,  George  Morton  ; 1879-85,  Albert  W. 
Judson;  1885-87,  Charles  S.  Ferguson;  1887-89,  Albert  W.  Judson. 

Commissioners. — Samuel  B.  Carpenter,  Nelson  Taylor,  William  B.  Craig- 
hill,  John  Fuller,  William  Gill,  Isaac  Fowler,  Philo  Adams,  Harley  Long,  Ben- 
jamin D.  Turner,  Ezra  Sprague,  Bourdette  Wood,  Harvey  Fowler,  Elihu  P. 
Hill,  Harry  Sprague,  Myron  Sexton,  Joseph  Otis,  John  P.  Dego,  John  Sum- 
mers, C.  Beardsley,  Rice  Harper,  Isaac  McKesson,  Robert  Bennett,  G.  M. 
Darling,  Calvin  Caswell,  D.  G.  Taylor,  William  H.  Crane,  E.  White,  William 
S.  Webb,  Louis  Wells,  Stark  Adams,  W.  W.  Miller,  Gustavis  Graham,  George 
W.  Cleary,  Henry  Kelley,  James  Douglass,  C.  Victor  Turner,  John  Homegard- 
ner,  John  L.  Hall,  William  Zimmerman. 

Present  Coiinty  Officers. — Probate  judge,  Albert  E.  Merrill;  recorder,  John 
Strickland;  auditor,  William  J.  Brown;  treasurer,  James  Alder;  clerk  of  the 
courts,  Silas  E.  Bauder ; sheriff,  Thomas  A.  Hughes  ; prosecuting  attorney, 
Cyrus  B.  Winters;  surveyor,  Albert  W.  Judson;  coroner,  Louis  Szendery ; 
commissioners,  James  Douglass,  John  L,  Hull,  William  Zimmerman;  infirmary 
directors,  John  Holahan,  Thomas  McVeigh,  J.  W,  Lyles  ; superintendent  of 
infirmary,  Alex  Motry. 


Topography  and  Geography. 


59 


CHAPTER  IX. 


A General  Topographical  and  Geographical  View  of  Erie  County — Its  Situation  and 
Boundaries  — Civil  Divisions. 


HE  county  of  Erie  occupies  a central  position  between  the  east  and  west 


boundary  lines  of  Ohio,  and  is  one  of  the  seven  counties  of  the  State  that 


border  on  Lake  Erie  ; and  of  these  counties  Erie  holds  that  portion  of  the  lake 
front  that  reaches  the  farthest  south.  Sandusky  county  has  a frontage  on  the 
bay,  but  nowhere  does  her  territory  touch  the  lake  proper. 

Erie  county  has  no  specially  distinguishing  physical  features.  The  surface, 
generally,  is  even,  but  here  and  there  exist  evidences  of  the  fact  that  its  whole 
surface  was  at  one  time  covered  with  water ; and  that  these  waters,  gradually 
receding,  left  what  is  known  as  a “drift,”  or  sand  ridge.  These  ridges,  al- 
though not  numerous,  are  found  in  several  townships  of  the  county. 

The  evenness  of  the  surface  of  the  land  throughout  the  county  is  the  rule,, 
and  the  exceptions  are  few.  The  most  marked  depression  exists  in  the  town- 
ship of  Huron,  where  a large  area  of  the  land  surface  lies  below  the  water  level 
of  the  lake,  and  is  subject  to  overflow  with  a rise  of  the  lake  waters  or  those 
of  the  Huron  River.  Other  than  this  there  is  but  comparatively  little  swamp 
land,  and  where  this  class  has,  in  the  past,  been  found  to  exist,  it  is  easily 
drained  into  the  streams  with  which  the  county  is  well  supplied,  and  thus 
emptied  into  the  lake. 

Erie  county  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Lake  Erie.  But  from  this  state- 
ment must  be  excepted  Kelley’s  Island,  which  now  forms  one  of  the  county’s 
townships,  and  which  is  situate  some  sixteen  miles  from  Sandusky  City,  ac- 
cording to  the  usual  route  of  boat  travel.  It  lies  nearly  due  north  from  the 
city.  The  county  is  otherwise  bounded,  east  by  Lorain  county  ; south  by 
Huron  county,  the  bounding  townships  thereof  being  Lyme,  Ridgefleld,  Nor- 
walk, Townsend,  and  Wakeman,  and  on  the  west  by  Sandusky  county. 

As  originally  created  the  county  contained  eleven  townships,  but  two  years 
later  Danbury  was  set  off  to  the  formation  of  Ottawa  county,  as  was  Kelley’s 
Island,  but  the  latter  was  erected  into  a township  while  attached  to  Ottawa, 
and  was,  at  a still  later  day  reannexed  to  Erie  agreeably  to  the  prayer  of  the 
petition  of  its  inhabitants  ; therefore  this  island  now  forms  a part  of  Erie 
county,  although  situate  some  sixteen  miles  distant  therefrom. 

Portland  township,  one  of  the  original  subdivisions  of  the  county,  and  one 
of  the  most  important  sections  of  the  same,  has  lost  all  existence  as  a town- 
ship, having  been  absorbed  by  the  extension  of  the  city  limits  of  the  county 
seat. 

Margaretta  township  occupies  the  northeast  corner  position  of  the  county 


■6o 


History  of  Erie  County. 


and  is  larger  in  area  than  any  of  the  others.  It  represents,  in  part,  Sandusky 
county’s  contribution  to  the  formation  of  Erie  county.  Its  settlement  was 
commenced  in  i8io.  Its  position,  according  to  the  original  survey,  is  town 
six,  range  twenty-four.  The  township  has  a front  on  Sandusky  Bay.  Its  sur- 
face is  inclined  to  be  rolling  or  undulating,  but  in  no  place  can  it  be  said  to  be 
hilly.  Besides  the  bay,  there  are  several  streams  that  receive  the  drainage  or 
surface  water,  the  largest  of  which  are  Mill’s  Creek  and  Cold  Creek.  This 
stream  crosses  the  township  in  a course  generally  northeast,  and  discharges  its 
waters  into  the  bay  within  the  corporate  limits  of  Sandusky  City. 

Cold  Creek  is  the  largest  of  the  streams  of  the  township,  and  lies  almost  if 
not  quite  wholly  therein.  Its  course  is  exceedingly  tortuous,  thus  affording 
drainage  to  a large  amount  of  the  township’s  area.  Little  Cold  Creek  is  trib- 
utary to  the  greater  stream,  but  an  attempt  to  utilize  their  united  waters  for 
milling  purposes  some  years  ago,  made  the  larger  tributary  to  the  less.  This 
was  the  result  of  building  a dam  across  Cold  Creek.  Margaretta  is  bounded 
north  by  Sandusky  Bay ; east  by  Sandusky  City  (formerly  Portland  township) 
and  Perkins  township ; south  by  Groton  township,  and  west  by  Sandusky 
county,  and  in  part  by  the  irregular  shore  line  of  the  bay.  The  township,  is, 
perhaps,  more  irregular  in  formation  than  any  of  the  county’s  subdivisions, 
having,  at  the  extreme  northwest  corner  a projecting  strip  of  land,  running 
westward,  and  from  one  to  two  miles  in  width. 

Groton  township  lies  south  of  Margaretta,  east  of  Sandusky  county,  north 
-of  Lyme  township,  of  Huron  county,  and  west  of  Oxford.  In  the  survey  it 
appears  as  town  number  five,  range  twenty-four.  The  surface  is  as  level,  gen- 
erally, as  any  part  of  the  county,  having  much  of  a prairie  appearance.  It  is 
drained  almost  wholly  by  Mill’s  Creek,  which  stream  has  its  source  in  Huron 
county,  crosses  this  township  in  a course  substantially  northeast,  and  passes 
into  Margaretta  township  on  the  north. 

Portland  township,  the  smallest  in  area  of  Erie  county,  but  of  as  great  im- 
portance as  any,  is  to  the  county  a thing  of  the  past.  Its  whole  area  is  now 
included  within  the  limits  of  Sandusky  city.  The  surface  is  quite  level,  but  from 
the  lake  shore  is  a gradual  ascent  as  a south  course  is  pursued.  Mill’s  Creek, 
is  the  main  water  course  of  Portland  and  near  its  mouth  forms  a small  bay, 
from  which  its  waters  reach  the  greater  bay.  Old  Portland,  for  it  may  now 
be  so  called,  is  south  of  Sandusky  Bay,  west  of  Huron,  north  of  Perkins  and 
east  of  Margaretta. 

Perkins  township  lies  immediately  south  of  Sandusky  City,  and  in  the  sur- 
vey of  the  Eirelands  is  town  number  six,  range  twenty-three.  Its  surface  is  quite 
as  level  as  any  of  the  townships  of  the  county.  The  land  is  slightly  undulating 
with  a long  and  steady  roll  on  the  summits,  if  such  they  may  be  called,  well 
defined  though  not  extensive  sand  ridges.  The  most  depressed  localities  are 
swale-like  but  there  are  no  swamp  lands  unfit  for  agricultural  purposes.  Perkins 


Topography  and  Geography. 


6i 


is  watered  and  drained  by  the  waters  of  two  or  three  small  streams,  the  largest 
of  which  is  Mill’s  Creek,  and  this  in  extremely  dry  weather  is  barren  of  water. 
The  boundaries  of  Perkins  township  are,  north,  Portland  and  Sandusky  City ; 
east,  Huron  ; south,  Oxford,  and  west  Margaretta.  The  township  is  in  a near- 
ly square  form,  its  former  irregular  lines  having  been  made  straight. 

Oxford  lies  south  of  Perkins,  east  of  Groton,  north  of  Huron  county  (Ridge- 
field township)  and  west  of  Milan  township.  Its  surface  formation  is  much  like 
that  of  Perkins,  except  that  its  streams  are  larger  and  in  the  vicinity  of  them 
the  land  is  more  uneven.  The  Huron  River  crosses  the  southeast  corner  and 
the  township  is  otherwise  watered  by  Crab  Apple  Creek  in  the  western  and  Mill’s 
Creek  in  the  northern  part.  Range  twenty-three,  township  number  five  is  the 
geographical  position  of  Oxford  in  the  original  survey. 

Huron  township  borders  upon  the  lake  and  in  east  and  west  measurement 
is  as  great  as  any  of  the  county.  It  has  the  outline  form  of  a trapezoid,  the 
east  and  west  boundaries  being  parallel.  Huron  formerly  comprised  a vast 
tract  of  swamp  or  marsh  lands,  but  ditching  and  draining  have  relieved  it  of 
much  of  its  swampy  characteristics,  still  there  is  a large  tract  of  unavailable  land 
within  its  bounds,  especially  situate  along  the  bay  and  lake  front  and  the  valley 
of  the  Huron  River.  This  stream  is  the  most  important  of  the  county.  Its 
source  is  in  Crawford,  Richland  and  Huron  counties  ; thence  it  crosses  the  last 
named,  enters  Erie  in  the  southern  part  of  Oxford  township,  courses  east  by 
north  into  Milan  which  it  intersects,  running  northeasterly  and  enters  Huron 
township,  which  it  crosses  in  a course  generally  north,  though  exceedingly  de- 
vious and  winding  in  some  localities,  and  discharges  its  waters  into  Lake  Erie  at 
the  site  of  the  village  of  Huron.  Saw-mill  Creek,  so  named  from  the  utiliza- 
ation  of  its  waters  for  saw-mill  and  other  manufacturing  purposes,  is  the  only 
other  stream  of  note  within  the  township.  It  was  formerly  fed  by  drainage 
water  from  the  lands  bordering  upon  it,  but  when  ditching  and  draining  was  re- 
sorted to  as  a means  of  carrying  off  drain  water  quickly,  much  of  the  utility  of 
Saw-mill  Creek  was  destroyed.  Huron  township  lies  north  of  Milan  and  Berlin, 
east  of  Perkins  and  Portland,  south  of  the  bay  and  lake,  and  west  of  that  por- 
tion of  Berlin  that  e.xtends  to  the  lake.  Huron  is  in  range  twenty-two  and 
numbered  town  six.  Milan  township  occupies  a position  in  the  county  nearly 
in  its  geographical  center,  and  is,  moreover,  one  of  the  most  important  of  the 
county’s  townships.  It  became  prominent  when  this  was  a part  of  Huron 
county,  from  the  fact  of  its  being  the  location  of  the  county  seat.  In  the  Fire- 
lands  survey  it  was  town  number  five,  range  twenty-two.  Its  surface  is  uni- 
form with  a gradual  roll  except  in  the  valley  of  Huron  River  and  the  several 
rivulets  of  the  township  that  empty  into  that  river.  These  afford  an  excellent 
natural  drainage  for  the  surplus  waters  of  the  territory  ; therefore  but  compar- 
atively little  artificial  draining  and  ditching  has  been  found  necessary.  The 
Huron  enters  the  township  from  Huron  county  near  the  southwest  section,  thence 
9 


62 


History  of  Erie  County. 


flows  in  a generally  northeast  direction,  intersecting  the  township,  and  passes 
into  Huron  township  near  Milan’s  northeast  quarter.  The  course  of  the  Huron 
is  sufficiently  tortuous  to  drain  a large  area  of  the  township.  The  boundaries 
of  Milan  township  are  as  follows:  North,  Huron;  east,  Berlin;  south,  Huron 
county,  and  west,  Oxford  township  of  Erie  county. 

The  township  of  Berlin,  number  five  in  range  twenty-one,  occupies  a strip 
or  tract  of  land  extending  from  the  lake  on  the  north  to  the  north  line  of  Huron 
county  on  the  south  ; therefore  it  covers  the  entire  north  and  south  measure- 
ment of  Erie  county.  The  township  was  originally  known  as  Eldridge, 
so  namei  for  one  of  the  original  proprietors  of  the  land,  but  on  account  of 
some  questionable  transactions  on  the  part  of  that  person  the  name  was 
changed,  the  people  thereof  not  wishing  their  territory  to  be  named  for  one 
to  whom  any  odium  was  attached.  In  the  first  survey  Berlin  contained 
twenty-five  square  miles,  but  by  the  acquisition  of  a block  of  land  on  the 
north  its  territory  was  extended  to  Lake  Erie,  thus  giving  the  township  a 
lake  front.  Its  north  boundary  is  Lake  Erie  ; east,  the  townships  of  Vermil- 
lion and  Elorence  ; south,  Huron  county,  and  west  the  townships  of  Huron  and 
Milan  of  this  county.  In  the  lake  region  the  land  surface  is  broken,  rugged 
and  slightly  inclined  to  be  hilly,  not  naturally  so,  however,  but  by  the  ages  of 
time  during  which  the  waters  of  the  lake  have  left  their  mark,  and  gradually 
receding  have  given  this  locality  the  appearance  of  being  hilly.  This  action 
of  time  and  the  elements  is  also  noticeable  in  the  vicinity  of  the  streams  of  the 
locality  which  have  cut  and  washed  their  way  down  into  the  soft  soils  of  the 
township.  There  are  points  in  Berlin  township  where  the  land  has  an  altitude 
of  nearly  one  hundred  feet  above  the  present  lake  level,  but  at  these  places  is 
also  discernible  the  drift  formation  showing  the  action  of  the  waters  hundreds 
of  years  ago.  The  principal  water  courses  of  the  township  are  La  Chapelle  and 
Old  Woman’s  Creeks. 

Vermillion  is  the  northeast  corner  township  of  Erie  county.  While  gen- 
erally its  surface  maybe  classed  as  level,  there  are  nevertheless  areas  of  broken 
and  uneven  lands  clearly  showing  the  drift  formation  on  the  ridges  left  by  re- 
tiring waters.  Elsewhere  are  what  are  known  as  lowlands.  Vermillion  abuts 
upon  Lake  Erie,  which  forms  its  north  boundary.  In  this  locality  the  most 
broken  and  rugged  lands  of  the  township  exist.  The  Vermillion  River,  the 
main  stream  of  the  township,  has  its  headwaters  in  Ashland  and  Huron  counties 
whence  it  flows  across  the  southeastern  part  of  Florence  township  and  thence 
passes  into  Lorain  county  on  the  east.  Here  it  curves  gradually  to  the  north 
and  northeast  and  returns  again  to  this  county,  entering  Vermillion  in  its  north- 
east section  and  discharges  into  Lake  Erie  at  the  village  of  Vermillion.  The 
township  is  traversed  by  two  other  and  smaller  streams.  La  Chapelle  and  Sugar 
Creeks.  In  the  survey  Vermillion  is  numbered  town  six  of  range  twenty.  Its 
north  boundary  is  Lake  Erie  ; east,  Lorain  county  ; south,  Florence  and  a part 
of  Berlin,  and  west  Berlin  township. 


Locating  the  County  Seat. 


63 


The  township  of  Florence,  the  most  remote  from  the  county  seat  of  any  of 
the  subdivisions  of  Erie  county  excepting  only  Kelley’s  Island,  is  located  in 
the  southeast  corner  of  the  county,  being  bounded  on  the  east  by  Lorain 
county,  south  by  Huron  county,  west  by  Berlin  township,  and  north  by  Ver- 
million township.  In  the  survey  it  is  town  number  five  of  range  twenty.  Its 
physical  features  are  not  materially  different  from  other  townships  in  this  re- 
gion, gently  rolling  but  with  no  hill- like  formations.  Sand  ridges  crown  the 
higher  elevations,  and  are  elsewhere  noticeable.  The  streams  of  Florence  are 
the  Vermillion  River,  which  crosses  its  southeastern  portion,  the  creek  La  Cha- 
pelle,  and  a few  small  runs  of  no  prominence. 

Kelley’s  Island  became  a township  of  Erie  county  in  the  year  1845.  Prior 
thereto  it  formed  a part  of  Ottawa  county,  and  while  so  attached  was  made  a 
township.  After  being  annexed  to  Erie  county  the  island  was  made  a munici- 
pality, and  as  such  now  exists.  It  was  originally  called,  and  elsewhere  in  this 
work  is  referred  to  as  Cunningham’s  Island.  This  forms  no  part  of  the  old 
Firelands,  but  comes  into  prominence  as  the  “Vineyard  of  the  Lake.’’  It  is  sit- 
uated in  north  latitude  forty-one  degrees  and  thirty  five  minutes,  and  west  lon- 
gitude from  Washington,  D.  C.,  five  degrees  and  forty-two  minutes.  It  is  well 
located,  well  watered,  well  improved  and  well  populated. 

This  island  and  the  other  civil  divisions  of  the  county  are  each  Jmade  the 
subjects  of  special  chapters  in  this  work,  where  they  and  their  people,  their 
manufactories  and  productions  will  be  fully  mentioned  and  described. 


CHAPTER  X. 


Locating  the  County-Seat  — Sites  Offered  — Incidents  — Sandusky  Chosen  — The  First 
-Court-house  — Change  of  County-Seat  Threatened  — Permanent  House  of  Justice  Provided — 
The  Tardy  Proprietors  — Some  Notable  Cases  Tried  — The  First  and  Only  Murderer  Execut- 
ed in  Erie  County  — The  Old  Jail — Present  County  Buildings. 

The  location  of  the  seat  of  justice  of  Erie  county  at  Sandusky  City  was 
more  the  result  of  accident  than  otherwise.  Some  people  are  inclined  to 
remember  it  as  a providential  act,  while  others,  more  practical,  perhaps,  have 
chosen  to  attribute  its  location  at  that  place  to  good  luck.  Whichever  may  be 
correct  is  of  no  material  importance  now,  but  the  incident  at  the  time®was  of 
the  most  vital  importance  to  the  town. 

Three  places  were  presented  to  the  consideration  of  the  commission  — San- 
dusky, Huron  and  Milan.  The  first — Sandusky — claimed  it  on  the  ground  that 
that  place  was  the  metropolis  of  the  county,  having  the  greatest  population,  be- 


64 


History  of  Erie  County. 


ing  more  accessible,  and  having  facilities  by  land  and  by  water  that  were  pos- 
sessed by  no  other  location.  The  people  of  Huron  argued  that  their  town  was 
even  better  than  Sandusky,  their  location  equally  central,  their  lake  advantages 
better,  and  the  site,  by  every  necessary  consideration,  much  more  desirable  than 
the  others.  Milan,  or  Abbott’s  Corners,  sought  through  the  efforts  of  the  people 
of  that  neighborhood  to  impress  the  commissioners  with  the  availability  of  their 
site,  and  not  without  sound  argument.  This  had  been  fora  short  time  the  seat 
of  justice  of  Huron  county.  It  was  more  central  than  the  other  towns  sug- 
gested, and  was  equally  accessible  by  water  through  the  canal,  and  more  ac- 
cessible by  land  as  it  lay  nearer  the  geographical  center  of  the  county. 

In  due  course  of  time  the  worthy  commissioners  visited  the  several  sites 
proposed,  and  it  was  while  on  this  tour  of  investigation  that  the  events  occurred 
that  turned  the  tide  of  sentiment  in  favor  of  the  village  of  Sandusky.  Milan,, 
or  Abbott’s  Corners,  was  out  of  the  question.  While  at  Huron,  so  it  is  said, 
the  champions  of  that  site  showed  the  commissioners  the  beauties  and  natural 
advantages  of  the  town  and  location,  and  endeavored  to,  and  in  fact  did  im- 
press them  favorably.  The  harbor  was  all  it  was  represented  to  be,  but  unfort- 
unately, while  urging  their  own  as  the  best  location  they  correspondingly  en- 
larged upon  the  disadvantages  of  Sandusky,  so  that  when  the  commissioners 
came  here  they  did  so  with  a prejudice  against  it.  And  it  is  a known  fact  that 
at  least  two  of  the  three  commissioners  were  in  favor  of  Huron  as  against  San- 
dusky. But  while  viewing  the  attractions  of  Huron  and  vicinity  a hard  wind 
storm,  a genuine  “nor’  easter’’  suddenly  arose  and  blew  the  lake  waters  back 
into  the  channel  of  Huron  River,  thus  flooding  the  locality,  and  for  a time  mak- 
ing it  impossible  for  the  worthy  site  finders  to  reach  their  hotel. 

This  trio  next  visited  Sandusky,  but  as  has  been  stated,  with  a prejudice 
against  the  place.  There  was  in  fact  a somewhat  unfortunate  condition  of  affairs 
here  regarding  the  lands.  They  were  in  dispute,  and  while  there  was  no  open 
rupture,  there  were  threatenings  of  litigation  in  certain  quarters,  enough  to  make 
doubtful  the  feasibility  of  locating  upon  them  the  county- seat.  But  at  Huron 
the  commission  had  been  informed  that  the  waters  of  the  bay  were  shallow;  too 
shallow  to  make  Sandusky  a safe,  snug  hafbor  for  the  lake  vessels,  and  this  was 
the  objection  in  part  raised  by  the  Huron  people.  These  objections  were  fixed 
in  the  minds  of  the  commissioners,  and  were  of  such  a nature  as  required  evi- 
dence to  remove. 

But  the  same  gale  of  wind  that  injured  Huron  had  favored  Sandusky.  Dur- 
ing its  greatest  severity  the  brig  Julia  Palmer  had  sought  refuge  in  the  bay 
of  Sandusky,  the  waters  of  which  were  swollen  by  the  force  of  the  wind,  and 
when  the  next  morning  the  commissioners  looked  from  their  hotel  windows  out 
upon  the  waters  there  stood,  safely  moored,  the  brig.  Where,  then,  was  the  ob- 
jection raised  by  the  Huron  people  ? The  Julia  Palmer  'nz.?,  one  of  the  larg- 
est of  the  lake  vessels,  and  still  she  rode  safely.  This  fact,  with  a more  potent 


Locating  the  County  Seat. 


65 


influence  (a  rare  imported  brand),  brought  to  bear  by  Major  Camp,  soon  settled 
the  question  in  favor  of  Sandusky  as  the  county-seat  of  the  county  of  Erie.  ;But 
again,  the  land  proprietors  here,  during  the  days  in  which  the  subject  of  erect- 
ing a new  county  was  being  discussed,  were  making  provision  for  the  same  and 
the  consequent  county  buildings,  as  will  be  shovvn  by  a promise  in  writing  made 
by  them  in  October,  1835,  three  years  before  the  act  creating  the  county  was 
passed.  It  read  as  follows  : 

“ The  subscribers  do  hereby  pledge  themselves  that  in  case  a new  county  be 
organized  with  the  seat  of  justice  established  at  Sandusky,  we  will  furnish  all 
necessary  public  buildings  for  the  use  of  said' new  county,  free  of  all  expense  to 
the  county,  for  five  years  next  following  its  organization.”  Signed  by  John  G. 
Camp,  Thomas  Neill,  William  I.  Reece,  Isaac  Mills,  Z.  Wildman  ; all  per  J.  G> 
Camp. 

One  of  the  first  duties  that  devolved  upon  the  board  of  commissioners  was 
to  make  some  provision  for  a building  for  the  purpose  of  holding  courts,  and 
for  quarters  for  county  officers.  The  officers  were  chosen  on  the  day  fixed  for 
the  first  election.  May  7,  1838,  and  Samuel  B.  Carpenter,  Nelson  Taylor  and 
William  B.  Craighill  were  elected  commissioners  ; Hiram  W.  Conklin,  auditor; 
William  B.  Smith,  treasurer. 

At  one  of  the  first  meetings  of  the  commissioners  the  following  resolution 
was  adopted : 

“Whereas,  The  commissioners  of  Erie  county  have  understood  that  the 
proprietors  of  the  town  of  Sandusky  have  promised  and  agreed  to  furnish  build- 
ings for  county  purposes  for  the  county  of  Erie  for  the  term  of  five  years. 

“And,  whereas,  the  situation  of  the  affairs  of  said  county  in  relation  to 
county  buildings  requires  that  we  should  know,  if  any,  what  agreements  and 
arrangements  have  been  made  by  said  proprietors,  and  what  they  are  willing 
to  do  in  relation  thereto,  therefore, 

“ Resolved,  That  the  auditor  of  Erie  county  is  hereby  directed  to  corre- 
spond with  said  proprietors  in  relation  to  their  furnishing  buildings;  what  steps 
they  have  taken  to  furnish  the  same,  and  what  they  are  willing  to  do;  and  that 
said  auditor  report  the  same  to  the  commissioners  on  the  first  Monday  in  June 
next.” 

In  compliance  with  this  direction  the  auditor  did  correspond  with  the  pro- 
prietors, which  resulted  in  the  renewed  promise  or  pledge  heretofore  referred 
to,  but  not  until  some  delay  had  been  made. 

»The  first  Court  of  Common  Pleas  of  the  county  was  ordered  by  the  Legis- 
lature to  be  held  on  the  second  Monday  in  December  next  following  the  time 
of  the  passage  of  the  act  that  created  the  county,  and  against  this  time  the  com- 
missioners must  provide  a place  for  the  holding  thereof 

The  First  Court-House. — There  was  built  just  west  of  the  present  High 
School,  some  years  earlier  than  the  period  the  events  of  which  we  have  been 


66 


History  of  Erie  County. 


discussing,  intended  at  the  time  to  be  put  to  be  put  to  the  uses  of  education,  a 
stone  building  of  fair  proportions,  two  stories  in  height,  but  in  1838  in  an  in- 
complete state. 

The  worthy  land  proprietors  of  Sandusky  were  great  projectors  ; they 
wished  to  encourage  growth,  development,  industry  and  all  public  improve- 
ments, but  when  it  came  to  putting  their  individual  shoulder  to  the  wheel  and 
furnishing  means  for  the  carrying  out  of  any  enterprise  they  were  decidedly 
wanting ; they  wished  everything  to  be  done  but  disliked  to  do  anything. 
And  it  was  this  unfortunate  inactivity  on  their  part  that  came  near  losing  to 
Sandusky  city  the  original  location  of  county  buildings,  and  two  years  later 
was  the  cause  of  much  further  agitation  of  the  question  of  removal;  and  it  was 
only  through  the  prompt  and  decisive  action  of  the  residents  of  the  town  that 
the  county  seat  was  retained  in  its  present  city. 

The  stone  building  referred  to  was  projected  in  part  by  the  proprietors,  and 
in  part  by  the  enterprising  residents  of  Sandusky,  who  desired  a commodious 
school-house  or  academy  in  a central  location.  To  its  construction  the  peo- 
ple largely  contributed.  At  the  time  of  the  location  of  the  county  seat  this 
building  was  not  finished,  only  the  lower  floor  being  completed,  in  which  school 
was  held.  It  was  this  structure,  then,  that  was  proposed  to  be  used  for  court- 
house and  county  purposes. 

The  first  term  of  court  was  held  in  December,  1838,  as  provided  by  the  act 
of  the  Legislature  organizing  the  county.  And  while  this  building  was  so 
used  for  a period  of  two  years,  or  perhaps  a little  less,  there  was  no  move  on 
the  part  of  the  proprietors  to  vest  the  title  to  the  same  in  the  county.  This 
led  to  further  discussion  and  agitation  of  the  question  of  removal  of  the  county 
seat  to  some  other  point;  and,  moreover,  led  to  the  passage  of  an  “ enabling 
act  ” authorizing  such  removal,  but  coupled  with  a condition,  as  will  be  seen 
by  the  act  itself,  as  follows  : 

“There  shall  be  commissioners  appointed  agreeably  to  an  act  entitled  ‘An 
act  for  the  establishment  of  seats  of  justice,’  to  review  the  seat  of  justice  of  Erie 
county  and  remove  the  same,  if  in  their  opinion  the  public  interest  requires  it; 
but  it  shall  not  be  lawful  for  said  commissioners  to  locate  the  seat  of  justice  at 
any  place  other  than  its  present  location  unless  the  proprietors  of  the  lands,  or 
individuals,  shall  furnish  the  county  of  Erie  with  a good  and  valid  title,  in  fee 
simple  to  such  lands,  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  erection  of  all  public  build- 
ings ; and  shall  also  erect  good  and  suitable  public  buildings,  equal  to  those  in 
Elyria,  Lorain  county,  without  expense  or  levy  of  a tax  in  said  county  of 
Erie.” 

This  act  seems  to  have  somewhat  opened  the  eyes  of  the  tardy  proprietors, 
but  not  until  the  citizens  had  come  to  the  rescue,  and  by  their  bond  pledged 
themselves  to  provide  for  the  necessities  of  the  county.  At  a meeting  of  the 
county  commissioners  held  June  3,  1840,  the  following  journal  entry  appears: 


Locating  the  County  Seat. 


67 


“ Whereas,  the  commissioners  appointed  by  the  Legislature  of  this  State 
to  review  and  remove  the  seat  of  justice  of  Erie  county,  if,  in  their  opinion, 
the  public  interests  required  it,  have  on  full  examination  decided  and  found 
that  the  public  interests  did  and  does  not  require  such  removal,  and 

“ Whereas,  in  order  to  prevent  the  removal  of  the  seat  of  justice  by  said 
commissioners,  F.  D.  Parish,  A.  H.  Barber,  Charles  Barney,  Samuel  Moss, 
Moses  Farewell,  John  Wheeden,  W.  H.  Hollister,  William  B.  Smith,  L.  S. 
Beecher,  John  Beatty,  John  G.  Camp,  E.  Cook,  S.  B.  Caldwell  and  David 
Campbell  executed  and  delivered  to  the  commissioners  of  the  said  county  of 
Erie  their  joint  and  several  bond  in  the  sum  of  fifteen  thousand  dollars,  dated 
May  II,  1840,  conditioned  for  the  furnishing  to  and  for  the  said  county,  with- 
in two  years  from  April  i,  1840,  good  and  sufficient  public  buildings,  such  as 
a court-house,  public  offices  and  jail,  without  expense  or  the  levy  of  a tax  in 
said  county,  and, 

“ Whereas,  the  most  of  the  proprietors  of  the  stone  building  now  occupied 
by  the  county  as  and  for  a court-house  and  offices,  situate  on  the  east  block 
of  the  land  appropriated  and  set  apart  by  the  original  proprietors  of  Sandusky 
city  for  county  and  other  public  buildings,  have  this  day  delivered  to  the  com- 
missioners of  said  county  a deed  of  conveyance  of  said  building,  to  be  holden 
and  used  by  said  county  for  a court-house  and  offices  forever,  containing  a 
covenant  of  warranty  of  the  title  of  the  same  against  all  claims  whatsoever. 

“ Now,  therefore,  we,  the  commissioners  of  the  county  of  Erie  aforesaid,  do 
now  accept  and  receive  for  the  county,  for  a court-house  and  offices,  the  said 
building  in  fulfillment  and  satisfaction  of  the  condition  of  the  above  mentioned 
bond  of  F.  D.  Parish  and  others,  so  far  as  the  same  has  reference  to  and  stip- 
ulates for  the  furnishing  of  a court-house  and  public  offices,  and  land  on  which 
to  erect  the  same,  on  condition  that  the  obligors  of  said  bond  shall  erect  a 
portico  across  the  north  side  of  said  building,  not  less  than  twelve  feet  wide, 
and  extend  up  to  the  floor  of  the  third  story,  and  covered  with  a deep  floor,  and 
surrounded  with  a hand-rail  and  bannisters,  and  a portion  to  be  enclosed  at 
each  end,  and  stairs  to  be  erected  to  extend  from  the  first  to  the  second  story; 
and  subject  to  such  other  internal  arrangements  as  the  commissioners  shall 
hereafter  direct  and  adopt ; and  also  remove  the  partition  in  the  second  story, 
and  lay  a floor  over  the  present  stairway  so  that  the  court-room  will  extend 
over  the  whole  of  the  second  story.” 

The  latter  portion  of  this  instrument  was  subsequently  modified  in  rela- 
tion to  the  construction  of  the  “ portico  ” and  stairways,  and  provision  made 
for  a semi-circular  portico  with  circular  stairs. 

The  deed  from  the  proprietors  of  the  land  and  the  shareholders  of  the 
“ stone  building,”  bears  the  date  of  May  14,  1842,  and  is  made  upon  the  ex- 
press condition  that  the  county  seat  be  not  removed  from  Sandusky  city. 
The  deed  was  signed  and  executed  by  the  following  named  persons : W.  H. 


■68 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Mills,  David  Campbell,  S.  B.  Caldwell,  A.  P.  Tower,  William  B.  Smith,  Will- 
iam H.  Hunter,  I.  N.  Davidson,  G.  S.  Dowel,  Josiah  W.  Hollister,  James  Hol- 
lister, by  attorney,  R.  I.  Jennings,  M.  A.  Bradley,  S.  C.  Moss,  Elentheros 
Cooke,  Moses  P'arewell,  John  N.  Sloane,  L.  S.  Beecher,  John  G.  Camp,  F.  D. 
Parish,  F.  S.  Wildman,  Nathan  Starr,  John  Wearn,  Thomas  Neill,  Isaac  Mills, 
by  attorney,  J.  A.  Mills,  James  Foman,  Thomas  T.  White,  William  Null,  Oran 
Follett,  E.  S.  Gregg,  Burr  Higgins,  W.  Townsend,  E.  B.  Johnson,  Martin  Ellis 
and  I.  Darling. 

These,  then,  were  the  vicissitudes  and  vexations  experienced  by  the  inhab- 
itants of  Sandusky  before  the  seat  of  justice  became  permanently  eatablished 
at  that  city.  For  a period  of  nearly  fifty  years  this  building,  though  not  orig- 
inally intended  as  such,  served  the  purposes  of  the  county  as  a hall  of  justice. 
Could  a record  of  each  and  every  case,  civil  and  criminal,  tried  and  argued 
within  its  walls  be  made,  what  an  interest  would  it  create.  Here  was  tried, 
convicted  and  sentenced  to  be  hanged  the  only  murderer  ever  executed  within 
the  bounds  of  Erie  county.  James  Evans,  a crippled  tailor,  was  the  man,  and 
the  sentence  of  death  was  executed  upon  him  for  the  wilful,  deliberate  murder 
of  John  Ritter.  Counsellor  L.  S.  Beecher  defended  this  man,  while  the  firm 
of  Parish  & Sadler  were  special  prosecutors  for  the  people.  The  case  is  well 
remembered  by  old  lawyers. 

Then,  again,  was  the  famous  case  of  Eockwood  and  others  against  Wild- 
man and  others,  involving  the  title  to  the  lands  on  which  stands  the  city  of 
Sandusky.  This  was,  perhaps,  the  most  important  civil  case  ever  tried  in  Erie 
county.  For  the  plaintiffs  were  counsellors  C.  L.  Boalt,  George  Reber  and 
Judge  Peter  Hitchcock,  while  the  defendants’  interests  were  guarded  by  Messrs. 
Parish  & Sadler,  L.  S Beecher,  Pitt  Cook  and  others.  The  case  was  reviewed 
by  the  Appellate  Court  in  1844,  and  a decree  granted  for  the  plaintiffs,  but 
there  being  other  questions  and  considerations  arising  in  the  case  that  were  not 
tried  and  reviewed,  a compromise  was  effected  and  the  case  settled  notwith- 
standing the  decree  of  the  Supreme  Court  sitting  in  bank. 

The  case  of  Lockwood  against  Mitchell  was  one  that  attracted  considera- 
ble attention  at  the  time,  and  was  on  the  docket  for  nearly  twenty  years.  This 
was  a land  case  and  involved  the  title  of  a tract  in  Milan  township.  The  plain- 
tiff was  represented  by  Judge  Stone  and  Judge  Swaine,  while  the  defendant’s 
attorney  was  Homer  Goodwin,  esq. 

The  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Railroad  Company  and  the  Cleve- 
land, Sandusky  and  Cincinnati  Railroad  Company  became  involved  in  a liti- 
gation over  the  question  of  the  right  of  one  railway  to  lay  a track  across  that 
of  another.  This  case  will  be  remembered  as  one  of  the  most  closely  con- 
tested of  the  many  tried  in  this  county.  The  plaintiffs  were  virtually  success- 
ful. Their  interests  were  represented  by  Homer  Goodwin,  associated  with 
Counsellor  Mason,  and  Messrs.  Bowman,  Prindle  & Scott  represented  the  other 
side. 


Locating  the  County  Seat. 


69 


In  the  action  of  Sloane  versus  Beimiller,  the  issue  involved  the  question  of 
the  right  of  a shore  owner  to  control  the  fishing  privileges  of  the  bay  or  lake 
waters  opposite  his  property.  The  decision  was  that  he  had  no  right  to  so 
control.  In  this  case  Mr.  Goodwin  appeared  for  the  plaintiff,  and  Counselors 
Dougherty  and  Root  for  the  defense. 

Another  important  action  was  that  growing  out  of  the  loss  in  a terrible 
storm  on  Lake  Erie,  of  the  schooner  Ellen  Marr,  laden  at  this  port  with  wheat 
consigned  to  Buffalo.  The  owner  of  the  wheat  sued  the  owners  of  the  boat 
for  the  loss  of  the  cargo,  upon  the  ground  that  the  loss  was  in  consequence  of 
over-loading,  which  was,  they  claimed,  mismanagement,  and  for  which  they 
were  liable.  Not  only  was  the  boat  and  cargo  lost  but  the  entire  crew  per- 
ished with  her.  In  this  case  were  Parish  & Sadler,  and  Beecher  & Campbell, 
they  being  about  the  only  practicing  lawyers  in  the  county  at  the  time,  Mr. 
Elentheros  Cooke  having  practically  retired  from  the  profession  to  engage  in 
politics,  and  in  this  field  he  was,  for  many  years,  a prominent,  central  figure. 

Another  of  the  early  and  somewhat  important  criminal  cases  was  the  Bris- 
tol robbery  case,  out  of  which  grew  three  trials,  and  created  considerable  in- 
terest at  the  time.  This  was  during  the  incumbency  of  Counsellor  E.  W. 
Cogswell  in  office  of  district  attorney  of  the  county.  The  prisoners,  of  whom 
there  were  four  or  five,  were  defended  by  Counselors  Homer  Goodwin  and 
Northway. 

The  State  against  Gilchrist,  the  prisoner  being  charged  with  the  murder  of 
one  Philo,  was  another  of  the  thousands  of  cases  tried  in  the  old  court-house. 
In  this  the  county’s  prosecutor  was  assisted  by  C.  B.  Squire,  esq.,  an  attorney 
during  the  infant  days  of  the  county,  while  the  defense  was  conducted  by 
Messrs.  L.  S.  Beecher  and  J.  M.  Root.  The  prisoner  was  indicted  for  murder, 
but  the  court  accepted  a plea  of  guilty  to  a crime  of  less  magnitude.  The  de- 
fendant, Gilchrist  was  sentenced  to  imprisonment  for  a term  of  years. 

Such,  then,  is  a brief  mention  of  a few  of  the  thousands  of  cases  that  have 
occupied  the  time  and  attention  of  the  court,  the  counselors  and  the  juries  that, 
from  time  to  time,  have  been  connected  with  the  old  court-house,  now  a thing 
of  the  past.  The  old  building  is  gone  and  not  a trace  of  its  existence  is  now 
visible,  save  only  in  its  past  record. 

But  it  was  not  alone  the  court-house  building  that  engaged  the  attention 
of  the  first  board  of  county  commissioners,  as  provision  had  to  be  made  for  a 
place  of  confinement  for  offenders  ; and  this  was  one  of  the  things  for  the  fur- 
nishing of  which  the  proprietors  and  likewise  the  citizens  were  pledged.  P'or 
this  purpose  on  the  8th  day  of  November,  1841,  Isaac  Mills,  one  of  the  pro- 
prietors, executed  his  deed  of  conveyance  to  the  county,  for  jail  purposes,  a 
lot  on  Jackson  street,  numbered  eighteen.  This  deed,  however,  was  not  pre- 
sented to  the  commissioners  until  the  21st  of  January,  1842.  On  this  lot  was 
built  the  first  county  jail.  It  was  erected  at  the  expense,  mainly,  of  the  citi- 
10 


70 


History  of  Erie  County. 


zens  of  the  town  of  Sandusky,  and  was  accepted  by  the  commissioners  on  July 
2,  1842.  This  property  was  sold  in  1883  to  George  Brown  and  Adam  Feick, 
for  the  sum  of  three  thousand  four  hundred  dollars. 

At  length,  as  the  population  and  wealth  of  the  city  increased,  it  became 
necessary  that  new  county  buidings  should  be  provided  ; buildings  more  in 
keeping  with  the  modern,  substantial  and  elegant  structures  of  various  kinds 
that  were  then  standing  around  the  public  square  and  other  business  streets  of 
the  city  ; such  as  would  not  only  be  an  ornament  but  an  honor  to  the  county 
seat  and  to  the  county. 

The  New  Court-House. — The  first  definite  action  looking  to  this  end  was 
taken  by  the  board  of  county  commissioners  at  their  meeting  held  January  4, 
1871,  upon  which  occasion  that  body  declared  their  intention  of  building  a 
new  court-house  on  the  site  of  the  old  building  unless  some  other  location  be 
agreed  upon  ; and  inviting  petitions  and  remonstrances  regarding  the  matter, 
to  be  heard  and  acted  upon  on  the  7th  of  March  following. 

Upon  the  occasion  designated  the  board  proceeded  to  examine  the  several 
communications  presented,  of  which  there  were  five,  containing  an  aggregate 
of  three  hundred  and  forty- five  signatures,  all  in  favor  of  the  contemplated 
■erection  and  none  opposed  thereto.  One  of  these  bore  the  names  of  sixteen 
members  of  the  legal  profession.  From  that  time  the  various  proceedings  of 
the  commissioners  in  the  matter  may  be  summarized  as  follows: 

March  9,  1871.  Commissioners  direct  William  S.  Webb  and  the  county 
auditor,  Ebenezer  Merry,  to  visit  different  county  seats  and  examine  county 
buildings  with  a view  to  the  selection  of  a suitable  model  for  that  of  Erie 
county,  and  report  the  result  of  their  investigations. 

May  31,  1871.  The  board  visited  Mansfield,  O.,  to  examine  the  court- 
house at  that  place. 

June  5,  1871.  The  board  adopted  the  plan  offered  by  Myers  & Holmes, 
of  Cleveland,  and  made  contract  with  them  to  furnish  plans  and  specifications 
upon  which  the  work  should  be  done. 

July  21.  William  S.  Webb  directed  to  proceed  to  Cincinnati  and  ascer- 
tain and  report  the  best  system  for  heating  the  new  court-house. 

August  10.  Plans  and  specifications  of  Myers  & Holmes  adopted  and  ap- 
proved, after  examination  by  the  commissioners,  clerk,  sheriff  and  probate 
judge.  Paid  Myers  & Holmes  one  thousand  dollars  in  part  payment  on  con- 
tract. Advertised  for  proposals  from  contractors  to  build  court-house. 

For  the  work  several  bids  were  received,  all  of  which  were  examined  and 
discussed  from  time  to  time,  and  finally,  October  3,  1871,  the  board  decided  to 
reject  all  as  provided  by  a clause  in  the  public  notice  reserving  a right  so  to  do. 

It  seems  that  there  was  some  technical  error  in  the  specifications,  and  the 
action  of  the  board  was  in  part  on  that  account.  Further  than  this,  about  this 
time  the  disastrous  Chicago  fire  occurred,  and  it  was  suggested  that  this  build- 


Locating  the  County  Seat. 


71 


ing  should  be  made  as  near  fire-proof  as  possible.  This  would  occasion  ma- 
terial alterations  in  the  plans,  and  it  became  necessary  that  the  matter  should 
have  full  consideration.  However,  on  the  5th  of  December,  the  commission- 
ers again  advertised  for  proposals  to  build  which  were  opened  on  the  6th  of 


February,  1872.  They  were  as  follows: 

Aggregate  bid  of  Philander  Gregg $127,526  00 

“ “ Carpenter  & Matthewson, 129,729  00 

“ “ Carr,  Merry  & Nason 125,388  54 

“ “ Miller,  Frayer  & Sheets 123,913  57 

“ “ James  Campbell 138,842  65 

‘‘  “ Beaver  & Butts 125,675  91 

" “ Simon  Harrold 127,305  50 


Besides  these  there  were  other  bids  for  special  departments  of  the  work,  a 
detail  of  which  is  not  important  in  this  connection. 

The  firm  of  Miller,  Frayer  & Sheets,  of  Mansfield,  O.,  being  the  lowest 
bidders  for  the  work,  the  contract  was  accordingly  let  to  them  by  an  agree- 
ment executed  on  February  24,  1872. 

Although  the  plans  and  specifications  had  once  been  materially  changed, 
no  less  than  five  further  alterations  were  subsequently  made  thereto  that  en- 
tailed additional  labor  and  its  consequent  expense  ; so  that,  when  a final  set- 
tlement was  had  with  the  contractors,  it  was  found  that  the  total  cost  of  the 
building  amounted  to  one  hundred  and  forty- two  thousand  twenty-six  and 
forty-five  one-hundredths  dollars,  including  furnishing,  added  to  which  was  the 
architect’s  account,  per  agreement,  $4,361.29. 

The  building  was  occupied  by  county  officers  on  the  4th  day  of  December, 
1874. 

This  new  Erie  county  court-house  is  a model  of  beauty  and  modern  archi- 
tecture, and  does  honor  not  only  to  those  engaged  in  its  construction  but  to 
the  county.  Its  location,  on  the  west  block  of  the  public  square,  was  exceed- 
ingly well  chosen,  as  from  all  sides  a full  view  of  its  grand  proportions  is  ob- 
tained. The  effort  at  elaborate  ornamentation  was  completely  successful,  and 
here  does  not  appear  at  any  point,  evidences  of  needless  display. 

This  imposing  structure  needs  no  further  description  in  these  pages.  It 
stands  a lasting  monument  to  the  liberality  and  public-spiritedness  of  the  peo- 
ple of  the  whole  county. 

The  New  Jail. — And  still  there  remained  to  be  built  after  the  completion 
of  the  court-house,  another  county  building,  and  although  of  less  proportions 
is  none  the  less  attractive  in  appearance  and  substantially  built.  This  is  the 
new  stone  jail  on  Adams  street. 

On  the  29th  of  March,  1882,  the  commissioners  of  the  county  entered  into 
an  agreement  with  Adam  Feick  & Brother  for  the  erection  of  a county  jail  on 
lot  number  thirteen,  situate  on  the  south  side  of  Adams  street.  The  contract 
called  for  a twenty-six  cell  jail  and  sheriffs  residence,  and  the  consideration 


/ 


History  of  Erie  County. 


paid  them  for  its  construction  was  $45,750.  It  was  built  within  the  contract, 
there  being  no  extra  work  done  that  made  an  additional  expense.  In  addi- 
tion to  the  original  work  heating  apparatus  was  placed  in  the  building,  which 
cost  something  like  one  thousand  dollars  additional. 

The  County  Infirmary. — In  the  township  of  Perkins  a short  distance  from 
the  south  boundary  of  Sandusky  City  is  located  a farm  of  goodly  proportions 
and  in  a finely  improved  condition  and  upon  which  is  built  a large  stone  struc- 
ture. This  is  the  home  for  aged,  indigent  persons  of  Erie  county,  and  is  known 
as  the  County  Infirmary.  This  building  was  erected  in  the  year  1886,  by 
George  Phillip  Feick  under  a contract  made  with  the  commissioners  of  the 
county.  Mr.  Feick  was  the  lowest  bidder  for  this  work,  his  proposal  being 
twenty-four  thousand  one  hundred  and  sixty-eight  dollars.  An  engine  house 
and  smokestack  were  subsequently  erected  by  John  H.  Smith,  at  an  expense  of 
fifteen  hundred  and  thirty-seven  dollars  and  fifty  cents. 

The  building  that  previously  occupied  this  site  was  burned  during  the  latter 
part  of  November,  1885,  and  with  its  destruction  five  inmates  were  burned  to 
death. 

The  early  proceedings  for  the  establishing  of  a county  infirmary  were  had 
in  the  year  1855,  and  on  the  29th  of  June  of  that  year  Walter  D.  Beall,  John 
W.  Sprague  and  John  G.  Pool  were  appointed  a board  of  infirmary  directors, 
who,  with  their  successors  in  office  have  ever  since  had  control  of  that  arm  of 
the  county  government. 

The  present  directors  are  John  Holahan,  Thomas  McVeigh  and  J.  W.  Lyles. 
The  superintendent  is  Alexander  Motry. 


HE  labors  of  those  who  during  the  last  two  hundred  years  have  devoted 


themselves  to  the  study  of  the  structure  of  the  globe,  and  the  claim  which 


this  department  of  human  knowledge  has  to  the  name  of  science,  depends  up- 
on the  symmetry  which  has  been  found  to  prevail  in  the  arrangement  of  the 
materials  composing  the  crust  of  the  earth. 

By  the  slow  process  of  adding  fact  to  fact  and  by  comparing  the  observa- 
tions of  the  devotees  of  the  science  in  different  lands,  it  has  been  found  that  the 
rocky  strata  of  the  earth  hold  a definite  relation  to  each  other  in  position,  and 


CHAPER  XL 


GEOLOGY  OF  ERIE  COUNTY. 


Geology  of  Erie  County. 


73 


hence  in  age  ; that  many  of  them  are  distinguished  by  constant  or  general  min- 
eral features,  and  contain  characteristic  or  peculiar  remains  of  plants  or  ani- 
mals by  which  they  may  be  recognized  wherever  found. 

It  is  now  well  understood,  not  only  that  these  fossil  remains  are  safe  and  con- 
venient guides  in  studying  the  relations  and  distribution  of  the  rocks  contain- 
ing them,  but  that  their  assistance  is  indispensable,  and  that  no  conclusions  can 
be  regarded  as  accurate  and  trustworthy  unless  confirmed  by  their  evidence. 

The  observations  of  geologists  have  shown  that  the  materials  which  com- 
pose the  earth’s  crust  form  three  distinct  classes  of  rocks  : those  that  are  the 
direct  product  of  fusion,  called  igneous ; those  that  have  been  made  up  of  de- 
posits of  sediment,  called  sedimentary ; and  those  that  have  been  changed  in  their 
structure  and  texture,  called  changed  or  metamorphic  rocks. 

The  igneous  rocks  are  subdivided  into  two  groups,  the  volcanic  and  plu- 
tonic,  of  which  the  first  includes  lava,  pumice,  obsidian,  etc. ; the  latter,  plutonic, 
comprises  those  massive,  rocky  formations  which  are  without  distinct  bedding, 
having  apparently  been  completely  fused,  and  yet  were  probably  never  brought 
to  the  surface  by  volcanoes.  Having  consolidated  under  great  pressure,  they 
are  dense  and  compact  in  structure,  never  exhibiting  the  porous  and  incoher- 
ent condition  which  is  so  characteristic  of  purely  volcanic  rocks.  The  plutonic 
rocks  are  granite  in  some  of  its  varieties,  syenite,  porphyry  and  part  of  basalts, 
diorites  and  dolerites  (greenstones). 

None  of  these  igneous  rocks  are  found  in  place  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  though 
they  exist  in  vast  quantities  in  the  western  mining  districts  and  on  the  shores 
of  Lake  Superior. 

It  is  supposed  that  these  igneous  rocks  were  the  first  formed  and  that  they 
constituted  the  primeval  continents.  As  soon,  however,  as  these  rocks  were 
exposed  to  the  action  of  the  elements  they  began  to  be  worn  down  and  washed 
away,  and  the  materials  derived  from  them  were  deposited  as  sediments  in  the 
first  existing  water  basins.  That  process  has  been  going  on  through  all  sub- 
sequent ages,  so  that  by  far  the  larger  part  of  the  rocks  which  we  now  encoun- 
ter in  the  study  of  the  earth  belongs  to  the  class  of  sedimentary  deposits.  These 
are  known  to  us  as  sandstone,  shale,  limestone  etc.,  the  consolidation  of  the 
comminuted  materials  having  been  effected  by  both  chemical  and  physical  agen- 
cies. The  differences  which  we  discover  in  these  sedimentary  rocks  are,  for 
the  most  part,  dependent  on  very  simple  causes,  such  as  we  now  see  in  opera- 
tion upon  every  coast.  The  showers  that  fall  on  land  give  rise  to  rivers,  and 
these  on  their  way  to  the  sea  excavate  the  valleys  through  which  they  flow, 
transporting  the  materials  taken  into  suspension  to  the  point  where  the  motion 
of  their  currents  is  arrested  and  their  power  of  suspension  ceases,  in  the  water 
basins  where  they  empty.  In  the  gradual  arrest  of  the  motion  of  river  currents 
the  coarsest  and  heaviest  materials  first  sink  to  the  bottom,  then  in  succession 
the  finer  and  still  finer,  until  all  are  thrown  down. 


74 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Shore  waves  are  still  more  potent  agents  in  the  distribution  of  sediments. 
Whether  they  break  on  cliff  or  beach  they  are  constantly  grinding  up,  and  by 
their  undertow  carrying  away  the  barriers  against  which  they  beat.  Nothing 
can  resist  their  force  and  ceaseless  industry. 

On  every  shore  where  the  wash  of  the  land  accumulates,  we  shall  find  a de- 
posit of  gravel  and  sand  which  forms  the  beach,  a little  off  shore  a belt  of  finer 
sand  and  clay,  while  in  the  depths  of  the  ocean  are  deposited  only  organic  sed- 
iments. 

When  consolidated  these  materials  form  rocks  with  which  we  are  all  fa- 
miliar— the  gravel,  conglomerate;  the  sand,  sandstone;  the  clay,  shale;  the 
calcareous  sediment,  limestone. 

We  have  also  everywhere  evidence  that  what  we  know  as  terra  firma,  is  a 
type  of  instability  ; that  all  lands  are  constantly  undergoing  changes  of  level, 
and  that  over  all  our  continent  the  sea  has  rolled,  not  once,  but  many  times. 

The  grinding  effect  of  shore  waves  can  be  witnessed  on  every  coast.  In 
the  submergence  of  a continent,  all  portions  of  its  surface  must  in  succession 
come  under  the  influence  of  this  agency.  By  its  action  the  solid  and  superfi- 
cial materials  lying  above  the  sea  level,  the  rocks,  sand,  gravel,  and  soil,  would 
be  ground  up  and  washed  away,  the  greater  part  forming  mechanical  sedi- 
ments and  distributed  according  to  the  law  of  gravitation,  the  soluble  portions 
taken  into  solution  and  carried  out  to  impregnate  the  ocean  waters,  and  to 
supply  material  to  the  myriads  of  organisms  that  have  the  power  to  draw  from 
this  solution  their  solid  parts.  In  the  advance  inland  of  the  shore  line,  the 
first  deposit  from  the  sea  would  be  what  may  be  termed  an  unbroken  sheet  of 
sea  beach,  which  would  cover  the  rocky  substructure  of  all  portions  of  the  con- 
tinent brought  beneath  the  ocean.  Over  this  coarser  material  would  be  depos- 
ited a sheet  of  finer  mechanical  sediments,  principally  clay,  laid  down  just  in 
the  rear  of  the  advancing  beach  ; and  finally  over  all,  a sheet  of  greater  or 
lesser  thickness  of  calcareous  material,  destined  to  form  limestone  when  consol- 
idated, the  legitimate  and  only  deposit  made  from  the  waters  of  the  open  ocean. 

Upon  the  retreat  of  the  sea,  the  surface  of  the  land  would  again  be  covered 
with  vegetation,  acted  upon  by  atmospheric  erosion,  washed  into  hills  and  val- 
leys, and  locally  covered  with  sand  or  clay,  the  products  of  this  local  washing. 

Another  invasion  of  the  sea  would  leave  similar  records  of  a similar  history, 
with  this  difference  only,  that  the  tribes  of  animals  and  plants  inhabiting  the 
land  and  water  would,  in  the  lapse  of  ages,  have  experienced  marked  changes. 
Perhaps  in  the  interval,  the  old  types  of  animals  and  plants  would  have  entirely 
disappeared  and  others  have  succeeded  them.  So  that  the  new  sediments 
would  include  only  relics  of  the  new  races. 

Such  is  the  order  of  the  events  that  have  given  rise  to  the  most  of  the 
phenomena  of  geology,  and  will  serve  to  explain  how  it  happens  that  we  so- 
frequently  find  sandstones  and  conglomerates  followed  by  shales  or  soft  clay 


Geology  of  Erie  County. 


75 


rocks,  and  these  again  overlaid  by  limestones  ; and,  that  in  the  different  strata 
we  have  different  groups  of  fossils.  In  the  sandstones  and  conglomerates 
which  are  the  direct  debris  of  the  land,  we  naturally  find  almost  nothing  but 
the  remains  of  terrestrial  plants.  In  the  limestones  we  find  mainly  the  remains 
of  marine  organisms,  corals,  shells,  Crustacea,  and  fishes. 

All  the  rocks  of  Ohio  belong  to  this  class  of  sedimentary  strata,  and  in- 
clude abundant  examples  of  each  subdivision  of  the  two  great  groups,  the 
mechanical  and  organic  sediments. 

To  the  list  of  sedimentary  rocks  belongs  another  kind  of  deposits,  to  wit, 
the  chemicals,  and  are  such  as  have  been  plainly  precipitated  from  chemical 
solution,  and  include  rock  salt,  gypsum,  materials  which  form  mineral  veins, 
and  those  deposited  by  mineral  springs,  beds  of  ochre,  and  iron  ore.  Some  of 
these  owe  their  accumulation  to  the  action  of  organic  matter,  but  not  having 
distinctly  formed  any  animal  or  plant  tissue  they  cannot  be  classed  as  organic 
sediments. 

In  all  parts  of  the  world  rocky  masses  are  met  with  which  would  not  at 
first  sight  be  referred  to  either  of  the  classes  above  named.  These  are  usually 
found  in  sheets  of  greater  or  lesser  thickness,  resting  in  regular  sequence  one 
upon  another,  as  though  they  had  once  been  sediments,  but  now  upheaved 
and  contorted,  sometimes  standing  nearly  vertical,  and  greatly  changed  both 
in  their  structure  and  texture.  They  have  been  called  vietatnorphic  or  changed 
rocks.  They  compose  most  mountains  and  have  been  hardened  and  made 
crystalline  by  the  forces  that  have  acted  upon  them  in  their  upheaval ; they 
usually  bear  evidence  of  having  been  highly  heated,  and  in  some  cases  even 
fused  in  the  process,  so  that  some  of  them  can  hardly  be  distinguished  from 
members  of  the  class  of  igneous  rocks. 

They  form  all  of  the  mountain  chains  of  our  country,  and  underlie  most  of 
New  England  and  much  of  Canada.  We  have  no  representatives  of  them  in 
Ohio,  except  such  as  have  been  brought  by  the  Drift  agencies. 

These  are  the  materials  with  which  we  have  to  do  in  the  study  of  the  gen- 
eralities of  geology.  The  sedimentary  rocks  underlying  the  earth’s  surface 
form  what  is  known  as  the  geological  column,  that  is,  they  are  arranged  in  a 
regular  sequence  which  holds  good  over  all  the  earth’s  surface.  It  is  true, 
however,  that  in  no  one  place,  so  far  as  has  been  observed,  is  every  member  of 
this  series  present ; for  the  reason  that  while  any  one  formation  was  accumu- 
lating in  a sea  basin,  which  occupied  only  a limited  portion  of  the  earth’s  sur- 
face, dry  land  existed  at  the  same  time  in  great  areas,  and  there  no  sediments 
could  be  deposited.  All  sedimentary  rocks  have  been  formed  in  oceanic  basins. 

The  oldest  rocks  of  which  geologists  have  any  knowledge  are  those  com- 
posing the  Canadian  Highlands,  and  those  exposed  on  the  northern  shores  of 
Lake  Huron.  These  are  metamorphic  rocks,  and  underlie  a broad  belt  in 
Canada  extending  from  Labrador  to  the  Lake  of  the  Woods,  and  thence  to  the 


76 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Arctic  Sea.  From  the  circumstance  of  this  area  bordering  the  St.  Lawrence 
River,  the  name  Laurentian  has  been  given  to  the  first  named  group.  These 
rocks  also  form  the  Adirondacks,  a part  of  the  Allegheny  belt,  the  Ozark 
Mountains,  reappear  in  Texas,  the  Black  Hills  of  Nebraska,  and  in  some  ol 
the  mountains  of  Arizona. 

Bordering  and  partially  overlaying  these  rocks,  are  a series  of  sandstones, 
limestones,  etc.,  accumulated  in  the  sea  surrounding  this  ancient  Laurentian 
continent,  and  made  up  of  materials  derived  from  that  continent.  These  strata 
form  what  is  called  the  Silurian  system,  from  their  exposure  in  a part  of  Great 
Britain  once  inhabited  by  the  ancient  Silures. 

The  lowest  member  of  this  system  is  the  Potsdam  sandstone,  appearing  in 
a belt  around  the  southern  margin  of  the  Laurentian  area  in  Canada,  the 
Adirondacks,  and  the  region  about  Lake  Superior,  concealed  at  the  Mississippi 
and  reappearing  further  west.  It  has  been  reached  in  deep  borings  at  Colum- 
bus, O.,  at  St.  Louis,  and  other  places,  showing  that  it  underlies  in  an  un- 
broken sheet  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi.  The  fossils  of  this  rock  are  not 
numerous,  and  from  the  fact  that  no  land  plants  have  left  their  traces  here,  it 
is  supposed  that  terrestrial  vegetation  was  then  exceedingly  scanty  if  not 
wholly  wanting. 

Resting  on  this  sandstone,  and  forming  by  its  outcrop  a parallel  belt  of 
exposure,  is  a rock  consisting  of  a mixture  of  lime  and  sand  called  calciferous 
sandrock,  and  from  evidence  underlies  the  surface  of  an  area  nearly  equal  to 
the  Potsdam.  This  rock  holds  the  lead  of  Missouri.  The  most  characteristic 
fossils  are  graptolites. 

On  this  sandrock  are  found  a series  of  limestones  called  Chazy,  Birdseye, 
Black  River,  and  Trenton.  They  contain  the  remains  of  shells,  corals,  trilo- 
bites,  and  crinoids,  and  undoubtedly  are  the  result  of  the  accumulation  of 
organic  matter  at  the  bottom  of  the  great  Silurian  Sea,  when  its  waves  rolled 
over  the  old  continent.  This  group  is  exposed  in  New  York,  Canada,  about 
Lake  Superior  and  on  the  Upper  Mississippi,  where  one  of  its  members  holds 
the  lead  of  the  Galena  district. 

On  this  limestone  are  found  rocks  composed  of  mixed  lime  and  clayey  sed- 
iments, containing  graptolites  as  the  most  characteristic  fossils.  These  are 
slates,  and  are  called  the  Hudson  group.  The  outcrop  of  this  group  forms  a 
belt  parallel  with  and  more  southerly  than  those  of  the  older  Silurian  rocks. 
In  the  Cincinnati  rocks  are  found  so  large  a number  of  Trenton  fossils  that, 
though  the  rocks  there  are  usually  regarded  as  equivalents  of  the  Hudson, 
they  are  considered,  in  parts  at  least,  the  representatives  of  the  Trenton. 

In  the  successive  strata  so  far  we  have  an  illustration  of  the  sequence  of 
deposits  made  in  every  submergence  of  the  land — first,  mechanical  (sandstone), 
then  mixed  (lime  and  sand),  and  then  organic  sediments  (Trenton).  The 
earthy  limestones  of  the  Hudson  group  indicate  a shallowing  and  retreating 


Geology  of  Erie  County. 


77 


sea,  an  approach  to  land  conditions,  and  the  completion  of  one  circle  of  depo- 
sition. These  strata  are  called  the  Loiver  Silurian  series,  and  of  these  the  tw  o 
latter  are  of  interest  in  Ohio,  because  they  are  the  oldest  rocks  exposed  in  the 
State.  They  are  brought  to  the  surface  about  Cincinnati  by  an  axis  of  up- 
heaval reaching  from  Nashville  to  Lake  Erie,  in  the  region  of  the  islands,  par- 
allel to  the  Alleghenies,  but  of  more  ancient  date.  They  contain  a large 
amount  of  bituminous  matter,  and  are  the  source  of  oil  and  gas.  In  boring 
for  natural  gas  at  Sandusky  the  Trenton  rock  was  reached  at  a depth  of  2,315 
feet. 

The  rocks  next  above  the  Lower  Silurian  series  are  called  the  Upper  Silu- 
rian series.  They  have  been  most  carefully  studied  in  New  York,  where  thej^ 
have  received  their  names.  The  first  is  the  Oneida  conglomerate,  a rock  com- 
posed of  coarse  materials,  conglomerate  and  sandstone,  and  marks  a period  of 
land  subsidence,  or  water  elevation,  which  apparently  involved  only  a portion 
of  the  continent,  and  during  which  a long  line  of  shore  was  thickly  overspread 
with  coarse  materials  torn  from  the  coast  by  shore  waves. 

On  this  conglomerate  lies  the  Medina  sandstone,  composed  of  sandstone 
and  shales,  having  a little  wedge-shaped  brachiopod  and  a sea-weed  as  its  most 
characteristic  fossils.  In  New  York  it  is  300  to  400  feet  thick.  It  thins  and 
becomes  finer  toward  the  west.  Its  prevailing  color  is  red.  It  has  been  found 
in  Northern  Ohio  in  boring  for  oil. 

Next  is  the  Clinton  group,  consisting  of  shales  and  limestones,  mixed 
mechanical  and  organic  sediments  and  containing  a peculiar  bed  of  iron  ore 
called  fossil  ore,  which  forms  a stratum  two  to  ten  feet  thick,  traceable  from 
Wisconsin  to  New  York,  thence  southward  to  Alabama.  In  Ohio  it  is  repre- 
sented by  a limestone  in  the  region  about  Cincinnati.  Where  most  calcareous 
it  contains  many  fossils,  the  most  interesting  of  which  are  two  graptolites,  the 
last  of  the  group  found  in  ascending  the  geological^column. 

We  now  come  to  a rock  composed  of  nearly  equal  masses  of  limestone 
and  shale,  and  forms  the  ledge  over  which  the  Niagara  River  pours,  and  is 
hence  called  the  hfiagara  group.  It  is  not  exposed  in  this  count}".  In  the 
southwestern  part  of  the  State  the  lowest  stratum  of  the  Niagara  is  known  as 
the  Dayton  stone,  one  of  the  best  building  stones  in  the  State.  It  underlies 
Chicago,  and  from  it  is  derived  “ Athens  marble.” 

In  Northern  Ohio  the  rock  overlying  the  Niagara  is  that  which  contains 
gypsum.  It  is  called  the  Salina  from  the  fact  that  it  is  the  source  of  the  salt 
obtained  at  Syracuse.  The  New  York  geologists  call  it  the  Onondaga  salt 
group.  It  is  composed  of  many  alternations  of  colored  marls  and  shales  and 
some  impure  limestones  containing  gypsum.  It  is  not  exposed  in  this  county. 
North  of  Sandusk}"  Bay,  in  Ottawa  county,  a bed  of  gypsum  is  worked  by  Mr. 
E.  H.  Marsh,  of  Sandusky.  The  gypsum  lies  covered  by  a few  feet  of  drift. 
In  boring  for  gas  at  Sandusk}^  gypsum  was  found  at  a depth  of  about  three 


11 


78 


History  of  Erie  County. 


hundred  feet.  There  is  gypsum  on  the  lake  bottom  south  of  Put-in-Bay 
Island. 

Next  over  the  Salina  is  a group  of  rocks  that  form  a considerable  portion 
of  the  Helderberg  Mountains  in  New  York,  and  are  called  the  Helderberg 
group.  It  is  there  made  up  of  several  distinct  strata,  mostly  earthy  limestones. 
Its  lower  subdivision  is  the  water-lime.  It  may  be  identified  by  its  ever  pres- 
ent and  characteristic  fossil,  leperditia  alta.  The  water-lime  is  exposed  on  the 
peninsula  in  Ottawa  county,  and  forms  Put-in-Bay  and  other  islands  in  that 
vicinity. 

At  Castalia  a large  volume  of  water  flows  up  from  orifices  in  the  limestone 
rock,  called  Castalia  Springs.  It  maintains  an  equable  temperature  and  vol- 
ume throughout  all  seasons,  except  that  a protracted  drought  affects  its  vol- 
ume. The  water  is  highly  charged  with  lime,  and  incrusts  any  object  covered 
by  it,  and  has  deposited  a sheet  of  travertine,  over  a large  area  in  the  vicinity. 
The  subterranean  channels  of  the  stream  are  in  the  water  lime,  the  uppermost 
member  of  the  Silurian  system. 

This  group  forms  the  summit  of  the  Upper  Silurian  system  and  completes 
a circle  of  sediments  which  corresponds  with  that  of  the  Lower  Silurian.  The 
history  recorded  in  each  case  is  the  same : a submergence  of  such  portions  of 
the  continental  surface  as  now  carry  the  sedimentary  strata  enumerated ; in 
the  progress  of  each  submergence,  the  spread  of  shore  materials  over  all  the 
surface  covered  by  the  advance  of  the  sea;  this  sheet  being  followed  first  by 
mixed  mechanical  and  organic  sediments,  then  by  those  almost  purely  calca- 
reous deposits  from  the  open  ocean,  and  finally  earthy  limestones,  indicating  a 
retreating,  shallowing  sea,  and  a return  to  land  conditions,  during  which  no  de- 
positions would  be  made  on  the  surface,  but  which  was  the  necessary  starting 
point  for  a new  circle  of  deposits.  One  difference  in  the  sediments  of  these 
Silurian  oceans  is,  that  th^  limestones  of  the  Trenton  group  are  nearly  pure 
carbonate  of  lime,  while  those  of  the  Niagara  series  (the  Clinton,  Niagara,  and 
water-lime)  are  highly  magnesian.  The  animal  life  of  the  two  seas  was  entirely 
different,  except  two  or  three  mollusks  ; and  this  probably  is  the  reason  for  the 
distinctive  chemical  characters  exhibited  by  the  organic  sediments  of  these 
seas.  In  the  Silurian  rocks  we  find  a great  number  and  variety  of  the  lower 
order  of  animals  and  abundant  traces  of  marine  plants,  but  in  America  no  ver- 
tebrates and  no  land  plants  have  been  discovered  in  them,  while  in  Europe 
remains  of  both  land  plants  and  fishes  occur  in  the  rocks  of  the  Upper  Silurian. 

In  this  country  remains  of  fishes  are  first  met  with  in  the  Devonian  system 
of  rocks,  which  are  those  next  above  the  Silurian.  This  system  is  called  the 
age  of  fishes,  as  the  Silurian  is  the  age  of  mollusks.  The  name  Devonian 
comes  from  Devonshire,  England,  where  these  rocks  are  prevalent.  They 
form  an  important  part  of  the  geology  of  our  country  and  of  the  world,  occu- 
pying a large  area  of  the  surface,  include  one  of  our  most  valuable  mineral 


Geology  of  Erie  County. 


79 


staples  (petroleum)  as  a characteristic  ingredient,  and  contain  many  strange 
forms  of  ancient  life. 

The  lowest  formation  of  the  Devonian  system  is  the  Oriskany  sandstone 
(so  named  from  a New  York  locality),  and  is  a coarse  mechanical  sediment.  A 
thin  belt  of  sandstone  seen  near  Castalia  and  on  the  peninsula  in  Ottawa  county 
is  the  equivalent  of  the  Oriskany. 

Over  the  Oriskany  is  a calcareous  sandstone  from  which  the  lime  is  dis- 
solved by  exposure,  leaving  it  a rough  porous  rock  resembling  the  Oriskany, 
but  containing  different  fossils.  It  is  called  the  Schoharie  grit.  It  is  not  found 
here. 

The  most  interesting  member  of  the  Devonian  system  is  the  Corniferous 
limestone  — so  called  from  the  balls  of  hornstone  contained  in  it.  It  is  a mass- 
ive, calcareous  rock,  containing  a very  small  percentage  of  earthy  matter,  and 
abounding  in  fossils,  especially  corals,  which  in  some  places  may  be  regarded 
as  ancient  coral  reefs.  In  this  State  it  forms  two  belts  of  outcrops  on  opposite 
sides  of  the  Cincinnati  upheaval.  It  is  an  open  sea  deposit,  the  calcareous  cen- 
ter of  a group  of  sediments,  the  product  of  a great  submergence  in  the  Devon- 
ian age ; the  counterpart  in  its  general  features  to  those  which  are  found  in  the 
parallel  deposits  of  the  Upper  and  Lower  Silurian  series. 

The  fossils  of  the  Corniferous  are  very  numerous  and  of  unusual  interest,  the 
most  striking  being  the  remains  of  huge  ganoid  fishes,  similar  in  general  char- 
acter to  those  of  the  Old  Red  Sandstone  of  Scotland.  This  is  the  most  inter- 
esting and  important  rock  in  this  count}^.  It  is  the  rock  on  which  the  City  of 
Sandusky  stands,  and  that  which  forms  Marblehead  and  Kelly’s  Island. 

At  Sandusky  the  upper  layers  of  the  Corniferous  formation  are  composed 
of  a blue  limestone  of  from  twenty  to  twenty- five  feet  thick,  and  is  known  to 
the  geology  of  the  State  as  the  Sandusky  stone.  It  is  largely  used  for  building 
and  flagging.  The  High  School  building  is  of  this  stone  and  numerous  other 
buildings  and  dwellings  in  the  city.  It  makes  an  excellent  flag-stone  but  long 
Avear  renders  it  dangerously  smooth.  The  lime  industiy  at  Sandusky  is  large. 
The  lime  is  made  from  the  lower  courses  of  the  Corniferous  exposed  at  Mar- 
blehead, and  is  burned  there  and  at  Sandusky.  This  stone  is  white  and  has  a 
larger  percentage  of  lime  than  even  the  Kelly  Island  stone,  which  is  the  same. 
The  white  limestone  lies  too  deep  at  Sandusky  for  economical  purposes. 

Overlying  the  Corniferous  is  a series  of  shales  and  limestones  called  the 
Hamilton  group.  In  Ohio  is  usually  a soft  blue  limestone.  In  this  county  it 
can  be  seen  at  Front’s  Station  on  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad.  It  under- 
lies a narrow  belt  of  territory  extending  southwesterly  from  the  lake  shore  at  a 
point  half  way  between  Sandusky  and  Huron  to  the  Lake  Shore  Railway,  be- 
tween Monroeville  and  Bellevue. 

The  Hamilton  is  overlaid  by  a great  mass  of  black  shales  called  the  Huron 
shales.  It  forms  the  banks  of  the  Huron  River  at  Monroeville  and  below.  It 


So 


History  of  Erie  County. 


can  be  seen  a few  miles  east  of  Sandusky  in  Huron  township,  on  the  Lake  Shore 
Railway  at  what  is  called  the  “Slate  Cut.”  In  some  places  it  is  interstratified 
with  clayey  matter.  It  is  highly  bituminous,  containing  about  ten  per  cent,  of 
combustible  matter.  From  this  bitumen,  by  slow,  spontaneous  distillation,  pe- 
troleum is  evolved,  and  flows  out  in  springs  at  a number  of  localities.  The  pro- 
cess of  distillation  also  gives  rise  to  gas  sjarings,  which  are  found  over  the  out- 
crop of  this  formation.  This  shale  in  some  places  contains  concretions  of  im- 
pure limestone,  seen  along  the  Huron  River  where  this  shale  forms  the  banks, 
being  washed  out  by  the  action  of  the  water.  These  concretions  are  sometimes 
almost  absolutely  spherical.  Some  of  them  contain  the  bones  or  teeth  of  huge 
fishes.^The  Huron  shale  forms  a belt  of  outcrop  ruiining  across  the  State  from 
the  lake  to  the  River  near  Portsmouth. 

Above  the  Huron  shale  lies  a series  of  green  and  blue  shale  called  the  Erie, 
the  lower  of  which  are  somewhat  interstratified  with  the  upper  Huron.  The 
Erie  shales  form  the  lake  shore  from  the  Pennsylvania  line  to  Erie  county.  It 
does  not  appear  further  west. 

We  now  reach  the  highest  group  of  rocks  found  in  the  State,  called  the 
Carboniferous  system,  because  it  holds  nearly  all  the  beds  of  coal  that  have 
been  worked  in  this  country  and  in  Europe.  We  have  in  this  county  only  the 
ower  strata  of  this  system,  called  the  Waverly  group,  the  lowest  of  which  is 
the  Cleveland  shale.  This  can  be  seen  in  the  banks  of  the  Vermillion  River. 
It  is  black  and  bituminous.  It  is  unusually  well  exposed  in  the  vicinity  of 
Cleveland,  whence  its  name.  In  its  lithological  character  it  is  hardly  to  be  dis- 
tinguished from  the  Huron  shale.  The  fossils,  however,  are  bones,  scales,  and 
spines  of  fish  of  small  size,  and  of  Carboniferous  types,  while  the  Huron  contains 
the  remains  of  fishes  of  enormous  size,  and  of  most  peculiar  structure,  and  such 
as  belong  to  the  forma  of  the  Old  Red  Sandstone. 

Next  above  the  Cleveland  shale  is  a bed  of  shale  sometimes  blue  or  banded 
in  color,  but  more  generally  red.  This  is  called  the  Bedford  shale,  and  is  con- 
spicuously shown  in  the  valley  of  the  Vermillion  River,  and  is  exposed  at  many 
places  in  this  section  immediately  underlying  the  Berea  sandstone.  It  serves 
as  an  important  guide  to  those  seeking  that  stone. 

The  Berea  sandstone  is,  geologically,  the  highest  stone  in  the  county,  the 
outcrop  of  which  enters  the  county  on  the  east  line  about  half  a mile  from  the 
lake  shore,  thence  it  sweeps  round  to  the  south  and  west,  passing  through  Ber- 
linville  and  a little  east  of  Norwalk.  Within  the  area  lying  south  and  east  of 
this  line,  the  Berea  underlies  most  of  the  surface,  but  is  very  generally  covered 
and  concealed  by  the  drift  materials,  and  it  is  only  where  its  more  compact  and 
massive  portions  have  resisted  the  action  of  erosive  agents,  that  these  have  been 
left  in  relief — that  it  projects  above  the  surface.  The  hills  in  which  the  Am- 
herst and  Brownhelm  quarries  are  located,  and  the  elevation,  Berlin  Heights^ 
are  all  masses  of  this  character.  They  were  once  bluffs  on  the  lake  shore,  and 


Geology  of  Erie  County. 


8r 


everywhere  show  marks  of  the  action  of  water  and  ice.  This  stone  is  largely" 
quarried  in  the  county,  and  some  grindstones  are  made. 

Above  the  Berea  is  a limestone,  a conglomerate  and  the  coal  measures,  the 
balance  of  the  Carboniferous  system,  but  they  nowhere  appear  in  this  county 
— we  therefore  have  no  coal  in  this  county. 

We  have  no  representatives  in  this  State  of  the  age  of  reptiles,  the  periods 
of  which  are  Triassic,  Jurassic  and  Cretaceous.  They  are  found  in  some  parts 
of  the  continent. 

Above  these  are  formations  and  deposits  of  what  is  called  the  age  of  Mam- 
mals, consisting  of  two  periods,  the  Tertiary  and  Quaternary.  No  representa- 
tives of  the  former  are  found  in  the  State,  but  of  the  latter  we  have  abundant. 
They  consist  of  Glacial  Drift,  Erie  Clay,  Forest  Bed,  Iceberg  Drift,  Terraces 
and  Beaches. 

The  latter  period  presents  a complete  change  in  the  physical  condition  of  our 
continent,  and  apparently  of  the  whole  northern  hemisphere;  a change  not  ex- 
ceeded by  that  which  takes  place  upon  our  surface  in  the  alternation  from  mid- 
summer to  mid  winter.  We  have  evidence  that  during  what  is  called  the  Drift 
period,  the  climate  had  changed  from  that  of  an  all-pervailing  warmth  to  an 
arctic  cold.  While  in  the  Tertiary  the  climate  of  the  Southern  States  was  car- 
ried to  Greenland.  In  the  Drift  period  the  present  climate  of  Greenland  was 
brought  as  far  south  as  the  Ohio  River.  Greenland  is  now  nearly  buried  under 
snow  and  ice,  and  in  a large  part  of  the  coast,  access  to  the  interior  is  barred 
by  the  great  glaciers  which  flow  from  the  interior  to  the  sea.  Precisely  such 
must  have  been  the  condition  of  much  of  North  America  during  the  glacial  pe- 
riod, for  we  find  evidence  that  glaciers  covered  the  greater  part  of  the  surface 
down  to  the  latitude  of  about  forty  degrees. 

The  materials  known  as  the  Drift  deposits  are  beds  of  sand,  gravel  and  boul- 
ders, and  have  received  the  name  of  Drift,  because  they  have  been  transported 
or  drifted  from  their  places  of  origin. 

The  most  important  facts  which  the  study  of  the  drift  has  brought,  are  that 
in  most  localities  where  the  nature  of  the  underlying  rocks  is  such  as  to  retain 
inscriptions  made  upon  them,  the  upper  surface  of  these  rocks  is  planed,  fur- 
rowed or  excavated  in  a peculiar  and  striking  manner,  evidently  by  the  action 
of  one  great  denuding  agent.  Examples  of  this  planing  are  abundant  about 
Sandusky  and  on  the  islands.  A good  specimen  can  be  seen  at  Monk’s  ship- 
yard, and  almost  anywhere  where  the  upper  surface  of  the  coniferous  lime- 
stone is  exposed  at  Sandusky. 

Beneath  the  drift  deposits  the  rock  surfaces  are  in  many  localities  excavated 
to  form  a system  of  basins  and  channels,  often  cut  several  hundred  feet  below 
the  lakes  and  rivers  that  now  occupy  them.  The  Vermillion  and  Huron  Riv- 
ers exhibit  this  phenomenon  and  prove  that  the  surface  of  the  lake  was  once 
at  least  one  hundred  feet  lower  than  now. 


82 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Upon  the  glacial  surface  are  found  unconsolidated  materials,  the  lowest  of 
which  is  blue  clays,  stratified  in  thin  layers  containing  no  fossils,  but  conifer- 
ous wood  and  leaves ; after  the  clay,  sand,  gravel  and  boulders  in  large  quan- 
tities were  transported  from  the  region  north  of  the  lakes  and  spread  over  a 
large  area  south  of  them  ; these  were  floated  to  their  places  by  ice  bergs. 

Following  the  water  period  ensued  an  era  of  continental  elevation,  which 
progressed  until  the  present  level  was  reached  and  the  drift  deposits  raised 
several  hundred  feet  above  the  ocean  level.  This  took  place  slowly  and  was 
marked  by  periods  of  repose.  In  these  intervals  of  rest  our  terraces  and  lake 
ridges  were  formed.  These  ridges  mark  old  shore  lines  — such  is  now  being 
formed  at  Cedar  Point.  The  “ridge  roads”  are  well  known  and  mark  the  lines 
of  the  principal  ridges.  No  boulders  are  found  on  the  ridges,  so  that  they  are 
of  more  recent  date  than  the  action  that  deposited  the  boulders.  In  some  of 
the  ridges  in  this  county  is  found  a yellow  sand,  light  and  loamy,  and  largelj^ 
used  as  a moulding  sand. 

The  drift  deposits  have  been  removed  from  a great  part  of  Erie  county. 
In  the  southern  part  of  the  county  the  boulder  clay  is  found  covering  the 
rock  surface.  This  is  blue,  or  where  exposed  and  its  iron  oxidized,  reddish 
yellow  unstratified  clay,  thickly  set  with  angular  fragments  of  shale  taken 
from  the  lake  basin.  With  these  are  small  boulders  usually  ground  and 
striated,  derived  from  the  old  rocks  north  of  the  lakes. 

In  this  part  of  the  county  are  also  found  beds  of  sand  and  the  lake  ridges 
which  rest  on  the  boulder  clay.  These  ridges  are  the  effect  of  shore  waves 
and  are  old  beaches  formed  when  the  lake  stood  much  higher  than  it  does  now 
and  in  the  same  manner  that  Cedar  Point  sand  ridge  is  now  forming,  and 
which  will  ultimately  dike  out  the  lake.  The  part  of  the  county  north  of  the 
last  lake  shore,  which  is  the  ridge  at  Castalia,  and  thence  east  imperfectly  par- 
allel with  the  present  shore,  from  which  the  drift  has  been  removed,  is  covered 
by  a fine  sediment  mixed  with  vegetable  remains,  making  a remarkably  rich 
soil,  having  the  characteristics  of  the  prairie  soils  of  the  West. 

The  formation  of  the  lake  ridges  was  the  last  in  the  sequence  of  events 
which  make  the  history  of  our  surface  geology,  and  brings  us  down  to  the 
present  time,  which  seems  a period  of  rest  ; but  every  day  sees  something 
taken  from  the  barrier  of  Niagara  and  at  no  distant  day,  geologically  speaking. 
Lake  Erie  will  have  shared  the  fate  of  all  lakes  and  have  been  drained  to  its 
bottom. 

The  solid  earth  under  our  feet  has  a history  as  well  as  the  people  who  have 
lived  on  its  surface.  We  learn  that  once  a great  part  of  this  country  was 
buried  under  ice  like  Greenland.  Earlier  still  it  had  jungles  of  palms  and 
other  tropical  plants  ; yet  further  back  it  lay  beneath  a wide  ocean  ; and  be- 
yond that  time  can  be  traced  many  still  more  remote  periods,  when  it  was 
forest-covered  land  or  wide  marshy  plains,  or  again  buried  under  the  great 


Agriculture  of  Erie  County. 


83 


sea.  Step  by  step  we  may  follow  this  strange  history  backwards  and  with  as 
much  certainty  we  trace  the  doings  of  Julius  Cssar  or  William  the  Conqueror. 

Every  quarry  and  ravine  where  the  naked  rock  comes  to  view  offers  an 
attraction  if  we  seek  to  find  there  the  remains  of  some  of  those  lost  forms  of 
plants  which  covered  the  land  or  of  those  long  extinct  tribes  of  animals  which 
once  tenanted  the  sea.  These  fossils  will  become  not  mere  things  to  wonder 
at.  We  learn  what  they  most  resemble  in  the  present  living  world  and  will 
not  rest  content  until  we  have  seen  all  that  we  can  discover  of  the  light  which 
they  throw  upon  the  former  condition  of  the  district  in  which  we  find  them. 
Geology  thus  becomes  not  a task  to  be  conned  from  books,  but  a delightful 
companion  in  every  walk  and  ramble,  when  we  find 


GRICUETURE  is  the  pioneer  of  civilization.  It  levels  the  forest,  plants  its 


home  in  the  wilderness,  upturns  the  primal,  fertile  soil  of  the  prairie,  and 
makes  alike  the  “wilderness  and  solitary  place  to  blossom  as  the  rose.”  But 
very  little  attention  has  been  paid  in  the  past  to  the  agricultural  history  of 
Erie  county.  A history  fragrant  with  noble  sacrifices,  privations  untold  and 
daring  heroic  deeds  unselfishly  performed  by  the  early  pioneers.  They  builded 
wiser  than  they  knew.  Their  wildest  dreams  could  not  have  pictured  the  ex- 
tent, the  grandeur  and  prosperity  of  the  agriculture  of  to-day.  The  crude  im- 
plements of  those  early  times,  the  wooden,  mold- board  plow,  the  sickle,  the 
flail,  the  scythe,  have  been  replaced  with  riding  silver  steel  plows,  the  self  binder, 
the  steam  thresher  and  mower  of  to-day.  The  log  house  has  long  been  a thing 
of  the  past,  and  in  its  stead  rises  the  stately  mansion  richly  upholstered  and 
furnished,  of  the  wealthy  farmers  of  this  age.  The  scrubby  live  stock  of  years 
ago  has  been  wonderfully  metamorphosed  into  sleek  Herefords,  creamy  Jer- 
seys, prancing  Hotspurs  and  black  shining  Berkshires  grunting  out  their  sat- 
isfaction at  the  present  state  of  things. 

The  improvement  in  the  farmer’s  home  life  has  been  still  more  marked  as 
the  grandest  result  of  this  new  order  of  things.  The  farmer  of  to-day,  for  at 
least  a part  of  the  year,  is  a man  of  leisure,  in  fact  he  is  becoming  a man  of  in- 


“ Tongues  in  trees,  books  in  running  brooks, 
Sermons  in  stones  and  good  in  everything.” 


CHAPTER  XII. 


AGRICULTURE  OF  ERIE  COUNTY. 


History  of  Erie  County. 


telligence.  He  reads  the  best  books  relating  to  his  calling,  the  daily  papers, 
the  leading  magazines  and  works  of  the  best  literature.  Through  the  Grange 
and  kindred  organizations  he  is  becoming  versed  in  parliamentary  law,  skilled 
in  expressing  his  thoughts  in  debate  and  fitted  for  the  highest  duties  of  citizen- 
ship. Life  means  much  more  to  him  than  to  father  and  grandfather  before  him. 
His  horizon  has  been  infinitely  expanded,  his  opportunities  for  improvement 
multiplied,  and  his  enjoyments  proportionately  increased. 

Erie  county  is  emphatically  calculated  for  every  variety  of  husbandry.  Its 
location  on  the  south  side  of  Lake  Erie  very  much  modifies  its  temperature, 
while  its  variety  and  fertility  of  soil  make  it  possible  to  cultivate  any  crop  or 
fruit  usually  raised  in  the  lake  regions,  with  quite  reasonable  hope  of  success. 

Beginning  at  the  lake,  the  limestone  crops  out  near  the  surface  and  the  soil, 
a rich,  black  loam,  is  admirably  adapted  for  wheat,  grapes  and  other  fruits.  A 
few  miles  south  a sandy  ridge  is  very  well  adapted  to  produce  potatoes  and  gen- 
eral farm  crops,  and  still  farther  south  the  rich  prairie  produces  corn,  oats, 
wheat  and  grass  in  native  luxuriance.  Erie  county  is  the  banner  wheat  county 
of  Ohio,  having  produced  in  one  year  an  average  yield  of  25.2  bushels  per  acre 
for  the  entire  wheat  acreage,  the  largest  yield  produced  by  any  county  in  the 
State.  Its  total  wheat  produced  that  year  was  657,100  bushels.  The  average 
crop  of  corn  aggregates  700,000  bushels,  and  oats  400,000  bushels.  Erie 
county  is  one  of  the  foremost  in  the  yield  of  potatoes,  ranking  fourth  in  the 
State  and  all  kinds  of  vegetables  grow  rankly.  It  has  over  4000  acres  in  orch- 
ards. Its  annual  apple  crop  in  fair  seasons  is  one  half  million  bushels.  Peaches 
are  a leading  fruit  crop.  The  grape  crop  is  second  only  to  one  county  in  the 
State  and  averages  about  four  million  pounds  annually,  while  its  wine  manu- 
facture has  reached  colossal  proportions.  Unsurpassed  shipping  facilities, 
thorough  cultivation,  a fertile  soil,  nearness  to  market,  make  the  farm  lands  of 
Erie  county  exceptionably  valuable. 

The  wooded  portions  of  the  county  have  not  materially  changed  in  the 
past  few  years.  There  is  a disposition  to  stay  the  farther  devastation  of  the 
forests.  Careful  underdraining  has  done  much  to  redeem  the  waste  places  and 
make  highly  profitable  farm  operations,  where  in  swales  and  low  swamps  mias- 
matic diseases  prevailed.  It  is  safe  to  say  that  one-half  of  the  farm  lands  of 
Erie  County  are  thoroughly  underdrained.  Erom  the  latest  statistics  at  our 
command  we  find  that  there  are  in  Erie  county  158,435  acres  of  farming  land 
exclusive  of  towns  and  villages ; at  seventy-five  dollars  per  acre  would  be 
worth  in  round  numbers  about  $12,000,000.  Number  of  horses  5781,  value 
$500,000  ; cattle  9476,  value  $190,000  ; mules  50,  value  $5,000  ; sheep  30,000, 
value  $90,000;  hogs  8943,  value  $50,000  ; carriages  1134,  v^alue  $75,000; 
watches  446,  value  $10,000  ; other  farm  property  $500,000. 

Let  us  look  a moment  at  the  productions  of  the  farm  lands  of  the  county 
for  1886.  Wheat,  247,824  bushels;  rye,  2,477  bushels;  buckwheat,  10,943 


Agriculture  of  Erie  County. 


85 

bushels;  oats,  294,676  bushels  ; barley,  36,2 19  bushels  ; corn,  564,863  bush- 
els ; butter,  394,117  pounds;  potatoes,  301,306  bushels,  ranking  third  county 
in  the  State  ; apples,  76,749  bushels  ; wool,  606,665  pounds  ; eggs,  197,245 
dozen;  grapes,  2,571,045  pounds;  wine,  71,170  gallons  pressed.  While  the 
above  figures  are  not  absolutely  accurate  they  are  a close  approximation  to 
the  amount  of  farm  products  for  the  main  crops  for  the  above  named  year. 

AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETIES. 

Closely  identified  with  the  agricultural  prosperity  and  growth  of  the  county, 
are  the  different  farmers’  societies  that  have  had  a wonderful  influence  in  up- 
lifting and  elevating  the  masses  by  bringing  people  of  all  classes  together  and 
infusing  a spirit  of  mutual  dependence  and  interest  in  each  other.  Prominent 
among  these  is  the  Erie  County  Agricultural  Society. 

Its  history  properly  antedates  the  formation  of  Erie  county  it  having  been 
first  known  as  the  Huron  County  Agricultural  Society,  organized  in  June,  1833. 
We  have  before  us  an  exceedingly  interesting  manuscript  volume,  the  records 
of  the  Erie  County  Agricultural  Society  from  1833  1878.  To  its  pages  we 

are  largely  indebted  for  many  facts  in  the  early  history  of  the  society.  At  the 
time  mentioned  Huron  county  embraced  the  present  limits  of  Erie.  We  copy 
from  the  minutes  of  the  first  meeting  : “ In  pursuance  of  an  act  of  the  Legisla- 
ture of  the  State  of  Ohio,  passed  February  25,  1833,  to  authorize  and  encour- 
age the  establishment  of  agricultural  societies  in  the  several  counties  of  the 
State,  public  notice  is  hereby  given  that  a public  meeting  will  be  held  at  the 
court  house  in  Norwalk  on  the  last  Friday  of  June,  1833,  ^or  the  purpose  of 
organizing  an  agricultural  society  to  be  called  the  Huron  County  Agricultural 
Society.”  Accordingly  the  meeting  was  held  as  above  and  one  of  the  first,  if 
not  the  first  agricultural  society  in  the  State  was  organized  by  the  election  of 
the  following  officers  : Amos  Woodward,  president ; Timothy  Baker,  vice-pres- 
ident; Lemuel  Morse,  Levi  Barnum,  Lester  Cone,  John  Millen,  John  Fulton, 
Aaron  Corbitt,  Arunah  Eaton,  Wm.  P.  Mason,  Daniel  Beach  and  Charles  B. 
Simmons,  directors.  Eben  Boalt,  treasurer;  John  V.  Vredenburg,  corre- 
sponding secretary  ; Joseph  M.  Root,  recording  secretary. 

The  first  annual  fair  was  not  held  until  October  18,  1838  at  Norwalk.  We 
append  the  program  : “ The  Throne  of  Grace  was  first  addressed  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Higgins;  Agricultural  address,  by  F.  B.  Sturgis  Esq  ; awarding  premi- 
ums.” From  the  reports  of  the  latter  we  cannot  refrain  from  taking  a few 
items.  Best  acre  of  corn,  George  Powers,  sixty  three  bushels  shelled.  Best 
one-half  acre  of  potatoes,  John  D.  Allen,  one  hundred  bushels.  One  half  acre 
beets,  J.  V.  Vredenburg,  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  bushels.  Samuel  Pres- 
ton is  reported  to  have  raised  from  seven  square  rods  of  ground,  at  the  rate  of 
six  hundred  and  eighty-five  bushels  of  potatoes  per  acre.  We  find  first  pre- 
mium on  “ improved  cooking  stove  ” given  to  William  Gallup,  the  only  uten- 
12 


86 


History  of  Erie  County. 


sil  of  any  kind  on  exhibition.  The  amount  in  premiums  offered  at  this  fair  was 
$70.  At  a meeting  of  the  Agricultural  Board,  December  14,  1838,  a propo- 
sition was  received  from  Licking  County  Agricutural  Society  to  send  delegates 
with  them  to  Columbus  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  a State  agricultural  so- 
ciety and  O.  Jenny  and  J.  V.  Vredenburg  were  sent  as  delegates. 

At  the  second  fair  held  at  Norwalk,  October  17,  1839,  $118  was  offered  as 
premiums,  and  at  the  end  of  the  year  sixty-seven  dollars  were  in  the  treasury. 
In  1840  $129  were  offered  as  premiums,  but  no  account  of  a fair  being  held  is 
given.  The  fair  for  1841  was  held  at  Norwalk,  November  2.  There  is  no 
record  of  any  fairs  being  held  in  1842-3-4-5-6  and  7. 

HURON  AND  ERIE  COUNTIES  AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

Agreeable  to  public  notices  in  the  newspapers  of  the  two  counties,  on  the 
1 5 th  of  March,  1 848,  the  above  society  was  organized  in  the  sherift’s  office  in  the 
court  house  at  Norwalk,  and  a constitution  adopted.  This, 'district  society  em 
braced  the  limits  of  Huron  and  Erie  counties.  In  the  spring  of  1838  the 
county  of  Erie  had  been  organized  from  the  northern  townships  of  Huron 
county.  The  complete  formation  of  Erie  county  as  it  now  is,  was  not  com- 
pleted until  1840.  Platt  Benedict  was  the  president  of  this  new  society,  Benj. 
Benson,  secretary,  and  Luke  S.  Stow,  of  Erie,  one  of  the  directors.  The  latter 
was  afterwards  one  of  its  efficient  secretaries.  It  held  its  first  fair  at  Norwalk, 
October  12,  1848.  This  new  district  society,  organized  from  the  two  counties, 
seems  to  have  been  heartily  supported  from  its  inception.  At  the  annual 
meeting  in  March,  1849,  officers  of  1848  were  re-elected  and  Andrew 
Ainsley,  of  Erie,  added  to  the  directors.  A premium  was  offered  for  the  best 
farm  essay  to  be  read  at  the  coming  fair,  an  example  worthy  to  be  com- 
mended to  our  fair  managers  now. 

This  fair  of  1849  was  held  at  Milan,  and  the  Press  said  ; “ The  display  in 
■all  the  departments  far  exceeded  any  previous  fair,  and  was  attended  by  at 
least  three  times  the  number  of  spectators.  It  is  pleasing  to  note  the  growing 
interest  manifested  in  agricultural  and  industrial  affairs,  and  we  confidently  an- 
ticipate the  day  when  Erie  and  Huron  counties  will  rival  in  their  efforts  those 
<of  any  other  in  the  State.”  In  competition  on  field  crops  the  following  yields 
were  reported  per  acre  : Wheat,  34I  bushels  ; corn,  135  bushels;  barley,  58^ 
bushels;  oats,  65f  bushels;  potatoes,  360  bushels.  In  1850  Philo  Adams,  of 
Erie,  was  president;  E.  M.  Barnum,  secretary,  and  Isaac  T.  Reynolds  one  of 
the  directors,  from  Erie.  The  time  of  holding  the  fair,  October  10  and  1 1,  at 
.Norwalk.  The  number  present,  8,000.  One  of  the  best  points  made  by  the 
speaker  of  the  occasion,  who  gave  the  agricultural  address,  was:  “ That  the 
ulterior  object  of  these  annual  gatherings  for  competition  is  an  improvement  in 
the  breed  of  farmers — of  men.” 

In  1851  Philo  Adams  was  president,  I.  T.  Reynolds  vice-president,  and 


Agriculture  of  Erie  Coul’ty. 


87 


Luke  S.  Stow,  secretary.  The  fair  was  held  at  Milan,  October  8 and  9 ; the 
number  estimated  to  be  present,  10,000. 

The  fifth  annual  fair  was  held  at  Norwalk,  in  1852,  October  5,  6 and  7. 
The  members  of  the  society  numbered  at  this  time  800.  The  amount  re- 
ceived from  all  sources  $2, 1 29.75  ; amount  expended  $1,083.53;  amount  on 
hand  at  end  of  fiscal  year  $1,046.22,  a very  good  financial  showing. 

At  the  annual  meeting  January  20,  1852,  two  resolutions  were  offered  to 
the  effect  that  the  connection  between  the  two  counties  in  this  society  be  dis- 
solved, and  that  the  Board  of  Managers  be  requested  to  settle  up  the  affairs  of 
the  society.  These  resolutions  were  referred  to  a committee,  and  the  commit- 
tee, at  a subsequent  meeting,  reported  adversely  and  the  resolutions  voted 
down.  The  fair  in  1852  was  held  October  5,  6 and  7,  at  Norwalk,  and  over 
$1,000  offered  as  premiums  on  a largely  increased  variety  of  articles.  The 
entries  numbered  700.  The  best  one  acre  wheat,  45T  bushels ; one  acre  corn, 
10 1 bushels,  shelled  ; one  acre  oats,  74  bushels  ; one  acre  potatoes,  382  bush- 
els. No  manure  was  applied  to  the  soil  to  raise  any  of  these  premium  crops. 

In  1853  I.  T.  Reynolds  was  president,  L.  S.  Stow,  secretary,  and  the  fair 
was  held  at  Monroeville. 

The  seventh  and  last  fair  of  the  two  counties  jointly,  was  held  at  Norwalk, 
October,  1854,  and  like  its  predecessors  was  profitable  and  successful. 

At  the  annual  meeting  January  2,  1855,  after  a spirited  debate,  the  follow- 
ing resolutions  were  adopted  : 

Resolved,  That  in  the  judgment  of  this  meeting  the  general  interests  of  ag- 
riculture will  be  best  promoted  by  the  existence  of  separate  societies  in  each 
of  the  counties  of  Huron  and  Erie. 

Resolved,  Therefore,  that  with  a view  of  separate  organizations  in  these 
counties  this  society  be  dissolved  as  soon  as  the  financial  matters  can  be  closed 
up,  and  that  a committee  of  three  from  each  county  be  now  appointed  to  ad- 
just the  funds  belonging  to  the  society. 

A committee  was  appointed.  $511.10  was  the  amount  found  in  the  trea  - 
ury.  This  was  divided  according  to  the  population  of  each  county,  Huron 
county  receiving  $299.06,  and  Erie  county  $212.04. 

Thus  closed  the  pleasant  associations,  as  a society,  formed  through  seven 
years  of  intimate  labor  together,  years  that  had  seen  the  formation  of  the  so- 
ciety, its  unexpected  growth,  and  the  still  more  surprising  advancement  of 
agricultural  and  mechanical  industries.  The  separation  was  not  made  without 
pain,  for  the  annual  reunions  at  the  fairs  had  been  seasons  of  glad  fraternal 
greetings  and  pleasure.  The  ties  were  strong  that  mutual  friendship  and  labor 
had  woven,  and  united  the  two  counties  as  one  family. 

By  the  dissolution  of  the  old  society,  Erie  county  was  thrown  upon  her 
own  resources,  with  only  two  hundred  and  twelve  dollars  and  four  cents  in  her 
treasury.  It  seems  hardly  possible  that  the  Erie  County  Agricultural  Society 


88 


History  of  Erie  County. 


could  attain  to  its  present  gigantic  proportions  from  so  modest  a beginning- 
As  early  as  February,  1855,  immediately  following  the  dissolution,  we  find  the 
leading  spirits  of  agriculture  in  little  Erie  convened  at  Huron  to  organize  the 

ERIE  COUNTY  AGRICULTURAL  SOCIETY. 

A notice  had  been  published  in  the  three  newspapers  of  the  county  to  that 
effect.  I.  T.  Reynolds  was  called  to  the  chair,  and  Hon.  F.  D.  Parish  made 
secretary.  It  was  resolved  that  it  be  the  sense  of  this  meeting  that  it  is  expe- 
dient that  we  organize  an  agricultural  society  at  this  time.  Thirty-seven 
members  united  with  the  society  at  this  meeting  and  the  following  officers 
elected:  I.  T.  Reynolds,  president;  Harvey  Chase,  vice-president;  F.  D. 
Parish,  secretary  ; C.  N.  Ryan,  treasurer  ; B.  H.  Rogers,  J.  W.  Thompson,  A. 
W.  Prout,  sr.,  Elijah  Bemiss,  and  Elam  Ward,  directors.  The  following  pre- 
amble and  resolutions  will  show  the  spirit  of  the  meeting  at  this  time.  They 
were  severally  adopted,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  our  board  of  directors  offer  no  premium  on  tobacco  or 
intoxicating  liquors. 

Whereas,  A well  directed  and  vigorous  system  of  agriculture  is  among 
the  indespensable  requisites  to  individual  and  national  prosperity  and  happi- 
ness, and  a thorough  knowledge  of  mechanics,  arts,  manufactures,  commerce, 
and  facilities  for  transportation  is  essential  to  the  life  and  progress  of  such  a 
system,  therefore  be  it 

Resolved,  That  whatever  measures  tend  essentially  to  improve  the  quality 
or  to  increase  the  quantity  of  agricultural  productions,  or  to  the  improvement 
of  stock,  to  increase  the  diffusion  of  the  knowledge  of  mechanics  and  commerce 
should  receive  the  constant  attention  of  the  entire  community,  and  “common 
interests  demand  common  efforts. ” 

2.  That  we  regard  agricultural  societies  in  connection  with  public  fairs  as 
among  the  most  obvious  and  efficient  means  to  the  accomplishment  of  these 
ends. 

3.  We  deem  it,  therefore,  both  the  interest  and  duty  of  every  member  of 
the  community  to  lend  his  influence  and  contribute  his  show  to  add  to  the 
efficiency  and  to  extend  the  influence  of  such  societies 

4.  We  commend  the  consideration  of  this  subject  to  our  fellow  citizens  of 
Erie  county  and  cordially  invite  them  to  become  members  of  this  society,  and 
invite  common  effort  to  secure  a common  good. 

A premium  list  embracing  every  form  of  industry,  was  carefully  prepared, 
aggregating  $700  to  be  awarded  at  the  first  annual  fair,  which  was  held  in 
Sandusky  and  was  a decided  success. 

The  fairs  for  1856-7-8-9  and  60  were  held  at  Huron,  she  having  in  1856 
at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  society  bid  $1,000  and  free  use  of  grounds  for 
five  years  against  the  offer  of  Sandusky  of  $850  and  free  use  of  grounds. 


Agriculture  of  Erie  County. 


89 


These  five  years  were  socially,  financially,  and  agriculturally  successful,  and 
the  good  people  of  Huron  did  all  in  their  power  to  make  these  public  gather- 
ings pleasant  and  profitable. 

At  the  annual  meeting  in  November,  i860,  it  was  voted  to  locate  the  fair 
for  five  years  at  Sandusky,  and  the  following  officers  elected  : E.  Bemiss,  pres- 
ident; F.  D.  Parish,  vice-president;  C.  C.  Keech,  treasurer,  and  George  J. 
Anderson,  secretary;  Isaac  Fowler,  I.  T.  Reynolds,  William  H.  Crane,  Wil- 
liam D.  Lindsley,  C.  B.  Choate,  directors. 

During  the  war,  from  1861  to  1864,  no  fairs  were  held,  all  the  energies  of 
the  people  being  given  to  preserve  the  life  of  the  imperiled  nation. 

April  5,  1865,  a meeting  was  held  at  the  court-house,  Sandusky,  for  the 
purpose  of  reorganizing  the  Erie  County  Agricultural  Society.  The  officers 
elected  were  as  follows:  Hon.  F.  D.  Parish,  president;  W.  H.  Crane,  vice- 
president ; John  McKelvey,  secretary;  F.  W.  Coggswell,  treasurer;  and  C.  H. 
Botsford,  Fuke  S.  Stow,  A.  W.  Prout,  sr.,  Samuel  Bemis,  Isaac  Fowler,  A. 
Hollister,  D.  C.  Richmond,  Calvin  Caswell,  Charles  Carpenter,  managers. 

A meeting  of  this  board  was  held  August  16,  1865,  and  a committee,  ap- 
pointed at  a preceding  meeting  to  locate  and  fit  the  grounds  for  holding  a fair 
in  1865,  reported  that  they  had  effected  a conditional  arrangement  for  secur- 
ing by  purchase  the  beautiful  grove  near  the  south  part  of  the  city  known  as 
the  Pierson  and  Ankeytell  lots,  containing  nine  acres  of  land,  for  the  sum  of 
$4,800,  and  for  the  sake  of  completing  the  purchase  the  committee  recommend 
the  plan  of  petitioning  the  county  commissioners  to  assist  the  society  by  appro- 
priating not  exceeding  five  thousand  dollars  for  the  purchase  of  said  lots. 

This  plan  met  with  the  unanimous  approval  of  the  board,  and  blank  peti- 
tions were  sent  to  all  the  townships  for  the  signatures  of  the  principal  tax- 
payers of  the  county.  It  was  stated  that  the  healthy  condition  of  the  county 
finances  would  warrant  this  appropriation.  The  petition  was  successful  and 
the  purchase  made  in  1866,  and  the  property  deeded — as  all  subsequent  real 
estate  of  the  society  was — to  the  county  commissioners. 

The  first  fair  was  held  on  these  grounds  October  17,  18  and  19,  1865,  and 
the  Northern  Ohio  Grape  Growers’  Association  was  held  on  these  grounds  at  the 
5ame  time.  In  1868  another  small  piece  of  ground  was  bought  to  enlarge  the 
track,  of  Jacob  Wintersteen,  for  $300,  and  in  1874  about  eleven  acres  more 
were  purchased  by  C C.  Keech  of  Jacob  Wintersteen  for  the  society  for 
$15,000,  which  made  about  twenty  acres,  at  a cost  of  $20,100,  as  the  property 
of  the  society,  these  being  the  present  grounds.  Since  these  purchases  great 
improvements  have  been  made,  substantial  buildings  have  been  erected,  a fine 
tunnel  made  under  the  track,  grounds  thoroughly  underdrained,  and  a roomy 
amphitheatre  built,  making  the  grounds  second  to  none  in  the  State.  Total 
paid  for  land  and  improvements,  $39,964. 

It  is  not  the  purpose  of  this  sketch  to  follow  in  detail  further  the  magnifi- 
cent history  of  this  society  since  the  war  up  to  the  present  time.  The  same 


90 


History  of  Erie  County. 


public  spirit  and  sacrifice  that  made  its  inception  possible  has  characterized  its 
friends  during  these  later  years,  and  though  its  early  promoters  have  mostly 
passed  away,  the  present  generation  has  taken  up  the  mantle  of  the  fathers 
and  are  looking  well  and  faithfully  to  its  interests.  Did  time  and  space  per- 
mit I would  like  to  write  of  the  past  and  present  workers  in  this  society — of  a 
Parish,  Reynolds,  Crane,  Bemiss,  Richmond,  Keech,  Milner,  Caswell,  Prout, 
Carpenter,  and  many  others  who  have  done  so  much  to  make  the  society  what 
it  is  to-day;  and  let  it  also  be  added  that  the  meed  of  praise  must  equally 
be  accorded  to  the  ladies  and  city  friends,  for  they  have  all  done  their  share  in 
making  the  work  of  the  society  a success.  Charles  H.  Rockwell  is  the  present 
president,  and  John  T.  Mack,  secretary,  (1888). 

For  a number  of  years  prior  to  1875  the  Erie  County  Farmers’  Club  and 
Horticultural  Society  flourished,  and  held  quarterly  meetings  in  different  parts 
of  the  county.  It  was  a literary  society,  and  discussed  topics  pertaining  to 
farm  life  and  fruits  and  flowers.  Colonel  D.  C.  Richmond  was  the  able  presi- 
dent and  its  moving  spirit. 

Fm-niers'  Insurance  Company. — June  28,  1S77,  the  Erie  County  Farmers’ 
Insurance  Company  was  chartered  and  organized.  This  is  a mutual  insurance 
company  on  the  assessment  plan,  and  has  now  nearly  $2,000,000  property  in- 
sured. It  is  purely  a farmers’  company,  as  its  name  implies.  Henry  Milner 
is  president,  and  Wells  W.  Miller,  secretary. 

Granges. — About  the  year  1874  the  Grange  movement  struck  Erie  county,, 
and  four  granges  were  organized  in  Margaretta,  Milan,  Perkins  and  Berlin 
townships. 

Margaretta  Grange  No.  488,  Patrons  of  Husbandry,  was  organized  Janu- 
uary  30,  1874,  with  twenty-six  charter  members  as  follows  : E.  D.  Graves  and 
wife,  J.  B.  Witter  and  wife,  John  White  and  wife,  Calvin  Caswell  and  wife,  W. 
W.  Miller  and  wife,  E.  White  and  wife,  L.  S.  Graves  and  wife,  N.  E.  Prentice, 

M.  P".  Brown,  J.  C.  Rogers,  O.  Brown,  E.  D.  White,  J.  Atwater,  D.  S.  Barber,. 
S.  H.  Rogers,  R.  F.  Fowler,  J.  G.  Snowden,  T.  W.  McCarty  and  Levi  Cham- 
berlin. 

Its  present  membership  is  fifty,  and  its  present  officers  are  : W.  W.  Miller, 
master  ; L.  Billing^,  overseer  ; B.  Beebe,  lecturer  ; W.  H.  Havice,  steward ; 
S.  M.  Ray,  assistant  steward;  J.  B.  Witter,  chaplain  ; E.  D.  White,  treasurer; 
D.  S.  Barber,  secretary  ; E.  C.  Witter,  gate-keeper;  Mrs.  E.  A.  Beebe,  ceres ; 
Mrs.  W.  W.  Miller,  pomona  ; Mrs.  G.  W.  Ray,  flora;  Mrs.  D.  D.  White,  lady 
assistant  steward. 

Milan  Grange  No.  342,  was  organized  January  6,  1874,  at  the  residence  of 

N.  M.  Hawley,  with  twenty-flve  charter  members,  sixteen  gentlemen  and  nine 
ladies,  by  State  Deputy  Barrack.  The  first  officers  elected  v/ere : G.  B.  Jar- 
rard,  M. ; W.  W.  Moore,  O.  ; A.  W.  Hawley,  L.  ; E.  W.  Hughes,  S.  ; C.  C. 
Roscoe,  A.  S.  ; Reuben  Turner,  chap.  ; N.  M.  Hawley,  treasurer  ; R.  N.  Wil- 
cox, secretary  ; Victor  Turner,  G.  K.  ; Mrs.  A.  W.  Hawley,  ceres;  Mrs.  Benjk 


Agriculture  of  Erie  County. 


91 


Wilcox,  pomona ; Mrs.  C.  C.  Roscoe,  flora;  Mrs.  E.  W.  Hughes,  L.  A.  S. 
Present  membership  thirty-eight. 

Perkins  Grange  No.  637,  was  organized  March  2,  1874,  with  thirty-five 
charter  members.  Since  its  organization  five  have  died.  Its  present  mem- 
bership is  thirty.  Its  present  officers  are ; J.  D.  Parker,  M.  ; A.  A.  Storrs,  O. ; 
J.  F.  Greene,  L.  ; Theron  Goodwin,  S.  ; C.  W.  Hill,  A.  S.  ; Henry  Jarrett, 
chap.;  W.  F.  Gurley,  sec’y ; Henry  Milner,  treas.  ; H.  C.  Norton,  G.  K.  • 
Mrs.  C.  W.  Hills,  ceres ; Mrs.  J.  D.  Parker,  pomona ; Mrs.  W.  F.  Gurley, 
flora;  Mrs.  Henry  Milner,  L.  A.  S. 

Berlin  Heights  Grange  No.  345,  was  organized  in  the  town  hall  January  7, 
1874,  with  twenty-fbur  charter  members,  fourteen  males  and  ten  females;  J. 
W.  Barrack,  deputy,  officiating.  The  officers  elected  were  : Henry  Hoak,  mas- 
ter ; S.,  O.  Kellogg,  overseer  ; L.  S.  Chapin,  lecturer  ; L.  B.  Chapin,  steward  ; 
A.  Pearl,  assistant  steward  ; James  Douglass,  chaplain  ; J.  M.  Stahl,  treasurer  ; 
J.  P.  Lesley,  secretary  ; G.  L.  Sands,  gate-keeper  ; Mrs.  H.  T Smith,  ceres  ; 
Mrs.  S.  O.  Kellogg,  pomona  ; Mrs.  J.  S.  Milliman,  flora  ; Mrs.  James  Doug- 
lass, lady  assistant  steward. 

The  following,  by  Master  J.  M.  Stahl  of  Berlin  Grange — a history  of  the 
workings  of  Berlin  Grange — is  a fair  sample  of  the  history  of  other  granges 
of  the  county  : 

“Much  interest  was  taken  in  the  new  organization,  and  the  membership  in  a 
short  time  began  to  rapidly  increase,  there  being  at  the  end  of  the  first  year 
sixty  members.  Meetings  were  generally  held  weekly,  and  many  lively  dis- 
cussions were  entered  into  on  the  various  topics  that  seemed  to  come  within 
the  sphere  of  grange  work. 

“The  purchasing  of  goods  at  wholesale  prices  was  much  discussed,  and  was 
made  the  leading  object  of  the  order,  though  nothing  much  was  done  prac- 
tically. When  the  first  year  closed  our  grange  was  considered  a success. 

“The  second  year  opened  with  high  spirits  and  a continued  increase  in 
membership.  Much  time  was  spent  in  discussing  methods  of  purchasing  and 
distributing  goods,  as  the  money  feature  of  the  grange  was  still  looked  upon  as 
its  main  object  and  attraction.  Some  few  goods  were  purchased  which  gen- 
erally gave  good  satisfaction,  but  as  there  was  no  convenient  place  to  store 
goods  the  transaction  was  attended  with  more  trouble  and  expense  to  those 
handling  them  than  the  profits  amounted  to.  A store  house  was  often  talked 
of,  but  never  was  made  a practical  reality. 

“At  the  end  of  the  second  year  our  grange  numbered  ninety-eight  mem- 
bers, nearly  all  in  good  standing.  Meetings  were  generally  well  attended,  but 
were  not  held  weekly  as  often  as  they  were  the  first  year.  The  social  feature 
began  to  be  looked  upon  as  the  leading  feature  of  the  grange.  An  oi'gan  was 
purchased  and  music  became  a prominent  part  in  the  exercises  of  the  meet- 
ings. The  year  ended  as  it  began,  full  of  hope  and  interest  ; and  so  far  as  the 
social  feature  was  concerned,  may  be  called  the  golden  year  of  the  grange. 


92 


History  of  Erie  County. 


“The  third  year  began  as  the  second  one  ended,  with  flying  colors  and  high 
aspirations  for  developing  the  social  faculties  of  the  farmer  and  raising  him  to 
a higher  plane  in  society. 

“At  this  time  our  ninety-eight  members  were  about  evenly  divided  between 
the  sexes,  and  also  between  old  people  and  young  people.  The  young  folks 
were  the  life  of  the  grange,  and  at  times,  under  the  inspiring  music  of  the  or- 
gan and  violins,  they  could  not  refrain  from  timing  the  music  with  their  feet. 
This  was  offensive  to  some  of  our  pious  church  folks,  and  with  due  deference 
to  their  feelings  the  dancing  was  stopped.  The  end  of  this  social  amusement 
was  the  end  of  the  great  interest  taken  in  the  meetings  by  the  young  people, 
and  one  after  another  dropped  out  until  our  membership  consisted  principally 
of  old  people. 

“The  purchasing  of  goods  at  wholesale,  by  our  grange,  proved  unsatisfac- 
tory, and  many  who  had  come  into  our  ranks  mainly  on  account  of  the  gain  in 
dollars  and  cents,  ceased  to  attend.  Hence  our  meetings  before  the  third  year 
closed  were  not  large  but  interesting  to  those  who  attended.  A paper  was 
started,  essays  written  and  read,  and  the  program  was  changed  from  meet- 
ings of  business  to  a school  for  the  attainment  of  that  knowledge  and  culture 
necessary  to  the  elevation  and  refinement  of  farmers  and  their  families.  Most 
of  the  then  active  members  held  that  the  gaining  of  knowledge  was  of  more 
value  and  a nobler  object  of  the  grange  than  the  saving  of  a few  dollars  and 
cents.  Hence  this  feature  was  for  some  time  held  to  be  the  grand  work  of  the 
order.  But  our  meetings  were  often  not  well  attended,  and  many  who  did  not 
attend  ceased  to  pay  dues;  but  none  were  dropped  for  non-payment  of  dues 
until  sometime  in  the  fourth  year. 

“Throughout  the  fourth  year  meetings  were  held  regularly  every  two  weeks, 
sometimes  well  attended,  but  generally  only  by  the  faithful  who  seemed  to  en- 
joy them  and  were  profited  by  attending.  Many  of  the  uninterested  were 
dropped  for  non-payment  of  dues  until  our  numbers  were  greatly  reduced. 
Some  said  the  grange  was  dead ; othe'rs  said  it  was  not  dead,  and  never  would 
die.  And  this  condition  of  things  continued  for  some  years  ; sometimes  the 
interest  being  quite  lively,  and  then  again  less  interest  was  taken  and  the 
meetings  would  become  fewer  and  smaller. 

“At  the  present  time  we  number  forty-two  members  and  several  of  these 
are  not  in  good  standing.  But  we  have  some  twenty  or  twenty- five  members 
who  are  as  zealous  in  the  cause  as  when  the  grange  was  first  organized.  They 
see  the  necessity  for  a farmer’s  organization,  and  believe  that  there  can  be  no 
better  organization  than  the  grange.  When  all  other  classes  are  organized  to 
protect  themselves  and  to  facilitate  their  own  interests,  is  it  not  clear  that  if 
the  farmers  of  our  country  do  not  organize,  they  must  go  to  the  wall  ? Is  it 
not  clear  that  surrounded  as  they  are  by  rings,  chartered  corporations  with 
special  privileges,  monopolies  and  trust  companies,  the  only  alternative  is  or- 
ganization or  servitude  ?’’ 


Military  History. 


93 


The  granges  in  the  county  are  now  all  in  a healthy^condition,  the  flow  and 
ebb  of  their  prosperity  are  passed,  and  they  are  now  upon  a solid  foundation 
and  have  come  to  stay. 

With  township,  county,  State  and  national  organizations,  working  in  har- 
mony and  unitedly  for  the  bettering  of  the  condition  of  the  farm  masses,  it  is 
the  only  hope  or  bulwark  against  the  aggressions  of  monopolies,  trusts  and  ex- 
tortion of  other  organizations  detrimental  to  the  farmers’  interests.  Its  social 
feature,  its  literary  culture,  its  helpfulness  against  the  isolation  of  farm  life,  and, 
best  of  all,  the  fraternal  brotherhood  and  sisterhood  it  engenders,  are  necessary 
to  the  farmer  who  would  keep  his  occupation  abreast  in  all  respects  to  the 
other  industrial  occupations  of  the  age.  No  Pomona  or  County  Grange  as 
such  has  ever  been  organized  in  the  county,  but  the  granges  meet  quarterly, 
together,  and  thus  keep  alive  a feeling  of  union  and  fraternity  with  each  other. 
Mrs.  H.  C.  Norton  is  now  the  State  deputy'master  of  the  county. 


ROM  the  time  of  the  close  of  the  war  of  1812,  Erie  county  cannot  be  said 


to  have  possessed  or  acquired  much,  if  any,  military  history  until  the  out- 


break of  the  war  of  1861-5,  which  event  all  historians  are  agreed  in  terming 
the  “ War  of  the  Rebellion.”  During  that  war  the  county  most  certainly 
made  a record  in  history,  and  a most  glorious  and  enviable  record  it  was,  for, 
with  a population  in  1861  of  less  than  twenty-five  thousand  souls,  she  sent  into 
the  various  branches  of  the  military  service  from  seven  to  nine  per  cent,  of  her 
people,  or  from  seventeen  hundred  to  nineteen  hundred  men. 

But  the  military  history  of  the  county  commenced  with  the  time  that  that 
intrepid  band  of  twenty  men  met  and  formed  a company  for  defense  against 
the  murderous  depredations  of  the  Indians  during  the  early  part  of  the  war  of 
1812-15.  This  company  was  known  as  the  “ Rangers,”  and  was  organized  at 
Huron.  Their  conflicts-at-arms  seem  to  have  been  confined  substantially  to 
the  affair  with  the  savages  on  Bull  Island,  in  which  the  red  foe  was  defeated 
and  utterly  put  to  rout  by  the  Rangers’.  Of  this  engagement  there  is  no  well 
authenticated  written  history,  but  traditional  history  never  underestimates  the 
magnitude  of  any  event.  This  subject  is  elsewhere  fully  discussed. 

Then,  again,  there  was  the  citizen  soldiery,  whose  greatest  battles  were 
fought  and  victories  won  on  “ general  training”  day — the  day  of  all  days  in 
pioneer  times,  and  second  not  even  to  the  4th  of  July.  But  it  was  in  the  mili- 


» 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


MILITARY  HISTORY  OF  ERIE  COUNTY. 


13 


94 


History  of  Erie  County. 


tia  training  school  that  was  educated  many  of  the  most  efficient  soldiers  of  the 
late  war,  and  it  does  occasionally  seem  that  the  government  of  the  several 
Northern  States  must  have  had  some  premonitory  warning  of  an  impending 
struggle,  for  as  early  as  1850,  in  many  of  the  States  there  was  required  to  be 
enrolled  the  names  of  all  men  fit  for  military  duty,  and  it  was  these  and  the 
young  men  of  i860  that  made  up  the  flower  of  the  Union  army. 

As  early  as  the  year  1832  John  N.  Sloam,  then  an  enterprising  merchant 
of  Sandusky,  was  commissioned  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  First  Light  Infantry 
Battalion,  Second  Brigade  and  Third  Division.  After  this  time,  and  while  the 
people  of  the  county  were  engaged  in  the  arts  of  peace,  they  were,  uncon- 
sciously, perhaps,  preparing  for  war.  Various  portions  of  the  county  had  their 
representative  companies. 

In  Sandusky  many  of  the  older  people  will  remember  the  days  of  glory 
of  the  Bay  City  Guards,  an  organization  formed  in  1851,  and  under  the  com- 
mand of  Captain  R.  R.  McMeans,  a physician  of  the  city;  the  Sandusky  Fly- 
ing Artillery,  A.  Silva,  commandant ; the  Yaeger  Rifle  Company,  L.  Traub,. 
commanding,  and  others,  perhaps,  whose  greatest  victories  were  achieved 
among  the  fair  sex. 

But  there  came  a time,  a few  years  later,  when  these  had  an  opportunity  of 
exhibiting  their  valor  upon  the  bloody  fields  of  battle  from  the  first  Bull  Run 
to  the  Appamattox  ; from  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico. 

When,  on  that  fateful  morning  of  April,  1861,  there  appeared,  in  answer  to 
Moultrie’s  guns,  upon  our  political  horizon  the  words  “ Civil  War,”  the  sturdy 
men  of  Ohio  were  at  once  to  the  fore,  and  from  that  day  to  the  time  that  Lee 
yielded  to  that  old  hero,  “ Unconditional  Surrender”  Grant,  this  State  was  sel- 
dom behind  her  quota.  Let  us  see  what  Ohio  did  during  this  four  years  of 
internecine  strife. 

Upon  the  authority  of  Mr.  Reid  it  may  be  stated  that  under  Mr.  Lincoln’s 
call,  on  April  15,  1861,  for  75,000  men,  Ohio  furnished  12,357  > 22,  1861, 

84,116;  July  2,  1862,  58,325;  August  4,  1862,  (nine  months’  men); 

June  15,  1863,  2,736  (militia) ; October  17,  1863,  32,837;  March  14,  1864, 
29,931  ; April  22,  1864,  36,254  (one  hundred  days’  service);  July  18,  1864, 
30,823  ; December  19,  1864,  23,275.  In  all  Ohio  furnished  under  these  sev- 
eral demands  for  men  an  aggregate  of  310,654  men,  while  her  total  quota 
amounted  to  306,322  men. 

The  fact  appears  that  the  county  of  Erie  was  represented  by  men  in  no  less 
than  thirty  different  regiments,  although  the  number  in  each  averaged  consid- 
erably less  than  one  hundred.  Among  these  were  some  of  the  most  daring 
fighters  in  the  service. 

To  the  military  history  of  Erie  county  there  attaches  an  additional  interest 
from  the  fact  of  Johnson’s  Island  having  been  made  a national  depot  for  the 
detention  of  captured  rebel  officers.  This  island  is  not  a part  of  Erie  county. 


Military  History. 


95 


but  Sandusky  seems  to  have  been  the  central  and  prominent  point  and  the  base 
of  all  operations  on  the  island.  From  here  all  prisoners  were  placed  on  boats 
and  conveyed  to  the  island,  and,  furthermore,  all  supplies  were  obtained  here- 
The  establishment  of  a prisoner’s  depot  on  Johnson’s  Island  was  brought  about 
through  the  energy  and  exertions  of  a few  of  the  leading  business  men  of  San- 
dusky, who  at  once  saw  that  such  a station  would  be  of  great  value  to  trade  in 
the  city,  and  that  the  officers’  quarters  would  be  in  and  about  the  town  rather 
than  on  the  island. 

The  officer  of  the  war  department  to  whom  was  entrusted  the  duty  of 
selecting  a site  for  the  depot  was  inclined  to  favor  Detroit,  and  came  to  this 
city  mainly  in  fulfillment  of  a duty  and  not  that  he  desired  to  locate  the  place 
of  detention  here  ; but  the  business  men  accorded  him  such  a warm  reception, 
and  showed  a willingness  to  give  the  enterprise  such  substantial  aid  that  the 
agent  could  not  well  do  otherwise  than  accept  the  offers  made  him. 

The  guarding  force  for  this  important  point  was  made  up,  in  the  main,  of 
Ohio  troops,  prominent  among  which  was  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- 
eighth  Regiment ; therefore  the  history  of  that  regiment,  a portion  of  which 
was  from  Erie  county,  is  closely  associated  with  the  events  that  transpired  dur- 
ing the  occupancy  of  the  island  for  the  purposes  stated,  and  will  be  written  in 
connection  therewith.  A still  greater  interest  and  importance  was  given  this 
locality  during  the  years  of  the  war,  through  the  exploits  of  John  Yates  Beall, 
who  made  a fruitless  attempt  to  rescue  the  prisoners  on  the  island,  which  at- 
tempt will  be  found  detailed  in  these  pages,  together  with  an  account  of  the 
■execution  of  that  daring  young  officer. 

For  the  following  account  of  the  history  of  the  Johnson’s  Island  Prisoners’ 
Depot,  and  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-eighth  Regiment  we  are  indebted 
to  the  work  entitled  “ Ohio  in  the  War,”  edited  by  Mr.  Whitelaw  Reid,  now 
of  the  New  York  Tribune.  The  narrative  was  compiled  and  written  so  soon 
after  the  close  of  the  war  that  it  is  doubtful  whether  any  additional  facts  can 
be  stated,  even  at  this  time  ; therefore  we  copy  literally  from  Mr.  Reid,  grant- 
ing him  full  credit  for  the  original  production. 

‘‘The  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-eighth  Ohio,  although  chiefly  occupied  in 
guard  duty  within  the  borders  of  the  State,  was  an  organization  of  three 
years’  troops,  enlisted  and  mustered  into  the  United  States  service,  the  same 
as  other  volunteer  troops,  and  was  liable  to  service  wherever  required.  It 
attained  minimum  strength  on  the  25th  of  December,  1863,  and  consisted  of 
four  companies,  before  known  as  the  ‘ Hoffman  Battalion,’  raised  at  different 
times  in  1862.  At  and  before  the  time  of  forming  the  regiment  the  Hoffman 
Battalion  was  under  the  command  of  a lieutenant-colonel  and  major.  Six  new 
companies  were  mustered  in  at  Camp  Taylor,  near  Cleveland,  between  the  8th 
and  15th  of  January,  1864.  The  four  old  companies  had  been  on  duty  at 
Johnson’s  Island  nearly  all  the  time  since  their  muster-in,  but  had  frequently 


96 


History  of  Erie  County. 


furnished  detachments  for  service  elsewhere,  including  a short  and  very  active 
campaign  in  pursuit  of  rebel  troops  in  West  Virginia,  in  1862. 

“The  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-eighth  having  been  chiefly  occupied  at  the 
frontier  posts  of  Johnson’s  Island  and  Sandusky,  its  service  necessarily  involves 
much  of  the  military  history  of  these  posts,  and  can  better  be  understood  by 
giving  a brief  synopsis  of  that  history. 

“ Early  in  1862  Johnson’s  Island  became  a depot  exclusively  for  rebel  offi- 
cers who  were  held  as  prisoners  of  war. 

“The  records  of  the  post  show  the  strength  of  the  prisoners  in  1862  as 
follows:  Average  for  April,  444;  for  May,  1,074;  average  for  June,  1,105;. 
July  31,  1,149;  August  31,  1,452;  exchanged  September  i,  1,123 ; average  for 
September,  595  ; aggregate  October  31,  893;  aggregate  November  30,  295  ; 
aggregate  December  31,  209. 

“ It  should  be  remembered  that  a cartel  for  a general  exchange  of  prison- 
ers of  war  had  long  been  expected,  and  was  finally  agreed  upon  July  22,  1862. 
Under  that  cartel  and  special  arrangement  exchanges  went  on  until  July,  1863, 
and  a continuance  was  expected.  This  expectation,  with  the  belief  of  general 
loyalty  in  the  north,  and  the  want  of  help  in  Canada,  had  their  legitimate  influ- 
ence on  the  prisoners,  and  undoubtedly  prevented  efforts  at  outbreak  and  re- 
sistance until  late  in  the  fall  of  1863. 

“The  number  of  prisoners  of  war  at  the  depot  during  1863  will  be  sufficient- 
ly understood  from  the  following:  January  31,  308;  February  28,  347;  March 
31,  105;  April  20,  59;  May  31,  40;  June  30,  806;  July  31,  1668  ; August 
31,  1,817;  September  30,  2, 1 55  ; October  3 1,  2, 1 56  ; November  30,  2,381^ 
December  3 I,  2,623. 

“ In  the  spring  and  summer  of  1862  the  garrison  on  the  island  was  strength- 
ened by  one  company  of  the  Sixty-first  Ohio,  relieved  by  one  company  of  the 
Eighty-eighth.  The  stoppage  of  exchanges,  followed  by  the  assembling  of 
considerable  forces  from  the  rebel  army  and  navy  in  Canada,  and  the  machin- 
ations of  disloyal  organizations  in  Ohio,  Indiana  and  elsewhere  known  to  in- 
tend to  rescue  these  prisoners  with  attendant  devastations  on  the  lake  towns 
and  commerce,  showed  these  posts  to  be  unsafe  without  considerable  rein- 
forcements. Six  companies  of  the  Twelfth  Ohio  Cavalry  (dismounted),  with 
the  Twenty-fourth  Battery  (six  guns),  and  two  detachments  of  the  First  Ohio 
Heavy  Artillery  (with  seven  heavy  guns)  were  sent  to  the  island  early  in  No- 
vember, 1863,  followed  promptly  by  the  Forty- ninth  and  Fiftieth  Regiments 
of  the  National  Guai'd  and  a Pennsylvania  Battery.  The  Forty-ninth  and 
Fiftieth  remained  only  eight  or  ten  days,  and  the  Pennsylvania  Battery  was 
soon  relieved.  The  other  troops  remained  all  winter. 

“The  First  Brigade,  Third  Division,  Sixth  Corps,  including  five  regiments, 
attended  by  two  brigadier-generals  from  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  reached 
Sandusky  on  the  13  th  of  January,  1864.  Four  of  the  regiments,  with  General 


Military  History. 


97 


Shaler,  were  stationed  on  the  island.  The  other  regiment,  with  General  H.  D. 
Terry  commanding  the  whole,  was  at  Sandusky.  They  all  remained  until 
April  14,  1864,  when  three  regiments  under  General  Shaler  left  to  rejoin  the 
Sixth  Corps.  The  Twenty-fourth  Battery  was  stationed  in  Sandusky,  and  the 
six  cavalry  companies  left  for  Camp  Dennison  in  March.  Soon  after,  the  six 
new  companies  of  the  Twenty-eighth,  pursuant  to  orders  from  Washington, 
were  moved  to  Sandusky,  and  on  the  14th  of  April,  1864,  with  the  colonel, 
were  stationed  on  the  island.  The  whole  regiment  was  thus,  for  the  first  time, 
assembled  as  one  command. 

“ On  the  8th  of  May,  1864,  Colonel  Hill,  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- 
eighth,  succeeded  General  Terry  in  the  command,  and  the  two  remaining  reg- 
iments from  the  Sixth  Corps  moved  off  to  rejoin  that  corps.  On  the  12th  of 
July,  1864,  the  detachments  from  the  First  Heavy  Artillery  returned  to  their 
regiment,  and  on  the  7th  of  August  following  the  Twenty-fourth  Battery  left 
for  Chicago.  Other  troops  came  to  the  island  and  departed  as  follows : May 
II,  the  One  Hundred  and  Seventy-first  Ohio  National  Guard;  it  left  June  9 
for  Cleveland  and  Kentucky;  returned  June  20  much  reduced,  eight  of  the 
companies  being  then  paroled  prisoners,  not  subject  to  duty ; they  were  mus- 
tered out  August  20.  The  One  Hundred  and  Thirtieth  National  Guard  re- 
ported for  duty  May  21,  and  left  June  6.  The  One  Hundred  and  Sixty-fifth 
Ohio  National  Guard  (five  hundred  and  forty- nine  men)  reported  for  duty  May 
21,  and  left  July  16.  The  Eighth  Battery  Ohio  National  Guard  reported 
September  22,  and  left  October  19,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  Second  Battery 
Ohio  National  Guard,  which  left  November  26.  These  National  Guard  troops 
were  sent  to  the  island  chiefly  as  a place  of  rendezvous,  equipment  and  in- 
struction preparatory  to  service  elsewhere.  On  the  24th  of  September  the 
Sixth  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  (five  hundred  and  sixty -three  men)  from  Wash- 
ington, reported  for  duty. 

“The  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-eighth  from  the  time  its  being  first  assem- 
bled on  the  island  was  kept  under  strict  drill  and  discipline. 

“The  condition  of  the  island,  and  of  the  docks,  roads  and  barracks  upon  it 
required  heavy  details  of  working  parties  to  open  ways  of  communication  for 
defense,  complete  and  improve  the  quarters,  enlarge  the  prison  grounds  and 
accommodations,  and  improve  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  island,  which  had 
been  much  neglected  for  many  months. 

“The  strength  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-eighth,  present  for  duty 
from  early  in  May  until  late  in  the  fall,  w'as  much  reduced  by  detachments 
sent  off  by  order  of  the  commandants  of  the  department,  and  kept  away  for 
long  periods,  so  that  on  account  of  absent  detachments  and  heavy  details  for 
special  duty  and  necessary  working  parties,  the  guard-duty  became  very 
severe ; often,  and  for  considerable  periods,  requiring  the  majority  of  the  men 
remaining  for  that  service  to  go  on  guard  every  other  day. 


98 


History  of  Erie  County. 


“The  number  of  prisoners  of  war  confined  on  the  island  during  the  year 
1864  ranged  as  follows,  varied  chiefly  by  new  acquisitions  and  special  ex- 
changes: January,  31,  2,603;  February  29,  2,206;  March  31,  2,192;  April 
30,2,088;  May3i,  2,134;  June  30,  2,309  ; July  3 1,  2,441  ; August3i,2,- 
556;  September  30,  2,663;  October  31,2,621;  November  30,  2,747  ; De- 
cember 3 I,  3,209. 

“ From  the  foregoing  tables  it  appears  that  the  average  strength  of  prison- 
ers for  the  different  years  was  as  follows:  Average  for  1862,  788  ; 1863,  1,205  S 
1864,  2,480. 

“In  1865,  until  discharges  on  oath  of  allegiance  or  parole  became  more 
numerous,  following  the  surrender  of  Fee’s  army,  the  number  of  prisoners 
ranged  considerably  higher,  and  excepting  about  one  hundred,  they  were  all 
officers  of  the  rebel  army  and  nav}q  of  all  grades,  from  second  lieutenant  to 
major-general. 

“ Here  were  officers  enough  for  an  army  and  navy  of  eighty  thousand  men. 
They  were  within  a short  distance  of  the  Canada  main,  and  still  nearer  to  a 
Canada  island.  The  prevailing  sympathy  in  Canada  was  largely  in  favor  of 
the  rebels ; and  their  every  facility  and  encouragement,  short  of  direct  par- 
ticipation in  our  war,  was  extended  to  the  large  rebel  force  from  the  rebel  army 
and  navy  maintained  in  Canada  to  effect  a rescue  of  these  rebel  officers.  If  by 
such  efforts  war  should  be  brought  on  between  the  United  States  and  England 
a great  point  would  be  gained  by  the  rebels.  No  other  depot  of  prisoners 
■of  war  was  on  a frontier  or  exposed  like  this.  During  the  season  of  naviga- 
tion it  could  be  reached  from  Canada  in  a few  hours’  night  run,  and  during  the 
winter  season  men  and  teams  could  conveniently  cross  the  lake  from  island  to 
island,  not  over  five  miles  of  ice  intervening  in  any  place.  During  the  season 
of  ice  the  location  of  the  depot  of  prisoners  practically  ceased  to  be  an  island. 
The  capture  of  that  depot  or  the  rescue  of  the  prisoners  confined  there,  would 
not  only  be  of  immense  advantage  to  the  rebel  cause  and  give  them  great 
£clat,  but  would  be  a deep  humiliation  to  our  government  and  people,  and 
would  almost  certainly  be  attended  by  attacks  upon  our  lake  commerce  and 
devastation  upon  our  lake  towns.  The  rebel  officers  confined  at  the  island  had 
a large  range  of  acquaintances  and  friends  in  the  loyal  States.  For  them  the 
rebel  emissaries  traveling  in  those  States,  and  the  secret  orders  known  as  the 
■“  Knights  of  the  Golden  Circle  ’ and  ‘ Sons  of  Fiberty,’  had  an  especial  sympa- 
thy, and  were  anxious  to  aid  them  by  means  of  rescue,  or  with  places  of  refuge 
and  concealment.  They  had  the  means  of  knowing  each  other.  These  facts, 
with  the  difficulty  about  exchanges,  stimulated  machinations  for  rescue,  front 
and  rear,  and  kept  the  prisoners  constantly  on  the  qui  vive,  ready  for  any 
desperate  adventure  until  after  the  fall  of  Petersburg.’’ 

It  appears  that  there  was  but  a single  well  organized  attempt  to  effect  a 
rescue  of  the  prisoners  on  Johnson’s  Island,  and  that  attempt  was  made  in  the 


Military  History. 


99 


month  of  September,  1864,  although  prior  to  that  it  was  well  known  that  the 
Canadian  side  of  the  lake  swarmed  with  agents  of  the  rebel  government  and 
sympathizing  residents,  subjects  of  England,  who  were  ever  willing  to  lend  aid 
to  the  Confederate  cause  in  an  under-handed  manner,  but  were  not  so  willing 
to  participate  in  open,  warlike  hostilities. 

The  plan  of  rescue  that  led  to  the  open  attempt  on  the  19th  of  September 
was  conceived  by  John  Yates  Beall.  He  was  to  conduct  the  operations  from 
the  Canada  side  while  one  Cole  was  entrusted  with  the  work  of  gaining  the 
confidence  of  the  officers  at  Sandusky,  and  particularly  of  the  commanding 
officers  of  the  gun-boat  Michigan,  that  lay  in  the  waters  of  Sandusky  Bay  in 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  island.  The  Michigan  was  the  only  government 
boat  then  acting  in  the  defense  of  the  island,  and  with  an  ample  crew  of 
marines,  and  her  eighteen  guns  she  could  repel  any  attack  that  might  be  made,, 
especially  when  acting  in  conjunction  with  the  guard  force  of  infantry  and 
artillery  on  the  island  and  at  Sandusky.  The  first  step,  therefore,  in  accom- 
plishing the  main  undertaking  was  to  obtain  control  of  the  boat,  and  this  was 
the  part  of  the  programme  assigned  to  Cole.  He  is  well  remembered  by  manj^ 
of  the  present  residents  of  Sandusky  as  an  active  and  energetic  fellow,  possess- 
ing education  beyond  the  average,  a fine  conversationalist,  and  a royal  enter- 
tainer. He  made  a prodigal  use  of  his  money,  with  which  commodity  he  ap- 
peared to  be  abundantly  supplied.  He  dined  and  wined  the  officers  of  the 
Michigan  and  sought  to  ingratiate  himself  wholly  in  their  favor.  But  in  the 
chivalrous  acts  of  this  daring  young  fellow  he  rather  overdid  the  matter,  and 
Yankee  cunning  proved  more  than  a match  for  his  arts.  When  he  thought  he 
had  the  officers  just  about  where  he  wanted  them  the  picture  reversed,  and  the 
officers  had  Cole  just  where  they  wanted  him,  and  he  fell  a prisoner  into  their 
hands  and  custody. 

Cole  arranged  a wine  party  at  the  time  that  affairs  were  expected  to  cul- 
minate, and  the  liquor  was  heavily  drugged,  but  the  officers  never  partook  of 
his  bounty,  and  instead  of  their  falling  victims  to  his  plans  he  himself  fell  into 
theirs. 

The  plans  of  Beall  were  equally  well  formed  but  through  the  failure  of  Cole’s 
were  also  futile  so  far  as  carrying  out  the  main  effort  was  concerned.  Beall, 
with  a few  rough  characters,  took  passage  on  the  steamer  Philo  Parsons,  as 
that  boat  was  making  her  passage  between  Detroit,  the  islands  and  Sandusky, 
and  at  Malden,  in  Canada,  twenty  other  men  also  came  on  board  having  as 
baggage  a heavy  and  well  bound  box.  This  was  not  an  unusual  circumstance 
and  nothing  was  thought  of  it.  After  passing  from  the  landing  place  at  Kel- 
ley’s Island  the  men  approached  the  clerk  of  the  boat,  who  in  the  absence  of 
the  captain  seems  to  have  been  in  command,  and  with  revolvers  pointed  at  him 
demanded  a surrender.  The  others  at  once  opened  the  box  and  provided 
themselves  with  revolvers  and  knives  sufficient  for  a small  arsenal.  Without 


100 


History  of  Erie  County. 


inuch  resistance  the  steamer  passed  into  charge  of  the  piratical  crew  of  board- 
ers and  was  turned  back  toward  Middle  Bass  Island,  where  a landing  was  made. 

About  this  time  the  Island  Oneen  reached  the  dock  at  Middle  Bass,  but  no 
sooner  had  she  touched  than  she  was  boarded  and  captured,  not,  however,  with- 
out a stout  resistance  from  her  commanding  officer  and  the  engineer,  but  both 
were  overpowered,  the  latter  being  shot  in  the  face.  On  board  the  Island 
Oneen  was  a party  of  about  a hundred  recently  discharged  soldiers  on  their 
journey  home,  but  being  without  arms  were  powerless  in  the  face  of  a score  or 
more  of  heavily  loaded  revolvers  in  the  hands  of  determined,  desperate  men. 
The  Qneen  was  scuttled  and  sent  adrift,  after  which  the  prow  of  the  Parsons  was 
turned  toward  Sandusky  Bay.  After  cruising  about  fora  long  time,  anxiously 
watching  for  the  proper  signal  from  the  land  party  supposed  to  have  been  suc- 
cessfully organized  by  Cole,  Beall  wanted  to  make  the  attempt  at  rescue  with- 
out the  assistance  of  Cole’s  co-operating  force,  but  knowing  the  power  of  the 
Michigan' s guns,  and  fearful  of  the  result,  Beall’s  desperate  crew  weakened  and 
declined  to  take  the  chances.  Disheartened  and  discouraged,  the  daring  leader 
reluctantly  put  about  and  made  for  the  Canada  side,  where  the  steamer  was 
abandoned  and  her  former  crew  released  from  their  temporary  imprisonment. 

This  was  the  only  open  attempt  made  to  effect  the  rescue  of  the  officers 
■confined  on  Johnson’s  Island,  and  it  proved  a dismal  failure.  What  the  result 
would  have  been,  had  Cole’s  effort  proved  successful,  is  wholly  a matter  of 
speculation.  Several  prominent  citizens  of  Sandusky  were  soon  after  arrested 
and  charged  with  complicity  in  this  attempt.  They  were  temporarily  confined 
on  Johnson’s  Island  but  afterward  released.  Cole  was  also  subsequently  re- 
leased. But  Beall  seems  to  have  been  less  fortunate.  He  was  captured  near 
Supension  Bridge,  on  the  New  York  side,  and  taken  to  New  York  and  con- 
fined on  Governor’s  Island. 

Beall  was  charged  before  a military  court  with  the  seizure  of  the  steamer 
Philo  Parsons ; with  the  seizure  of  the  steamer  Island  Queen:  with  being  a 
■spy  in  Ihe  employ  of  the  rebel  service,  and  with  an  attempt  to  wreck  an  ex- 
press train  between  Buffalo  and  Dunkirk,  in  New  York  State,  for  the  purpose 
of  robbery.  He  was  tried,  found  guility,  and  sentenced  to  be  hanged.  The 
day  fixed  for  his  execution  was  the  i8th  of  February,  1865, but  that  the  mother 
of  the  condemned  man  might  have  an  opportunity  of  seeing  her  son  once  more 
in  life.  President  Lincoln  granted  a respite  for  six  days.  Beall  paid  the  penalty 
of  his  crimes  on  the  24th  of  February,  1865,  on  Governor’s  Island,  in  New 
York  Bay. 

Upon  the  occasion  of  the  trial  of  Beall,  as  a part  of  his  defense,  there  was 
produced  a letter  from  that  old  arch  traitor,  Jefferson  Davis,  in  which  he  as- 
serted that  these  acts,  meaning  Beall’s  exploits  upon  the  border,  were  commit- 
ted by  his  authority,  and  should  be  recognized  as  the  acts  of  “ lawful  belliger- 
ents.” Without  doubt  they  were  recognized  as  the  acts  of  belligerents,  but  the 


Military  History. 


lOI 


lawful  part  failed  to  impress  the  court  so  favorably.  Could  that  military  court 
have  had  a chance  at  Davis  just  then  he  might  have  got  a taste  of  “ lawful  bel- 
ligerent ” medicine  that  might  have  surprised  him  even  if  it  did  not  seriously 
endanger  his  “health.” 

John  Yates  Beall,  the  leader  of  this  bold  attempt  at  rescue,  was  a Virginian 
by  birth,  a native  of  Jefferson  county.  He  is  said  to  have  possessed,  at  the 
time  of  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  a large  and  valuable  plantation,  and  was 
a young  man  of  large  means  and  great  promise.  He  organized  and  became 
captain  of  a company  attached  to  one  of  the  regiments  in  Thomas  J.  Jackson’s 
command,  the  latter  general  being  a person  none  other  than  the  intrepid  “Stone- 
wall ” Jackson,  the  idol  of  the  Confederacy.  Beall  was  engaged  in  several 
battles  prior  to  his  conception  of  the  idea  of  rescuing  the  rebel  officers  on  John 
son’s  Island. 

His  depredations  on  the  Ohio  frontier  have  been  by  some  writers  charac- 
terized as  “ piratical,”  but  such  seems  hardly  to  have  been  the  case.  He  sought 
to  effect  the  rescue  of  the  prisoners  and  in  that  attempt  adopted  such  measures 
as  he  thought  would  most  surely  accomplish  that  result,  but  he  did  not  seek  to, 
neither  was  he  charged  with  any  attempt  at  plundering  any  vessel,  or  of  steal- 
ing any  money  or  merchandise  for  the  purpose  of  gain,  except  the  act  alleged 
to  have  been  committed  in  New  York  State,  and  that  was,  if  true,  an  attempt 
at  train  robbery  and  not  piracy.  His  personal  motives  are  pretty  well  shown 
in  a letter  written  his  brother  on  the  evening  prior  to  the  day  of  execution,  an 
extract  from  which  was  as  follows  : “ Remember  me  kindly  to  my  friends  ; say 
to  them  that  I am  not  aware  of  committing  any  crime  against  society.  I die 
for  my  country.  No  thirst  for  blood  or  lucre  animated  me  in  my  course.  My 
hands  are  clean  of  blood,  unless  spilled  in  conflict,  and  not  a cent  enriched 
my  pocket.  ‘Vengeance  is  mine,  saith  the  Lord,  and  I will  repay.’  Therefore 
do  not  show  unkindness  to  the  prisoners;  they  are  helpless.” 

Having  digressed  somewhat  from  the  narrative  of  events  to  relate  the  ad- 
ventures and  exploits  of  Captain  Beall  and  his  associates,  we  may  now  return 
to  the  general  history  of  affairs  at  Johnson’s  Island  and  the  regiments  there  on 
guard. 

“Soon  after  the  arrival  of  the  Sixth  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  considerable  de- 
tachments were  sent  from  it  for  provost  and  other  duties  elsewhere,  for  of  those 
who  remained,  infirm  as  many  of  them  were  by  wounds  and  disease,  the  cli- 
mate and  exposure  proved  too  severe,  so  that  all  who  remained  for  guard  duty 
did  not  make  good  the  absent  detachments  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- 
eighth.  The  Sixth  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  left  the  command  early  in  1865. 

“ In  view  of  the  contingencies  on  the  frontier,  and  in  order  to  hold  these  posts 
with  a less  force,  the  United  States  Engineer  Crops,  under  the  direction  of  the 
war  department,  began  the  construction  of  three  forts  in  the  fall  of  1864;  one 
on  Cedar  Point,  at  the  mouth  of  Sandusky  Bay  opposite  the  island,  and  two 

14 


102 


History  of  Erie  County. 


on  the  island.  The  expectation  was  to  do  this  work  with  hired  labor,  but  la- 
borers were  so  scarce  that  men  could  not  be  obtained  at  the  wages  offered.  At 
this  juncture  the  colonel  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-eighth  detailed  par- 
ties from  his  regiment  who  did  at  least  two-thirds  of  the  whole  work,  includ- 
ing the  mechanical  part,  and  completed  all  three  of  the  forts  with  their  maga- 
zines and  mounted  the  guns.  This  work  was  done  in  the  most  inclement  sea- 
sons of  the  year,  without  extra  pay,  and  at  a time  when  the  other  details  were 
very  heavy.  But  in  this  instance,  as  in  all  others,  officers  and  men  applied 
themselves  to  the  duties  before  them  with  an  intelligence  and  zeal  which  prompt- 
ly overcame  difficulties  and  attained  the  desired  result  in  a very  creditable 
manner. 

“Although  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-eighth  was  often  scattered  by 
detachments,  and  much  burdened  with  fatigue  duty,  its  drill,  including  infantry 
and  a considerable  range  of  heavy  artillery,  was  accurate  and  thorough,  and  its 
equipment,  discipline,  and  constant  readiness  for  emergencies  and  service  wher- 
ever ordered,  gave  assurance  that  it  would  meet  the  just  expectations  of  the 
government  in  any  line  of  duty.  Many  of  its  officers  and  men  had  served  the 
government  during  the  war  with  credit  in  other  organizations,  from  which  they 
had  been  discharged  on  account  of  disability  by  wounds  or  sickness. 

“In  hastening  the  completion  of  the  defenses  at  Sandusky  Bay  it  was  antici- 
pated that  the  regiments  would  soon  be  relieved  by  troops  of  the  Veteran  Re- 
serve Corps,  and  that  then  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-eighth  would  be  sent 
to  join  some  army  in  the  field.  Measures  were  taken  to  have  it  ready  for  such 
an  event.  Fortune  did  not  give  the  regiment  the  opportunity,  as  a body,  to 
earn  laurels  in  battle,  but  it  performed  its  duty  always  with  faithfulness  and 
efficiency. 

“ Soon  after  the  surrender  of  the  rebel  armies  in  the  spring  of  1865,  the  pris- 
oners on  the  island  were  reduced  by  discharges  on  parole  to  about  one  hundred 
and  fifty.  The  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-eighth  left  the  island  on  the  lOth  of 
July,  1865,  and  was  mustered  out  on  the  17th  at  Camp  Chase.” 

This  is  the  history  of  Johnson’s  Island  as  a place  of  confinement  of  captured 
rebel  officers  during  the  war  1861-65,  and  almost  inseparably  connected  with 
that  appears  the  history  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- eighth  Infantry. 

It  is  proposed  in  the  following  pages  to  devote  some  attention  to  the  other 
individual  regiments,  the  companies  for  which  were  made  up  in  whole  or  in 
part  of  Erie  county  men.  But  in  furnishing  company  rosters  the  greatest  diffi- 
culty has  been  encountered  in  ascertaining  the  names  of  the  men  who  were  resi- 
dents of  county,  and  there  will  be  found  instances  in  which  no  roster  is  given 
from  the  fact  of  the  writer  being  unable  to  locate  the  men,  or  from  the  fact  of 
the  contingents  having  been  so  small  that  no  necessity  exists  for  giving  the  ros- 
ter, could  it  even  be  accurately  ascertained. 

Again  the  adjutant- general  of  the  State  has  not  yet  completed  the  work  of 


Military  History. 


103 


making  up  the  official  roster  of  Ohio’s  volunteer  soldiery;  therefore,  being  un- 
able to  furnish  a correct  record,  one  that  can  be  confidently  relied  upon,  it  is 
deemed  prudent  to  furnish  none  at  all.  Some  of  the  commands  that  were  repre- 
sented by  men  from  this  county  are  given  nothing  beyond  a mere  mention  from 
the  fact  that  the  contingent  of  men  from  the  county  was  so  exceedingly  small 
as  not  to  entitle  them  to  a space,  and  it  is,  therefore,  only  those  parts  of  regi- 
ments, or  companies  of  regiments  that  contained  as  many  as  would  constitute  a 
“corporal’s  guard”  that  receive  extended  notice. 

That  the  reader  may  have  something  of  an  understanding  as  to  the  number 
of  commands  represented  by  Erie  county  volunteers  during  the  war  of  1861-5, 
it  may  be  stated  that  companies  or  parts  of  companies  of  the  following  named 
regiments  were  composed  of  men  from  the  county  : The  Seventh,  Eighth,  Six- 
teenth, Eighteenth,  Twenty-fourth,  Thirty-fourth,  Forty- first.  Forty-ninth, 
Fifty-fifth,  Sixty-third,  Sixty-fourth.  Sixty-fifth,  Si.xty-sixth,  Seventy-second, 
One  Hundredth,  One  Hundred  and  First,  One  Hundred  and  Seventh,  One 
Hundred  and  Twenty-third,  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- eighth.  One  Hundred 
and  Forty-fifth,  One  Hundred  and  Ninety-seventh,  Third  Cavalry,  Tenth  Cav- 
alry, First  Heavy  Artillery,  and  possibly  others  that  cannot  be  definitely  ascer- 
tained by  reason  of  the  very  small  number  of  men  contained  in  them. 

THE  SEVENTH  INFANTRY. 

The  Seventh  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  was  raised  within  a very  few  days  after 
President  Lincoln  issued  his  first  call  for  troops  for  the  three  months  service. 
It  required  but  a very  short  time  to  recruit  a regiment  in  this  section  of  the 
State,  and  while  the  sturdy  young  men  of  Northern  Ohio  were  not  anxious  for 
war,  they  were,  nevertheless,  anxious  and  ready  to  do  their  duty.  The  ranks 
were  quickly  filled  with  men  averaging  from  twenty  to  twenty-five  years  of  age, 
strong,  willing,  determined  and  loyal  young  men. 

To  the  formation  of  this  regiment  Erie  county  contributed  one  company, 
E.  Three  companies  were  raised  at  Cleveland,  and  one  each  at  Oberlin,  War- 
ren, Painesville,  Youngstown,  Norwalk,  Franklin,  which  with  the  Erie  county 
company  made  a full  regiment. 

As  a three  months  regiment  the  Seventh  performed  no  active  service  on  the 
field  of  battle.  They  were  mustered  in  on  the  30th  of  April,  1861,  and  ren- 
dezvoused at  Camp  Taylor,  near  Cleveland,  until  early  in  May,  when  they  went 
by  rail  to  Camp  Dennison  near  Cincinnati.  Upon  the  organization  of  the  Sev- 
enth the  officers  were  chosen  as  follows:  Colonel,  Plrastus  B.  Tyler,  of  Ravenna; 
lieutenant-colonel,  William  R.  Creighton,  of  Cleveland;  major,  John  S.  Case- 
ment, of  Painesville. 

The  first  duty  of  the  command  after  the  election  of  officers  was  to  prepare 
for  active  field  service,  and  at  this  time  the  boys  knew  but  little  of  military  tac- 
tics, drill  and  discipline,  but  before  they  left  Camp  Dennison  they  were  as  well 
prepared  for  the  field  as  any  regiment  of  infantry  at  the  front. 


104 


History  of  Erie  County. 


But  the  Seventh  Infantry  never  faced  the  enemy  as  a three  months  regi- 
ment. When  they  were  well  versed  in  drill,  then  came  Mr.  Lincoln’s  call  for 
three  hundred  thousand  men  for  three  years,  and  the  Seventh  Regiment,  almost 
to  a man,  enlisted  under  that  call,  and  were  thus  transformed  from  the  three 
months  to  the  three  years  service,  and  as  such  first  donned  the  blue.  They 
were  mustered  into  the  United  States  service  on  the  19th  of  June,  1861,  retain- 
ing, substantially,  their  former  commanding  officers. 

After  a brief  leave  of  absence  at  their  homes,  the  men  reassembled  at  Camp 
Dennison,  and  on  the  26th  of  June,  1861,  started  for  the  field,  having  been  as- 
signed to  the  campaign  in  West  Virginia.  None  of  the  command  will  ever  for- 
get the  march  of  June  29th,  and  it  was  this  event  as  much  as  any,  that  gave 
them  an  idea  of  the  hardships  that  were  in  store  for  them.  Their  destination 
was  Weston,  and  the  object  of  the  march  was  the  hope  of  possessing  a goodly 
sum  of  gold  on  deposit  in  a bank  at  that  place,  which  was  designed  to  be  used 
for  the  erection  of  an  insane  asylum.  The  boys  got  it  without  meeting  any 
armed  opposition. 

The  regiment  then  proceeded  to  Glenville  to  relieve  the  force  at  that  point. 
The  first  serious  engagement  in  which  the  Seventh  participated  was  the  battle 
at  Cross  Lanes,  West  Virginia,  on  the  26th  of  August,  1861.  Here  the  regi- 
ment fought  independently,  each  company  taking  a position  where  the  most 
effective  service  could  be  rendered  ; but  they  were  outnumbered  by  the  enemy 
and  slowly  driven  back,  leaving  many  killed  and  wounded  upon  the  battle-field. 
The  loss  to  the  Seventh  in  this  engagement  was  one  hundred  and  twenty  killed, 
wounded  and  missing.  The  command  became  divided  and  scattered,  one  por- 
tion retiring  to  Gauley,  while  the  others  found  the  Union  lines  at  Charleston, 
several  miles  down  the  Gauley  River.  By  reference  to  the  roster  of  Company 
E it  will  be  seen  that  more  men  were  lost  by  death,  wounds  or  capture  than  in 
any  other  single  engagement  in  which  that  company  participated. 

The  regiment  was  soon  gathered  again  and  went  into  camp  at  Gauley. 
The  effects  of  the  recent  engagement  told  severely  on  the  men  and  many  were 
discharged  during  the  early  days  of  October.  One  pleasing  event,  however, 
occurred  while  encamped  at  this  place,  and  that  was  the  presentation  to  the 
regiment  of  a beautiful  stand  of  colors  by  Professor  Peck,  of  Oberlin  College, 
in  behalf  of  the  people  of  the  Western  Reserve. 

Lrom  Gauley,  on  the  i6th  of  October,  the  regiment  proceeded  to  Charles- 
ton, W.  Va.,  where  it  remained  until  the  ist  of  November,  but  soon  after  that 
date  it  was  engaged  in  a movement  to  get  in  the  rear  of  the  rebel  force  under 
Lloyd,  but  through  the  disobedience  of  orders  on  the  part  of  General  Ben- 
ham,  the  attempt  was  fruitless,  and  P'loyd,  though  hotly  pursued,  succeeded  in 
making  his  escape.  After  this  the  Seventh  returned,  by  steamer,  to  Charles- 
ton, November  17,  1861.  In  December  the  regiment  joined  the  command  un- 
der General  Lander  and  proceeded  by  water,  rail  and  a march  of  sixteen  miles. 


Military  History. 


105 


and  arrived  in  the  vicinity  of  the  rebel  forces,  in  a new  and  different  country, 
and  where,  on  March  23,  1862,  they  engaged  in  the  battle  of  Winchester,  com- 
ing in  contact  with  that  most  remarkable  rebel  soldier  “ Stonewall  ” Jackson. 
General  Lander  was  succeeded  by  General  Shields.  General  Banks  occupied 
Winchester  upon  Jackson’s  retirement.  The  tactics  displayed  by  this  noted 
rebel  commander  will,  probably,  never  be  thoroughly  understood.  His  move- 
ments were  rapid  and  were  believed  to  be  a retreat,  but  it  has  been  argued 
that  it  was  simply  a subterfuge,  which,  had  the  co-operating  foixe  expected  by 
him  been  successful,  the  field  of  Winchester  would  have  been  strewn  with 
Union  dead  and  wounded  and  our  national  capital  have  fallen  into  the  hands 
of  the  rebels.  But  “ there  is  many  a slip  ” ; the  movement  failed  of  accom- 
plishment. Winchester  was  fought  and  the  Seventh  took  an  active  and  hon- 
orable part,  losing  fourteen  killed,  fifty-one  wounded,  and  several  prisoners 
taken.  Among  the  losses  here  were  several  of  Company  E. 

Following  Winchester  we  find  the  Seventh  regiment  next  engaged  at  Port 
Republic,  on  the  9th  of  June.  Prior  to  that  the  men  endured  the  hardships  of 
a march  of  one  hundred  and  thirty-two  miles,  from  New  Market  to  Fredericks- 
burg, which  was  accomplished  in  nine  days  ; and  thus  Shields’s  force  was  joined 
to  McDowell’s.  On  the  morning  of  May  13  the  army  was  reviewed  by  Pres- 
ident Lincoln  and  other  government  officials.  Especially  did  the  president  de- 
sire to  see  the  division  that  had  put  to  flight  the  great  Jackson,  therefore 
Shields’s  command,  the  Seventh  among  them,  was  ordered  out  for  inspection. 

When  Shields  withdrew  with  his  forces  from  the  Shenandoah  Valley,  Jack- 
son  with  a strong  command  immediately  occupied  it,  and  commenced  a rapid, 
vigorous  movement  toward  the  nation’s  capital.  This  movement  necessitated 
a change  of  plan  on  the  part  of  the  Union  forces,  and  the  project  to  attack 
Richmond  was  for  the  time  abandoned,  and  the  army  concentrated  and  sent  to 
head  off  the  notorious  rebel  leader.  Jackson,  becoming  aware  of  this,  and  not 
easily  entrapped,  made  a retreat  up  the  valley,  closely  followed  by  P'remont’s 
command.  The  third  and  fourth  divisions  of  Shields’s  brigade  had,  by  this 
time,  reached  a point  opposite  Port  Republic.  At  five  o’clock  in  the  morning 
this  battle  commenced,  the  Seventh  and  the  Fifth  Ohio  having  the  heaviest  of 
the  fight.  Says  Reid,  “These  two  regiments  fought  splendidly  and  effective- 
ly. General  Tyler,  seeing  the  terrible  odds  against  him,  and  the  extent  of  the 
enemy’s  lines,  determined  to  handle  his  inadequate  force  with  extreme  caution, 
and  met  the  wily  Stonewall  with  his  own  favorite  tactics  of  strategy  and  cun- 
ning. Taking  advantage  of  a wheat  field  near  the  enemy’s  center,  he  extend- 
ed his  lines  from  hill  to  river,  and  double-quicked  the  Fifth  and  Seventh  from 
point  to  point  along  the  line,  under  cover  of  some  standing  wheat,  halting  at 
intermediate  points  to  deliver  a galling  fire.  This  was  kept  up  for  five  long 
hours,  and,  with  less  than  three  thousand  muskets,  the  National  forces  re- 
pelled Jackson,  with  fourteen  thousand  veteran  rebel  troops.” 


io6 


History  of  Erie  County. 


In  the  retreat  that  followed  this  sharp  fight  the  Seventh  was  directed  to 
cover  the  rear  as  guarding  force.  This  they  did  gallantly,  coming  off  the  field 
in  line,  loading  as  they  marched  and  frequently  sending  a telling  volley  into 
the  ranks  of  the  pursuers. 

In  May,  1862,  Colonel  Tyler  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  brigade  com- 
mander and  had  charge  of  the  brigade  to  which  the  Seventh  was  attached. 
After  the  battle  of  Port  Republic  and  lying  at  Little  Washington,  that  officer 
was  ordered  to  Washington,  and  thereafter  General  Geary  was  ordered  to  the 
command  of  the  brigade. 

After  Port  Republic  came  the  engagement  at  Cedar  Mountain,  Va.,  on 
August  9,  1862,  and  the  Army  of  Virginia,  under  Pope,  had  again  to  contend 
with  the  noted  Jackson.  The  fight  commenced  at  about  three  o’clock  in  the 
afternoon,  and  the  Seventh  occupied  a position  at  the  front  where  the  battle 
waged  the  fiercest ; in  fact,  it  was  a hand  to  hand  contest  in  which  they  were 
engaged,  and  was  continued  until  night-fall,  when  they  retired  and  bivouacked 
almost  upon  the  field.  Neither  side  could  claim  any  substantial  victory.  The 
ranks  of  the  Seventh  were  fearfully  decimated,  and  out  of  three  hundred  of 
that  regiment  that  entered  the  fight  scarcely  a single  hundred  e.scaped  injury 
in  some  form.  The  roster  of  Company  E will  show  how  that  command  fared. 

With  the  approach  of  Lee’s  army  the  Union  forces  fell  back  toward  Wash- 
ington, and  on  the  17th  of  September  reached  Antietam.  During  the  en- 
gagement at  that  place  the  Seventh  were  on  the  field  but  not  closely  engaged,, 
although  some  slight  losses  were  suffered.  After  the  battle  the  regiment  en- 
camped on  Bolivar  Heights,  and  here  were  received  some  two  hundred  re- 
cruits, but  comparatively  few  of  whom  were  given  to  Company  E. 

Early  in  December  the  Seventh  went  into  winter  quarters  at  Dumfries,, 
but  scarcely  had  they  become  settled  for  a season  of  rest  and  recuperation  than 
a troop  of  cavalry  and  a few  pieces  of  artillery,  under  Stuart,  made  their  ap- 
pearance. The  camping  forces  were  soon  prepared  to  meet  the  attack,  and 
drove  off  the  rebels  with  considerable  loss,  though  suffering  little  themselves. 
So  ended  the  campaign  in  Virginia  for  the  year  1862.  Five  battles  were  par- 
ticipated in  by  the  Seventh  regiment,  and  in  each  their  gallantry  and  bravery 
received  the  plaudits  of  the  whole  Union  people. 

The  campaign  of  1863  opened  with  the  engagement  at  Chancellorsville,  in 
which  the  Seventh  took  an  active  part,  and  when  the  Union  forces  retired 
their  retreat  was  covered  by  the  regiment  assisted  by  two  others.  “ Its  con- 
duct,” says  Reid,  ” in  this  hazardous  and  responsible  position,  and  its  gallant 
action  in  the  battle,  reflected  the  highest  honor  on  not  only  the  regiment,  but 
the  State  from  whence  it  came.”  In  this  battle  the  Seventh  lost  eighty-four 
men  in  killed  and  wounded. 

Gettysburg  followed  Chancellorsville,  and  although  not  actively  engaged 
the  Seventh  were  kept  busy  moving  to  such  points  as  required  strengthening;. 


Military  History. 


107 


exposed  sometimes  to  a galling  fire,  but  generally  protected  by  breastworks. 
Their  loss  here  was  but  one  man  killed  and  seventeen  wounded.  Among  the 
regiments  sent  to  quell  the  riots  in  New  York,  occasioned  by  the  enforcement 
of  the  draft,  was  the  Seventh  Ohio.  The  regiment  reached  Governor’s  Island 
and  went  into  camp  on  the  26th  of  August,  1863.  The  draft  being  over,  the 
Seventh  returned  to  its  old  camp  on  the  Rapidan,  where  it  remained  a few 
weeks,  after  which  the  Twelfth  corps,  to  which  it  was  attached,  was  ordered 
into  the  western  country.  The  Twelfth  and  Eleventh  were  afterward  consoli- 
dated and  became  the  Twentieth,  under  command  of  “Fighting  Joe  Hooker.” 

On  the  24th  of  November  occurred  the  battle  at  Lookout  Mountain,  Tenn., 
and  close  upon  that  came  Mission  Ridge,  Tenn.,  and  Ringgold,  Ga.  The 
Seventh  was  in  each  engagement,  but  lost  most  heavily  in  the  latter.  During 
the  assault  Creighton  said  to  his  men : “ Boys,  we  are  ordered  to  take  that 
hill;  I want  to  see  you  walk  right  up  to  it”  And  walk  they  did;  straight 
into  the  face  of  death.  They  were  repulsed  with  fearful  loss,  there  being  but 
one  commissioned  officer  of  the  whole  regiment  uninjured.  Nineteen  killed 
and  sixty-one  wounded  was  the  result  of  that  charge.  It  occurred  near  Ring- 
gold,  on  the  27th  of  November,  1863.  Colonel  Creighton  and  Major  Crane 
were  both  killed. 

Worn  with  constant  battle  and  ranks  fearfully  thinned,  the  Seventh  went 
into  camp  at  Bridgeport,  Ala.,  where  with  a few  skirmishes  of  no  importance 
it  remained  until  May,  1864,  when  again  it  was  called  into  active  service  in 
the  campaign  of  that  year.  Its  first  engagement  was  at  Rocky  Face  Ridge, 
from  May  5th  to  the  9th,  and  later  at  Resaca,  Ga.,  from  May  13th  to  i6th. 
After  Resaca  had  been  fought  and  won,  the  Seventh  pursued  the  fleeing  rebels 
until  near  the  middle  of  June.  Then  the  term  of  enlistment  of  the  Seventh 
had  expired,  and  they  returned  to  Cincinnati.  Here  the  Fifth  and  Seventh, 
former  constant  companions  in  successes  and  rev^erses,  the  former  from  the 
south,  and  the  latter  from  the  north  part  of  Ohio,  parted  company.  The  Sev- 
enth proceeded  to  Cleveland,  where  it  was  mustered  out  of  service,  after  an 
experience  in  active  service  of  a little  more  than  three  years.  Colonel  Erastus 
B.  Tyler  was  promoted  to  brigadier  general  May  20,  1S62  ; lieutenant-colonel 
William  R.  Creighton  was  promoted  to  colonel  May  20,  1862,  and  killed  at 
Ringgold,  Ga.,  November  27,  1863  ; Lieutenant-Colonel  Joel  F.  Asper  was 
promoted  from  captain.  Company  H,  May  20,  1862,  and  resigned  March  2, 
1863  ; Lieutenant-Colonel  Orris  J.  Crane  was  promoted  to  major  from  captain 
Company  A,  May  25,  1862,  to  lieutenant-colonel  March  2,  1863,  killed  at 
Ringgold,  Ga.,  November  27,  1863  ; Lieutenant-Colonel  Samuel  McClellan 
was  promoted  from  captain  Company  H,  December  i,  1863,  mustered  out 
with  regiment  July  8,  1864  ; Major  John  S.  Casement  resigned  May  23,  1863  ; 
Major  Frederick  A.  Seymour  resigned  March  29,  1864. 


io8 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Roster  of  Company  E. 

This  roster  represents  the  company  in  the  three  years  service.  Nearly 
all  the  men  were  mustered  into  the  service  on  June  20,  i86i,  and  of  the  few 
recruits  received  at  a later  date  no  separate  record  is  made. 

John  VV.  Sprague,  captain;  captured  at  Birch  River,  Va.,  August  8,  i86i  ; 
exchanged  January  5,  1862;  promoted  to  colonel  Sixty- third  Ohio  Volunteer 
Infantry,  January  23,  1862. 

Charles  A.  Wood,  captain  ; promoted  from  first-lieutenant  Company  D 
February  5,  1862;  resigned  February  20,  1863. 

Arthur  T.  Wilcox,  captain;  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August 
26,  1861;  returned  October  4,  1863  ; promoted  from  first-lieutenant  Company 
E to  captain  Company  D July  9,  1862  ; assigned  to  Company  E March  10, 
1863  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

Llewellyn  R.  Davis,  first  lieutenant  ; promoted  from  second  lieutenant 
Company  D,  November  2,  1862  ; to  captain  company  C February  19,  1864. 

George  C.  Ketchum,  first  lieutenant ; captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes, 
Va.,  August  26,  1861  ; exchanged  and  returned  March  13,  1863  ; promoted 
from  first  sergeant  to  first  lieutenant  March  30,  1864;  mustered  out  with  com- 
pany July  6,  1864. 

Ralph  Lockwood,  second  lieutenant ; promoted  to  first  lieutenant  Company 
A November  25,  1861. 

James  P.  Brisbine,  second  lieutenant;  promoted  from  first  sergeant  Com- 
pany H December  20,  1861  ; killed  in  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain,  Va.,  August 
9,  1862. 

George  D.  Lockwood,  second  lieutenant ; promoted  from  first  sergeant 
Company  D August -9,  1862;  mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

Arvin  B.  Billings,  first  sergeant;  appointed  sergeant  from  private  January 
I,  1862;  first  sergeant  January  i,  1863;  wounded  at  battle  of  Cedar  Moun- 
tain, Va.,  August  9,  1862  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

Samuel  C.  Wheeler,  first  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1862; 
first  sergeant  March  i,  1862;  wounded  at  battle  of  Port  Republic,  Va.,  June 
9,  1862  ; discharged  March  26,  1863,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Henry  E.  Hill,  sergeant;  appointed  from  corporal  January  i,  1862; 
wounded  at  battle  of  Gettysburg,  Pa.,  July  3,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  com- 
pany July  6,  1864. 

William  Harley,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1863;  color 
bearer  May  3,  1863;  sergeant  April  9,  1864;  mustered  out  with  company 
July  6,  1864. 

George  W.  Sweet,  sergeant ; captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  Au- 
gust 26,  1861  ; exchanged  and  returned  March  13,  1863  ; appointed  sergeant 
from  private  T^Iay  19,  1864;  mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 


Military  History. 


109 


Moses  Martin,  sergeant;  appointed  sergeant  from  corporal  January  i,  1862  ; 
killed  in  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain,  Va.,  August  9,  1862. 

Orzo  J.  Lowell,  sergeant;  died  at  Cumberland,  Md.,  February  19,  1862. 

William  Merriam,  sergeant ; lost  left  arm  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  \”a., 
August  26,  1861  ; discharged  October  30,  1862,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Franklin  W.  Wilcoxson,  sergeant;  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va., 
August  26,  1861  ; paroled  May  27,  1862;  discharged  b}^  order  of  war  depart- 
ment. 

William  Freeman,  sergeant;  discharged  at  Romney,  Ya.,  June  i,  1862,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Henry  Bailey,  sergeant ; appointed  corporal  January  i,  1862;  sergeant 
January  i,  1863;  transferred  to  Fifth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  October  31, 
1864,  by  order  of  war  department. 

William  W.  Meeker,  corporal  ; appointed  corporal  January  i,  1863  ; mus- 
tered out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

William  Holden,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  July,  1863;  mustered  out 
with  company  July  6,  1864. 

Jesse  G.  Turner,  corporal  ; captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August 
26,  1861  ; paroled  May  27,  1862;  mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

John  H.  Woodward,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1862;  killed 
at  battle  of  Port  Republic,  Va.,  June  9,  1862. 

James  K.  Alexander,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1862; 
wounded  at  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain,  Va.,  August  9,  1862  ; discharged  Jan- 
uary 7,  1863,  by  order  of  war  department. 

George  Blanden,  corporal  ; wounded  at  battle  of  Winchester,  Va.,  March 
23,  1862  ; discharged  January  28,  1863,  by  order  of  war  department. 

George  W.  Loring,  corporal;  discharged  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  October  6, 
1862,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Charles  Lewis,  corporal;  discharged  at  Charleston,  W.  Va.,  October  21, 

1861,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Frederick  A.  Davis,  corporal;  wounded  at  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain,  Va., 
August,  9,  1862;  transferred  to  Invalid  Corps  December  12,  1863,  by  order  of 
war  department. 

Omar  Osborn,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1862  ; discharged 
January  8,  1863,  by  order  of  the  war  department. 

Albert  O.  Smith,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1862  ; wounded 
at  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain,  Va.,  August  9,  1862  ; discharged  November  24, 

1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

William  M.  Barber,  corporal;  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  by  or- 
der of  war  department. 

William  Furniss,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1863  ; transfer- 
red to  Invalid  Corps,  January  5,  1864,  by  order  of  war  department. 

15 


I 10 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Hiram  Smith,  musician;  discharged  at  Columbus,  O.,  October  i6,  1862,. 
by  order  of  war  department. 

Privates. 

Harrison  L.  Allen,  mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

Albert  Andrews,  discharged  at  Columbus,  O.,  August  9,  1862,  by  order 
of  war  department. 

William  H.  Andress,  wounded  at  battle  of  Port  Republic,  Va.,  June  9,  1862;. 
discharged  March  28,  1863,  by  order  of  war  department. 

George  Anners,  wounded  at  battle  of  Winchester,  Va.,  March  23,  1862  ; 
discharged  January  9,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

John  Atwater,  wounded  at  battle  of  Winchester,  Va.,  March  23,  1862  ; also 
at  battle  of  Port  Republic,  June  9,  1862  ; discharged  August  28,  1862. 

Ormer  E.  Andrews,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  February  2, 
1864,  by  order  of  war  department. 

William  F.  Bartlett,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861 
returned  March  13,  1863;  wounded  at  battle  of  Lookout  Mountain,  Tenn.,. 
November  24,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

John  Bark,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861  ; re- 
turned March  13,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

Lyman  Blakeslee,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861  ; 
returned  March  13,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

Robert  W.  Blakeslee,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,, 
1861  ; returned  March  13,  1863  J mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

Edward  Billings,  mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

James  M.  Butler,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861 
died  in  parish  prison.  New  Orleans,  December  27,  1861. 

Reuben  Beers,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861  • 
paroled  May  27,  1862  ; no  record  of  muster-out  found. 

William  Baker,  discharged  at  Columbus,  O.,  September  i,  1862,  by  order 
of  war  department. 

George  W.  Bartlett,  discharged  at  Gauley  Bridge,  Va.,  October  6,  1864 
on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Henry  T.  Benton,  captured  at  battle  of  Dumfries,  Va.,  December  27,  1862; 
returned  March  13,  1863  ; wounded  at  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va.,  May  2,. 
1863  ; discharged  March  7,  1864,  by  order  of  war  department. 

William  L.  Benton,  discharged  at  Williamsport,  Md.,  June  i,  1862,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Joseph  Blake,  discharged  at  Columbus,  O.,  July  5,  1862,  by  order  of  war 
department. 

Leander  Butterfield,  discharged  at  Fort  Royal,  Va.,  June  20,  1862,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

James  J.  Cronk,  mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 


Military  History. 


1 1 1 


Edson  B.  Cross,  killed  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861. 

Isaac  Collins,  enrolled  October  9,  1861,  but  never  mustered. 

Hudson  Call,  discharged  ; no  record  found. 

William  Cherry,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861  ; 
paroled  May  27,  1862  ; discharged  November  19,  1862,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Thomas  S.  Curran,  lost  right  leg  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26, 
1861  ; discharged  Nov.  3,  1862,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Joseph  L.  Clark,  wounded  at  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain,  Va.,  August  9,  1 862  ; 
discharged  August  26,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

George  K.  Downing,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26, 
1861  ; returned  March  13,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

9 

Elwood  Dillingham,  enrolled  October  9,  1861,  but  never  mustered. 

Anson  Douglass,  no  record  found. 

Lewis  A.  Darling,  transferred  to  company  B,  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry, 
October  31,  1864,  by  order  of  war  department ; veteran. 

David  Everett,  died  October  6,  1862,  from  wounds  received  at  the  battle 
of  Antietam,  Md.,  September  17,  1862. 

George  Eiklor,  died  December  1 1,  1863,  from  wounds  received  at  battle  of 
Ringgold,  Ga.,  November  27,  1863. 

Daniel  Llora,  died  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  June  5,  1863. 

Zebah  Lox,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861  ; pa- 
roled May  27,  1862  ; transferred  to  Second  United  States  Cavalry  by  order  of 
war  department ; veteran. 

Jesse  Llora,  transferred  to  company  B,  Lifth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  Octo- 
ber 31,  1864,  by  order  of  the  war  department ; veteran. 

William  L.  Graves,  absent,  nurse  in  hospital  at  Clairsville,  Md.,  Lebruary, 
1862;  mustered  out  July  6,  1864,  by  circular  No.  36,  war  department.  May 
2,  1864. 

Oliver  Grennell,  killed  in  battle  of  Ringgold,  Ga.,  November  27,  1863. 

William  Gibbs,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861  ; 
died  December,  1861,  while  a prisoner. 

Benjamin  L.  Gill,  died  August  29,  1862,  from  wounds  received  at  the  bat- 
tle of  Cedar  Mountain,  Va.,  August  9,  1862. 

Wilson  S.  Gordon,  discharged  December  3,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Henry  Green,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  September  i,  1863,  by 
order  of  war  department. 

Albin  Hopkins,  mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

George  Howorth,  no  record  found. 

Jay  Haskins,  wounded  at  battle  of  Port  Republic,  Va.,  June  9,  1862  ; dis- 
charged October  23,  1862,  by  order  of  war  department. 


I 12 


History  of  Erie  County. 


William  Hutchinson,  wounded  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26, 
1861  ; discharged  March  — , 1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

John  Hann,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861  ; pa- 
roled May  27,  1862  ; transferred  to  the  Fifth  United  States  Cavalr}^  by  order 
of  war  department. 

Thomas  C.  Ingles,  mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

Charles  Jay,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  February  15,  1864,  by 
order  of  war  department. 

James  W.  Kelley,  mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

Henry  Kizer,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861  ; 
died  December  28,  1861,  at  Tuscaloosa,  Ala.,  while  a prisoner. 

Peter  Kizer,  died  at  Cumberland,  Md.,  February  22,  1862. 

Joseph  Kearney,  transferred  to  company  B,  Fifth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry, 
October  31,  1864,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Pidward  Kennedy,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861; 
returned  March  13,  1863;  wounded  at  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va.,  May  2, 
1863  ; transferred  to  Invalid  Corps  January  14,  1864,  by  order  of  war  depart- 
ment. 

William  T.  Lowry,  wounded  at  battle  of  Ringgold,  Ga.,  November  27, 
1863  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

David  Lee,  discharged  at  Fairfax,  Va.,  August  5,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  cer- 
tificate of  disability. 

Nahum  Mears,  mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

John  Melville,  mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

Charles  Masters,  killed  at  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain,  Va.,  August  9,  1862. 

Richard  Mansell,  discharged  at  Warrenton,  Va.,  July  30,  1862,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

John  Mulleman,  wounded  at  battle  of  Winchester,  Va.,  March  23,  1862  ; 
discharged  July  1 1,  1862,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Andrew  McMillen,  mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

Edward  McDermott,  discharged  June  27,  1863,  by  order  of  war  depart- 
ment. 

Henry  Neighboring,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  September  i, 
1863,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Richard  O’Brien,  no  record  found. 

Henry  Pixley,  wounded  at  battle  of  Ringgold,  Ga.,  November  27,  1863  ; 
mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

Spafford  'A.  Penny,  killed  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va.,  May  3,  1863. 

John  Randolph,  died  at  Weston,  Va.,  July,  1861. 

Frederick  W.  Roscoe,  discharged  at  Gauley  Bridge,  Va.,  October  14,  1861, 
on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Albert  L.  Raymond,  wounded  at  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va.,  May  3, 


Military  History. 


113 

1863;  transferred  to  Invalid  Corps  September  30,  1863,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Irving-  Roberts,  transferred  to  company  B,  5th  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry, 
October  31,  1864,  by  order  of  war  department;  veteran. 

Ephraim  J.  Smith,  discharged  April  10,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

Zera  S.  Smith,  absent,  nurse  in  hospital,  mustered  out  July  6,  1864,  by 
circular  No.  36,  war  department.  May  2,  1864. 

James  Stinson,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861  ; 
paroled  May  12,  1862  ; never  returned  to  company. 

John  Shetters,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861  ; 
paroled  May  27,  1862;  discharged  September  i,  1862,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Charles  Stimson,  discharged  October  22,  1862,  for  wounds  received  at 
battle  of  Cedar  Mountain,  Va.,  August  9,  1862. 

Lrancis  Stilwell,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861  ; 
transferred  to  i8th  United  States  Infantry,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Henry  R.  Steele,  transferred  to  recruit  camp,  June  ii,  1864;  no  further 
record  found. 

James  L.  Vansise,  discharged  October  22,  1862,  for  wounds  received  at 
battle  of  Port  Republic,  Va.,  June  9,  1862. 

Brayton  B.  Williams,  captured  at  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va.,  May  3, 
1863;  returned  November  17,  1863;  mustered  out  with  company  July  6 
1864. 

Thomas  Warren,  mustered  out  with  company  July  6,  1864. 

William  L.  Williams,  died  at  Gallipolis,  O.,  September  13,  1861. 

Elam  Ward,  discharged  at  Cumberland,  Md.,  Lebruary  4,  1862. 

Rufus  Welch,  discharged  May,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Daniel  Weatherlow,  discharged  Lebruary  18,  1853,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Henry  Winslow,  discharged  ; no  record  found. 

Charles  Webber,  captured  at  battle  of  Cross  Lanes,  Va.,  August  26,  1861  ; 
paroled  January,  1862;  discharged  April  ii,  1863,  by  order  of  war  depart- 
ment. 

Americus  Witmer,  discharged  at  Baltimore,  Md.,  Lebruary  24,  1863. 

Wade  Wood,  discharged  at  Dumfries,  Va.,  Lebruary  17,  1863,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

John  W.  Wickman,  discharged  November  20,  1862,  for  wounds  received  at 
battle  of  Cedar  Mountain,  Va.,  August  9,  1862. 

Henry  Wetzell,  transferred  to  field  and  staff  as  chief  bugler.  May  i,  1863, 
by  order  of  Colonel  Creighton. 


History  of  Erie  County. 


114 


THE  EIGHTH  INFANTRY. 

Tlie  Eighth  Regiment  of  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  like  its  immediate  pred- 
ecessor, the  Seventh,  was  first  recruited  under  the  president’s  first  call  for 
seventy-five  thousand  troops  “ to  put  down  the  rebellion.”  But  the  field  life 
and  vicissitudes  of  the  Eighth  were  experienced  in  a generally  different  quar- 
ter from  those  of  the  Seventh,  as  we  find  them  only  engaged  in  the  same  bat- 
tles at  Winchester,  Chancellorsville  and  Gettysburg. 

Eor  the  Eighth  Infantry  the  county  of  Erie  contributed  the  greater  portion 
of  Company  E.  The  whole  regiment  was  recruited  between  the  i6th  and  22d  of 
April,  1861,  and  the  29th  of  the  same  month  found  the  men  at  Camp  Taylor, 
near  Cleveland,  awaiting  orders  to  proceed  to  the  front,  but  this  movement 
was  not  made  until  July  9,  following.  They  did,  however,  proceed  to  Camp 
Dennison  on  the  3d  of  May.  The  regimental  organization  was  completed  at 
Camps  Taylor  and  Dennison,  and  the  boys  were  at  once  put  through  “ a 
course  of  sprouts,”  in  order  to  make  them  as  well  informed  on  drill  and  mili- 
tary tactics  as  was  needed  in  field  service.  While  in  camp  on  the  22d  of  July, 
1861,  came  the  president’s  call  for  five  hundred  thousand  volunteers  for  three 
years  service,  and  in  answer  to  this  call  the  whole  body  of  the  Eighth,  save 
only  Company  I,  enlisted  for  three  years  and  was  mustered  into  service  on  the 
22d,  25th  and  26th  of  June,  1861.  On  the  9th  of  July  the  Eighth  left  for 
Grafton,  Va.,  in  which  region  were  extensive  operations  between  McClellan 
and  the  rebel  army  under  Garnett,  the  former  then  having  much  the  best  of  it. 

The  first  few  weeks  of  regular  army  life  for  the  Eighth  were  occupied  in 
guard  and  station  duty  at  various  points  in  the  Allegheny  Mountains  and  along 
the  line  of  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad,  and  here  they  suffered  severely 
from  fever,  over  three  hundred  of  the  regiment  being  at  one  time  in  the  hos- 
pital and  unfit  for  duty. 

The  Eighth  was  first  engaged  at  Romney,  Va.,  on  the  23d  and  24th  of 
September,  and  afterward  on  the  26th  of  October,  in  which  engagements  sev- 
eral men  were  killed  and  wounded,  but  the  regiment  proved  that  they  had 
fighting  qualities.  These  brushes  ended  the  work  of  the  Eighth  for  the  year 
1861,  but  the  next  year,  from  January  to  December,  was  almost  a succession 
of  skirmishes,  attacks  and  battles,  the  most  important  of  which  were  Winches- 
ter, Front  Royal,  Antietam,  and  Fredericksburg. 

Early  in  January  the  regiment  took  part  in  the  assault  on  Blue’s  Gap.  On 
February  14  they  had  a sharp  but  brief  fight  at  Bloomey  Gap,  and  early  in 
March  moved  to  the  Shenandoah,  and  under  command  of  General  Shields,  par- 
ticipated in  the  battle  of  Winchester  against  the  rebel  army  under  Stonewall 
Jackson  ; but  preceding  that  fight  the  Eighth  made  a good  record  in  skirmish- 
ing at  Cedar  Creek  and  Strasburg.  This  qualification  led  the  regiment  to  be 
deployed  as  skirmishers  on  the  evening  before,  and  the  morning  of,  the  battle  at 


Military  History. 


1 15 


Winchester,  but  toward  evening  of  the  day  of  the  battle  they  were  drawn  into 
the  general  engagement  and  participated  in  the  charge  on  the  rebels’  right 
flank,  and  by  which  they  were  thrown  into  confusion  and  utterly  routed.  Of 
the  Eighth  companies  C,  E,  D,  and  H,  were  engaged  in  this  fight,  and  about 
one-fourth  of  these  were  killed  or  wounded. 

After  Winchester  was  fought  and  won  our  skirmishing  regiment,  with  the 
army,  followed  up  the  valley  of  the  Shenandoah,  giving  fight  to  the  enemy  at 
Woodstock,  Mount  Jackson,  Edinburgh  and  New  Market,  as  only  an  active, 
skirmishing  command  can  do.  This  was  continued  during  March  and  April 
and  a part  of  May,  but  on  the  30th  of  the  latter  named  month,  under  General 
Kimball,  they  participated  at  Eront  Royal,  and  skirmished  a distance  of  eight- 
een miles.  Here  was  captured  the  notorious  female  spy.  Belle  Boyd. 

Erom  Eront  Royal  the  brigade  to  which  the  Eighth  was  attached  moved  to 
Harrison’s  Landing,  having  daily  skirmishes  on  the  march.  Arrived  at  that 
place  the  regiment  was  placed  in  the  second  corps,  in  Kimball's  brigade  and 
French’s  division.  This  corps  acted  as  rear  guard  to  the  army  during  the  re- 
treat across  the  Chickahominy,  thence  they  proceeded  to  Alexandria.  The 
Eighth  acted  with  the  supporting  line  at  South  Mountain,  but  not  actively, 
but  crossed  the  mountain  and  skirmished  with  the  enemy  at  Boonsboro  and 
Reedyville. 

Antietam  was  fought  on  September  17,  1862.  “In  the  advance,”  says  Reid,^ 
“Kimball’s  Brigade  formed  the  third  time,  Morris  and  Max  Weber’s  preced- 
ing. They  struck  the  rebel  line  and  were  driven  back,  when  Kimball  advanced 
at  a double-quick,  carrying  the  line  handsomely,  and  holding  it  for  four  hours,, 
and  until  firing  ceased  in  front.  During  this  time  Sedgwick  was  driven  back  on 
the  right,  which  made  it  necessary  for  the  Fourteenth  Indiana  and  the  Eighth 
Ohio  to  change  front,  which  was  done  most  gallantly,  and  saved  the  brigade 
from  rout.  General  Sumner  pronounced  Kimball’s  the  ‘Gibralter  Brigade.’” 

After  Antietam  the  regiment  was  constantly  on  skirmish  duty  at  Hulltown, 
Snicker’s  Gap,  U^nited  States  Ford,  in  the  reconnoissance  to  Leesburg  and  else- 
where, and  then  engaged  in  the  terrible  battle  at  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  Decem- 
ber 13,  1862,  where  a loss  of  thirty- seven  was  sustained,  after  which  the  Eighth 
remained  in  camp  during  the  rest  of  the  winter,  but  early  in  May  participated 
in  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  where  it  was  under  constant  fire  for  nearly 
four  days,  but  lost  only  thirteen  in  killed  and  wounded. 

In  the  Gettysburg  campaign  the  regiment  was  as  actively  engaged  as  in  any 
of  its  numerous  battles.  In  that  engagement,  on  the  afternoon  of  July  2d,  it 
was  thrown  forward  beyond  the  Emmetsburg  road,  to  drive  the  rebel  sharp- 
shooters from  a knoll,  from  which  they  were  rapidly  picking  off  men.  At 
double-quick  the  position  was  taken,  and  held  during  the  remainder  of  the 
fight,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  three  separate  assaults  were  made  against 
it,  once  by  a force  three  regiments  strong.  Besides  this  the  Eighth  rendered 


History  of  Erie  County. 


1 16 


General  Hay’s  division  effective  service.  Gettysburg  cost  the  Eighth  Regi- 
ment over  one  hundred  men  in  killed  and  wounded. 

In  August,  after  pursuing  and  skirmishing  with  Lee’s  retreating  army  the 
Eighth  received  much  needed  rest  and  quiet  in  a trip  to  New  York  City  to  assist 
in  quelling  the  draft  riots  then  raging. 

Returning  to  the  field  the  regiment  joined  the  army  at  Culpepper,  and  par- 
ticipated in  the  operations  and  engagements  at  Auburn  and  Bristow  Station, 
both  in  October,  and  at  Robinson’s  Cross  Roads,  Locust  Grove  and  Nine  Run, 
the  latter  three  in  November,  1863. 

The  operations  of  1864  were  no  less  active  with  the  Eighth  Ohio.  They 
opened  the  last  six  months  of  army  service  with  the  battle  at  Morton’s  Ford, 
on  February  6th,  after  which  they  next  participated  in  the  Wilderness  fight,  oc- 
cupying a prominent  position  supporting  the  right.  They  recaptured  a section 
of  a battery  that  the  Sixth  Corps  had  lost.  On  the  6th  of  May  they  were  en- 
gaged during  the  entire  day,  while  on  the  7th,  8th  and  9th  they  again  showed 
their  remarkable  ability  for  successful  skirmishing.  Again  at  Po  River  and 
Spottsylvania  Court-House  from  the  loth  to  the  i8th  the  regiment  was*  closely 
engaged,  and  lost  heavily  of  its  few  remaining  though  determined  men. 

From  Spottsylvania  Court-house  to  Petersburg  the  Eighth  was  constantly 
on  the  move,  at  North  Anna  River,  Cold  Harbor  and  elsewhere ; now  at  close 
quarters,  again  on  the  skirmish  line,  wherever  they  were  ordered  they  went  and 
did  as  they  were  ordered  unflinchingly,  and  without  a murmur  of  discontent. 

At  Petersburg,  from  June  15th  to  the  19th,  were  they  on  the  field  or  in  the 
trenches.  In  the  latter  place  were  they  when  their  term  of  enlistment  expired, 
June  25,  1864. 

Then  they  returned  home,  receiving  ovations  and  receptions  at  several 
places  along  the  route.  The  Eighth  was  mustered  out  of  service  on  the  13th 
of  July,  1 864. 

Those  of  the  regiment  whose  term  did  not  expire  in  June  were  consolidated 
with  the  Fourth  Regiment  of  Infantry  and  became  the  “ P'ourth  Battalion  Ohio 
Infantry,”  and  were  mustered  out  in  July,  1865. 

Roster  Company  E,  Three  Months  Service. 

H.  G.  De  Puy,  captain;  James  E.  Gregg,  first  lieutenant;  John  Bixby,  en- 
sign ; William  D.  Witherell,  Zenas  W.  Barker,  jr.,  Samuel  M.  White,  jr.,  H.  C. 
Jennings,  George  A.  Scoby,  D.  VanKirk,  Leonard  Dewey  Smith,  S.  G.  Rossi- 
ter,  Charles  H.  Reed,  Charles  M.  Keyes,  A.  T.  Craig,  O.  H.  Rosenbaum,  Phi- 
lander Derr,  Charles  G.  Knight,  William  R.  West,  Benjamin  E.  Deely,  West 
B.  Jennings,  S.  M.  Ricker,  Frederick  M.  Burton,  S.  A.  Johnson,  Lewis  J.  Lick, 
Henry  C.  Morton,  John  W.  De  Puy,  Eugene  D.  Bell,  Bryant  Headly,  Charles 
Ruggles,  Leonard  B.  Osborn,  C.  M.  Chapman,  A.  W.  House,  R.  W.  Spauld- 
ing, E.  Warren,  A.  A.  Curry,  William  Lisles,  Roger  Walsh,  William  Brady, 


Military  History. 


117 


Byron  Wheeler,  George  Fuller,  E.  B.  Fuller,  Robert  Latham,  D.  D.  Bogart,  J. 
Hinckley,  Obed  Caswell,  Isaac  P.  Grover,  George  Quick,  W.  K.  D.  Townsend, 
Isaac  DePuy,  George  J.  Osborne,  Lane  Lockwood,  Edward  Hadley,  Henry 
Conner,  William  H.  Harris,  Charles  Clark,  Burton  Eigler,  William  Brown,  An- 
drew D.  McKisson,  N.  H.  Chamberlin,  James  P.  Harris,  John  Bartlett,  Lester 
V.  McKisson,  Sexton  Duley,  Jefferson  Dailey,  John  Dailey,  N.  H.  Hammond, 
Horace  R.  Wood,  Valentine  Walter,  Lyman  Smith,  Byron  W.  Hoford,  O.  E. 
Bacon,  Harper  Bill,  William  Wolverton,  John  House,  Judson  Willard,  Peter 
Epp,  Frederick  Zorn,  Benevil  Slagal,  John  Donnelly,  Sanford  Harper,  D.  F. 
German,  P.  M.  Cannon,  W.  W.  Miller,  R.  W.  Foster,  G.  V.  Smith,  F.  B.  Col- 
ven,  C.  B.  Rone,  Francis  Pearson,  Walter  Caswell,  William  L.  Banks. 

Rostei'  Field  and  Staff — Three  Years  Scrzdce. 

Herman  G.  De  Puy,  colonel ; resigned  November  9,  1861. 

Samuel  S.  Carroll,  colonel;  in  command  of  brigade  since  May  4,  1862; 
wounded  at  Spottsylvania,  May  I2,  1864;  mustered  out  with  regiment  July 
13,  1865. 

Charles  A.  Park,  lieutenant-colonel ; promoted  to  lieutenant-colonel  from 
first  lieutenant,  company  H,  July  8,' 1861  ; resigned  November  4,  1862. 

Franklin  Sawyer,  lieutenant-colonel;  promoted  from  captain  company  D 
to  major,  July  8,  1861  ; to  lieutenant-colonel,  November  25,  1861  ; wounded 
at  battle  of  Gettysburg  July  i,  1863;  brevetted  brigadier-general;  mustered 
out  with  regiment  July  13,  1864. 

Albert  H.  Winslow,  major;  promoted  from  captain,  company  A,  Novem- 
ber 25,  1861  ; mustered  out  with  regiment  July  13,  1864. 

Roster  Company  E. 

James  E.  Gregg,  captain;  served  in  1863-4  as  division  inspector ; mus- 
tered out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

Wells  W.  Miller,  first  lieutenant;  promoted  to  captain  and  assigned  to 
company  H March  ii,  1862. 

Alfred  T.  Craig,  first  lieutenant;  promoted  from  second  lieutenant  to  first 
lieutenant  March  ii,  1862;  to  captain  and  assigned  to  company  F March  4, 
1863. 

James  K.  O’Reiley,  first  lieutenant;  transferred  from  company  B June  l, 
1863  ; rnustered  out  with  company  June  13,  1864. 

James  D,  Wetherell,  second  lieutenant;  appointed  first  sergeant  from  pri- 
vate August  28,  1861  ; promoted  to  second  lieutenant  March  ii,  1862;  first 
lieutenant  October  17,  1862,  and  assigned  to  company  A February  23,  1863. 

Lester  V.  McKesson,  second  lieutenant ; appointed  sergeant  from  corporal 
August  28,  1862;  promoted  to  second  lieutenant  March  4,  1863;  mustered 
out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

16 


Ii8 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Zenas  VV.  Baker,  first  sergeant;  died  August  28,  1861,  at  Oakland,  Md. 

Horace  H.  Bill,  first  sergeant ; appointed  first  sergeant  from  corporal  1861 ; 
sergeant-major  June  25,  1861,  and  transferred  to  Field  and  Staff. 

Romeo  W.  Foster,  first  sergeant;  appointed  sergeant  from  corporal  1862; 
first  sergeant  June  18,  1864;  mustered  out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

John  W.  De  Buy,  first  sergeant;  appointed  first  sergeant  from  sergeant 
March  ii,  1862;  sergeant-major  May  i,  1862,  and  transferred  to  Field  and 
Staff. 

Charles  M.  Chapman,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  August  28,  1861  ; ser- 
geant May  I,  1863;  wounded  at  Spottsylvania  Court  House,  Va.,  May  12, 
1864;  mustered  out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

Major  S.  Davis,  sergeant ; appointed  corporal  November  20,  1861;  ser- 
geant April  15,  1864;  mustered  out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

Henry  Owens,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  November  l,  1862  ; sergeant 
June  18,  1864;  mustered  out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

Augustus  W.  Porter,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  September  17,  1862; 
sergeant  April  15,  1863  ; killed  March  6,  1864,  in  battle  of  the  Wilderness. 

Samuel  Edwards,  sergeant ; appointed  sergeant  from  private  July  i,  1862  ; 
died  from  wounds  received  near  Petersburg,  Va.,  June  18,  1864. 

Oscar  F.  Bacon,  sergeant;  appointed  sergeant  from  corporal  March  i, 
1864;  died  April  ii,  1864,  in  United  States  General  Hospital,  Baltimore,  Md. 

Augustus  Fergel,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1862;  sergeant 
May  I,  1863;  wounded  at  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness  May  6,  1864;  mus- 
tered out  January  20,  1865. 

Aurelius  A.  Curry,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  June  25,  1861  ; sergeant 
May  i,  1862;  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Frederick  Zorn,  corporal  ; appointed  corporal  April  15,  1864;  mustered 
out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

Philander  Derr,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  April  15,  1864;  mustered  out 
with  company  July  13,  1864. 

Philip  Gatz,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  May  i,  1864;  mustered  out  with 
company  July  13,  1864. 

Isaac  Hinkley,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  June  25,  1861  ; killed  in  bat- 
tle of  Fredericksburg,  Va.,  December  13,  1862. 

James  Fernald,  corporal  ; discharged  October  i,  1861,011  surgeon’s  cer- 
tificate of  disability. 

Feonard  D.  Smith,  corporal  ; discharged  July  31,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  cer- 
tificate of  disability. 

William  Files,  corporal  ; discharged  April  [,  1863,  for  wounds  received  at 
Fredericksburg,  Va.,  December  13,  1862. 

Charles  Simpson,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  November  20,  1861;  trans- 
ferred to  Sixth  United  States  Cavalry  October  23,  1862,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 


Military  History. 


119 

Alanson  Yeoman,  corporal ; appointed  corporal  November  i,  1863  ; trans- 
ferred to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  July  l,  1864,  by  order  of  war  department. 

R.  B.  Cady,  corporal;  died  April  ii,  1864;  buried  in  London  Park  Na- 
tional Cemetery. 

William  Braby,  musician  ; no  record. 

Charles  B.  Roe,  musician  ; no  record. 

Pj'ivates. 

James  Anderson,  killed  May  24,  1864,  in  battle  of  North  Anna  River. 

John  Allen,  no  record. 

Frederick  Allen,  no  record. 

George  W.  Alspaugii,  discharged  June  30,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

William  Brown,  no  record. 

Jehial  Bare,  no  record. 

George  D.  Beatty,  discharged  December  25,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Samuel  Beeler,  discharged  June  16,  1862,  for  wounds  received  at  battle  of 
Winchester,  Va.,  March  23,  1862. 

Martin  Beck,  reduced  to  ranks  from  sergeant  September  17,  1862;  trans- 
ferred to  Sixth  United  States  Cavalry  October  23,  1862,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Otto  Boesch,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Richard  D.  Brewer,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  by  order  of  war 
department. 

William  L.  Bretz,  reduced  to  ranks  from  corporal  November  25,  1861  ; 
transferred  to  Brigade  Band  May  i,  1862  ; to  company  E June  6,  1864  ; mus- 
tered out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

Charles  Clark,  mustered  out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

John  M.  Conner,  died  September  24,  1862,  at  Antietam,  Md. 

Charles  Cartwright,  no  record. 

Frank  B.  Carter,  no  record. 

Henry  E.  Conner,  discharged  May  i,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

Samuel  Cherry,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

George  R.  Derr,  killed  May  24,  1864,  in  battle  of  North  Anna  River. 

Sexton  Dudley,  discharged  January  24,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

Jefferson  Dailey,  discharged  December  10,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 


120 


History  of  Erie  County. 


John  Dailey,  discharged  January  20,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

Peter  Elpp,  discharged  January  12,  1863,  for  wounds  received  in  action. 

George  E.  Flanders,  discharged  November  i,  1862,  at  Camp  Dennison,  O.^ 
on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Stephen  Giles,  died  March  27,  1862,  from  wounds  received  at  battle  of 
Winchester,  Va.,  March  23,  1862. 

Richard  F.  Gray,  no  record. 

Harmon  Groff,  transferred  to  Sixth  United  States  Cavalry  October  23, 
1862,  by  order  of  war  department. 

• Philip  Grover,  transferred  to  Sixth  United  States  Cavalry  October  23, 
1862,  by  order  of  war  department. 

William  H.  Harris,  mustered  out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

Henry  H.  Haines,  no  record  found. 

Frederick  Harrington,  discharged  January  20,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certifi- 
cate of  disability. 

John  H.  House,  discharged  July  7,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

Stephen  Hinkley,  discharged  May  3,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

Patrick  Hinchey,  discharged  June  i,  1862,  by  order  of  war  department. 

John  Howard,  transferred  to  Sixth  United  States  Cavalry  October  23, 
1862,  by  order  of  war  department. 

William  H.  Haas,  transferred  to  company  A June  25,  1861. 

John  H.  Jack,  appointed  first  sergeant  July  i,  1861  ; reduced  to  ranks 
April  6,  1863  ; discharged  June  28,  1864,  at  Columbus,  O. 

Warren  F.  June,  no  record  found. 

James  Jones,  no  record  found. 

Antone  Knabiel,  discharged  January  i,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

Forenzo  Fuce,  transferred  to  Invalid  Corps  September  14,  1863,  by  order 
of  war  department. 

James  D.  Martin,  died  March  17,  1862,  from  wounds  received  at  Win- 
chester, Va.,  March  23,  1862. 

James  Maiear,  died  May  12,  1862,  from  wounds  received  at  battle  of  Win- 
chester, Va.,  March  23,  1862. 

John  C.  McEnally  ; no  record  found. 

John  McGinness  ; no  record  found. 

Adam  Moose,  jr.  ; discharged  November  18,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Henry  D.  C.  Mills;  discharged  November  20,  1862,  for  wounds  received 
at  battle  of  Antietam,  Md.,  September  17,  1862. 


Military  History. 


I2I 


Martin  V.  Mixer;  discharged  December  23,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Charles  H.  Merrick;  transferred  to  company  H July  5,  1861. 

Henry  McDonald  ; transferred  to  Sixth  United  States  Cavalry  October  23, 
1862.  ' 

T.  G.  IMaxvvell ; died  March  9,  1854;  buried  at  Spring  Grove  National 
Cemetery,  lot  No.  210,  Cincinnati,  O. 

Theodore  Neile;  wounded  at  Cold  Harbor,  Va.  ; prisoner  of  war  in  Ander- 
sonville  June  3,  1864;  no  record  of  muster-out  found. 

Francis  Pearson;  no  record  found. 

William  Paul  ; no  record  found. 

Thomas  H.  Pyle;  discharged  December  3,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Henry  S.  Porter;  discharged  December  3,  1863,  for  wounds  received  at 
battle  of  Winchester,  Va.,  March  23,  1862. 

Frederick  Renther  ; prisoner  of  war  from  October  15,  1863,  to  June  10, 
1864;  mustered  out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

Edgar  J.  Reed  ; discharged  December  2,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

Lerman  Smith,  wounded  at  battle  of  Winchester,  Va.,  March  23,  1862  ; 
mustered  out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

Joseph  Stibel ; mustered  out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

Gustavus  V.  Smith  ; killed  in  skirmish  at  Worthington,  Va.,  September  l,. 

1861. 

Lyman  Smith;  died  September  ii,  1861,  at  Grafton,  Va. 

John  Smith;  died  January  ii,  1862,  from  accidental  gun-shot  wound. 

Peter  Shumaker;  died  March  25,  1862,  from  wound  received  at  battle  of 
Winchester,  March  23,  1862. 

Joseph  T.  Smith;  no  record  found. 

Merrill  Starr;  discharged  January  27,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

Hugo  C.  Springer;  discharged  December  2,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Frank  L.  Saeffing  ; discharged  April  8,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

Henry  C.  Schenk;  discharged  August  15,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

Franklin  Trube  ; killed  in  battle  of  Antietam,  Md.,  September  17,  1862. 

Albert  J.  Vining  ; transferred  to  Sixth  United  States  Cavalry  October  23^ 

1862,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Roger  L.  Walsh  ; wounded  in  battles  of  Winchester  and  the  Wilderness ; 
leg  amputated;  mustered  out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 


122 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Horace  R.  Wood;  mustered  out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

James  M.  Webber;  wounded  at  battle  of  Petersburg,  Va.,  June  19,  1864; 
mustered  out  with  company  July  13,  1864. 

Valentine  Walter;  died  June  18,  1864,  h'om  wounds  received  at  battle  of 
Wilderness,  Va.,  May  10,  1864;  buried  in  Arlington,  Va.,  National  Cemetery. 

Charles  F.  Warner;  no  record  found. 

Fayette  Walcott;  discharged  March  5,  1863,  for  wounds  received  in  action. 

William  Wilson;  discharged  November  4,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

Fbenezer  E.  Warren  ; transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  September  30, 

1863,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Christian  W.  Weidel;  transferred  to  Sixth  United  States  Cavalry  October 
23,  1863,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Jacob  Weidman  ; transferred  to  company  A June  25,  1861. 

Isaac  Wilson  ; transferred  to  commandant  at  Camp  Cleveland,  O.,  July  13, 

1864. 

THE  TWENTY- FOURTH  INFANTRY. 

The  Twenty-fourth  Regiment  of  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  was  organized  at 
Camps  Chase  and  Jackson  during  the  latter  part  of  May  and  the  early  part  of 
June,  1861.  To  its  formation  no  less  than  eleven  counties  made  a contribu- 
tion of  men,  young  men,  most  of  them,  strong  and  active.  The  county  of  Erie 
sent  into  this  command  a large  contingent  of  company  E.  The  greater  portion 
of  this  company  was  enlisted  in  June,  1861,  but  recruits  were  received  during 
1863  and  1864. 

Although  the  regiment  entered  the  service  in  June,  it  was  not  until  about 
the  middle  of  September,  following,  that  it  engaged  in  its  first  battle.  During 
the  latter  part  of  July  the  Twenty-fourth  left  camp  for  Cheat  Mountain,  Va., 
where  they  encamped  and  prepared  for  guard  duty.  The  enemy  were  within 
a short  marching  distance,  and  picket  firing  and  skirmishing  were  not  infre- 
quent. 

On  the  morning  of  September  12  the  regiment  was  surrounded  by  the 
rebel  forces  and  barely  escaped  capture.  Lack  of  proper  vigilance  was  the 
cause  of  this  disaster.  But  the  boys  soon  rallied  and  formed  a line  of  battle 
and  made  a stout  and  successful  resistance,  but  not  without  some  loss  in  killed 
and  wounded.  The  roster  will  disclose  the  fact  that  as  many  of  company  C 
were  killed  or  wounded  at  Cheat  Mountain  as  in  any  other  place,  excepting 
possibly  Chickamauga,  Ga. 

The  Twenty-fourth  was  next  engaged  at  Greenbrier,  Va.,  on  the  3d  of 
October,  where  they  were  exposed  to  a heavy  fire,  but  for  all  of  that  their  loss 
was  inconsiderable,  two  being  killed  and  three  wounded.  This  ended  the 
fighting  for  1861.  The  regiment  proceeded  to  Louisville,  Ky.,  arriving  there 
on  the  28th  of  November.  While  here  the  Twenty-fourth  was  attached  to  the 
Fourth  Division  of  the  Tenth  Brigade  of  the  Army  of  the  Ohio. 


Military  History. 


123. 


Late  in  February,  1862,  the  command  reached  Nashville,  Tenn.,  where  it 
remained  some  weeks,  and  then  proceeded  to  Savannah,  reaching  that  place  on 
April  5,  much  worn  and  fatigued  by  marching  over  heavy  roads,  and  wading 
through  streams  and  marshes. 

The  regiment  next  participated  in  the  battle  of  Pittsburg  Landing,  losing 
over  thirty  in  killed  and  wounded,  and  afterward  skirmished  with  the  enemy 
on  the  march  toward  Corinth,  which  latter  place  the  Twenty- fourth  was  one 
of  the  first  regiments  to  occupy.  In  October  the  regiment  was  assigned  to  the 
Fourth  Division  of  the  Twenty-first  Army  Corps.  At  Perryville,  on  the  8th,. 
it  was  present  on  the  field  but  not  actively  engaged. 

In  December  General  Rosecrans  moved  toward  Nashville.  The  Twenty- 
fourth  was  in  an  exceedingly  unfortunate  condition.  Company  A was  on 
detached  duty,  and  the  balance  of  the  command  numbered  less  than  three  hun- 
dred and  fifty  serviceable  men,  sickness,  discharges  for  disability,  transfers, 
losses,  and  desertions  having  reduced  the  regiment  to  that  number.  However, 
with  that  strength  the  Twenty-fourth  went  into  the  battle  of  Stone  River, 
Tenn.,  on  the  last  day  of  the  year  1862.  It  was  given  an  important  position 
in  this  battle,  and  held  firmly,  doing  excellent  service,  but  losing  heavily, 
there  being  nearly  ninety  lost  in  killed  and  wounded,  or  about  one- fourth  its 
entire  strength.  Next  came  Woodbury,  on  the  24th  of  January,  with  but 
slight  loss. 

No  further  important  battle  was  participated  in  by  the  regiment  until  the 
Chickamauga  engagement  in  which  it  also  lost  a number  of  officers  and  men. 
After  this  was  over  Colonel  Higgins  and  Major  McClure  were  “permitted”  to 
resign  from  the  service.  At  Lookout  Mountain,  November  24,  1863,  Mis- 
sion Ridge,  November  25,  and  at  Taylor’s  Ridge,  Ga.,  November  27,  the  reg- 
iment was  engaged,  after  which  it  was  assigned  to  the  Second  Division  of  the 
Fourth  Corps.  The  final  battle  in  which  it  participated  was  at  Buzzard  Roost, 
or  Rocky  Face  Ridge,  on  February  25—27,  1864,  and  in  April  following  was 
sent  to  Chattanooga  to  await  orders  for  muster-out.  In  June  it  proceeded  to 
Columbus,  and  was,  excepting  Company  D,  mustered  out  by  companies,  at 
different  dates,  from  June  17  to  24,  by  reason  of  expiration  of  term  of  service. 
Company  C was  mustered  out  on  June  22,  by  J.  M.  Eyster,  captain  Eighteenth 
Infantry  United  States  Army. 

Roster  Field  and  Staff. 

Jacob  Ammen,  colonel , promoted  to  brigadier-general  United  States  Vol- 
unteers, July  16,  1862. 

Frederick  C.  Jones,  colonel;  promoted  to  colonel  May  14,  1862  ; killed  De- 
cember 31,  1862,  at  battle  of  Stone  River,  Tennessee. 

David  J.  Higgins,  colonel  ; promoted  from  captain  company  C January  i,. 
1863;  resigned  October  23,  1863. 


124 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Samuel  A.  Gilbert,  lieutenant-colonel  ; promoted  to  colonel  Forty-fourth 
Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  October  i8,  i86i. 

Lucien  C.  Buttles,  lieutenant- colonel ; promoted  from  major  October  14, 
1861  ; resigned  November  28,  1861. 

Albert  S.  Hall,  lieutenant-colonel ; promoted  to  major  from  captain  com- 
pany F December  20,  1861  ; lieutenant-colonel  May  14,  1862;  colonel  One 
Hundred  and  Fifth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  August  ii,  1862. 

Armstead  T.  M.  Cockrill,  lieutenant-colonel  ; promoted  from  captain  com- 
pany D December  31,  1862  ; to  colonel  October  23,  1863,  but  not  mustered  ; 
mustered  out  June  24,  1864. 

Shelton  Sturgess,  major  ; promoted  from  captain  company  B October  14, 
1861  ; resigned  November  28,  1861. 

Henry  Terry,  major;  promoted  from  captain  company  G May  14,  1862  ; 
to  lieutenant-colonel  August  ii,  1862,  but  not  mustered;  killed  December  31, 
1862,  in  battle  of  Stone  River,  Tennessee. 

Thomas  M.  McClure,  major  ; promoted  from  captain  company  K Decem- 
ber 31,  1862  ; resigned. 

William  B.  Sturgess,  major;  promoted  from  captain  company  A October 

3,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  regiment  June  24,  1864. 

Roster  Company  C. 

Mustered  into  service  June  i,  1861,  at  Camp  Johnson,  Ohio,  by  John  C. 
Robinson,  captain  Fifth  Infantry,  United  States  Army;  mustered  out  June  22, 
1864,  at  Columbus,  O. 

David  J.  Higgins,  captain;  promoted  to  colonel  January  i,  1863. 

De  Witt  C.  Wadsworth,  captain;  promoted  to  first  lieutenant  from  second 
lieutenant  December  20,  1861  ; transferred  to  company  I ; promoted  to  cap- 
tain December  31,  1862  ; died  September  21,  1863,  of  wounds  received  Sep- 
tember 20,  1863,  at  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  Georgia. 

William  C.  Beck,  captain  ; appointed  first  sergeant  from  sergeant  October 

4,  1861  ; promoted  to  second  lieutenant  June  6,  1862  ; first  lieutenant  Decem- 
ber 31,  1862  ; captain  April  21,  1864;  mustered  out  with  company  June  22, 
1864. 

Enoch  Weller,  first  lieutenant ; promoted  to  captain  company  H October 
3,  1861. 

John  H.  Elbert  first  lieutenant;  promoted  from  second  lieutenant,  company 
E,  October  15,  1861  ; resigned  January  6,  1862. 

George  W.  Brown,  first  lieutenant ; promoted  from  private  company  A 
April  21,  1864;  transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infan- 
try, 1864. 

Robert  B.  Billingsly,  first  sergeant ; appointed  from  sergeant  June  29,  1861 ; 
died  October  4,  1861,  at  Cheat  Mountain,  Va. 


Military  History. 


125 


Leonard  B.  Osborn,  first  sergeant ; appointed  from  corporal  October  8, 
1861;  first  sergeant  July  8,  1862;  mustered  out  with  company  June  22, 
1864. 

Alfred  Marion,  sergeant;  appointed  from  corporal  September  i,  1861; 
killed  December  31,  1^62,  in  battle  of  Stone  River,  Tennessee. 

John  R.  Baker,  sergeant;  reduced  from  first  sergeant  June  29,  1861; 
died  October  7,  1861,  at  Cheat  Mountain,  Va. 

Lindly  M.  Tullis,  sergeant;  appointed  from  corporal  October  4,  1861;  killed 
September  19,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chickamauga,  Ga. 

John  M.  Root,  sergeant;  died  August  24,  1861,  at  Cheat  Mountain  Va. 

George  L.  Dix,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  March  i,  1862;  sergeant 
July  8,  1862;  discharged  October  3,  1862,  to  enlist  in  the  Fourth  United 
States  Artillery. 

Israel  J.  Deemer,  sergeant;  mustered  as  private;  appointed  sergeant  April 
I,  1862;  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Peter  W.  Smith,  sergeant;  appointed  from  musician  December  31,  1862; 
mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

James  Quinn,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  June  i,  1862;  sergeant  De- 
cember 31,  1862  ; mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Jason  R.  Orton,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  August  30,  1862;  died  April 
18,  1863,  in  hospital  at  Quincy,  111.,  from  wounds  received  in  battle  of  Stone 
River,  Tennessee. 

Joseph  H.  Wright,  corporal;  discharged  April  23,  1863,  to  accept  ap- 
pointment as  contract  surgeon. 

Henry  H.  Arner,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  June  i,  1862;  discharged 
October  23,  1862  to  enlist  in  Fourth  United  States  Artillery. 

Fisher  A.  Billingsley,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  September  i,  1861; 
discharged  May  18,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

John  Matt,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  December  21,  1861. 

Richard  Slette,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  September  i,  1861;  dis- 
charged to  enlist  in  Fourth  United  States  Artillery. 

Henry  Meyer,  corporal;  transferred  to  company  F Eighteenth  Ohio  Vol- 
unteer Infantry,  1864;  veteran. 

Lewis  Rubel,  corporal  ; appointed  corporal  March  12,  1861  ; transferred  to 
company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  1864;  veteran. 

James  F.  H.  Cook,  corporal ; appointed  corporal  ; transferred  to  company 
F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  January  2,  1864;  veteran. 

William  English,  corporal  ; appointed  corporal  March  12,  1864;  trans- 
ferred to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry , 1864;  vet- 

eran. 

John  H.  Roberts,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  June  i,  1862;  wounded 
December  31,  1862,  in  battle  of  Stone  River,  Tennessee. 

17 


126 


History  of  Erie  County. 


John  Liddle,  corporal  ; appointed  corporal  July  8,  1862;  wounded  Sep- 
tember 19,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chickamauga,  Georgia. 

John  Whalon,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  November  23,  1862;  mus- 
tered out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

John  Sheppard,  corporal  ; appointed  corporal  December  31,  1862;  mus- 
tered out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Irwin  G.  Porter,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  November  31,  1862;  mus- 
tered out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Jeremiah  E.  Williams,  musician  ; mustered  out  with  company  June  22, 
1864. 

Richard  Larimer,  wagoner;  transferred  from  company  H July  2,  1861; 
mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Privates. 

Ole  Anderson  ; killed  July  25,  1861,  at  Camp  Chase  by  the  accidental  dis- 
charge of  a gun. 

Nelson  Arnold  ; transferred  to  company  P',  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  In- 
fantry  , 1864;  veteran. 

John  Arni  ; transferred  to  company  H July  2,  1861. 

Isaac  PI.  Ames;  transferred  to  company  E,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  In- 
fantry   , 1 864. 

Dayton  Andrews;  transferred  to  company  E,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer 
Infantry , 1864. 

Francis  Bradley;  reduced  from  corporal  December  31,  1861  ; died  March 
22,  1862,  near  Duck  River,  Tennessee. 

Henry  C.  Beck  ; mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Simon  Bernhart ; reduced  from  corporal  September  i,  1861;  mustered 
out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Isaac  Burlingame  ; mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Lewis  Bernstine;  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

John  Brokely;  died  July  4,  1862,  at  Athens,  Ala. 

Samuel  Bradner  ; no  record  found. 

Benjamin  P'.  Bureau;  discharged  January  18,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

William  L.  Benton  ; transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volun- 
teer Infantry,  , 1864. 

Thomas  W.  Carpenter;  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Thomas  C.  Campbell  ; died  November  16,  1861,  at  Cheat  Mountain,  Va. 

Charles  Castle  ; no  record  found. 

Jeremiah  Cole,  discharged  October  2,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

John  C.  Dildine,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 


Military  History. 


127 

George  Dart,  killed  January  13,  1863,  by  Joseph  King,  at  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn. 

John  Donevon,  wounded  September  19,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chickamauga,  Ga., 
transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  , 1864. 

Samuel  F.  Donaldson,  transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Vol- 
unteer Infantry,  , 1864;  veteran. 

John  L.  Dunbar,  transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  In- 
fantry,   , 1864. 

Frederick  Everhardt,  discharged  October  24.  1862,  to  enlist  in  Fourth 
United  States  Artillery. 

James  S.  Edsall,  transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  In- 
fantry,  , 1864;  veteran. 

John  L.  Ennis,  transferred  to  company  E,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  In- 
fantry,   , 1864. 

Alanson  Eord,  no  record  found. 

Hiram  Eosnot,  discharged  August,  8,  1861,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

Victor  W.  Frederick,  transferred  to  company  H,  July  2,  1861. 

Solomon  Foster,  transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  In- 
fantry,   •,  1864. 

Joshua  Eoster,  transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  In- 
fantry,   , 1864. 

Caleb  Garrett,  discharged  August  25,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

Chambers  O.  Gamble,  transferred  to  company  E,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volun- 
teer Infantry, , 1864;  veteran. 

John  Grose,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  August  5,  1863,  by  or- 
der of  war  department. 

Henry  Garrett,  transferred  to  company  E,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  In- 
fantry,   , 1864. 

John  H.  Hibler,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

George  W.  Hanan,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Gilbert  H.  Hewitt,  record  missing. 

John  Heater,  transferred  to  company  E,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  In- 
fantry,  , 1864;  veteran. 

Isaac  Jones,  died  March  26,  1862,  in  hospital  at  Nashville,  Tenn. 

Joseph  King,  record  missing. 

Frederick  A Ketcham,  transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volun- 
teer Infantry, , 1864. 

William  Luff,  discharged  May  8,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Henry  Leonard,  transferred  to  company  E,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Infantry, 

1864. 


128 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Michael  McGasky,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Peter  Miller,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Frank  L.  Meyers,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Charles  McGraves,  reduced  from  wagoner  September  i,  1861  ; discharged 
February  16,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

William  Marlow,  transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer 
Iniantry, ,1864;  veteran. 

George  Neidle,  appointed  corporal  September  i,  1861  ; reduced  to  ranks 
December  21,  1861  ; discharged  May  17,  1862. 

Rufus  L.  Ney,  transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  In- 
fantry,  , 1864;  veteran. 

Benjamin  F.  Peterson,  discharged  January  18,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certifi- 
cate of  disability. 

William  A.  Roller,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Jacob  Rinehart,  wounded  September  19,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chickamauga, 
Ga.  ; mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Peter  Ryan,  discharged  April  3,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Jackson  Ryan,  discharged  May  17,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disa- 
bility. 

Samuel  Richy,  discharged,  date  unknown. 

Henry  B.  Robinson,  discharged  August  18,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Joshua  M.  Roller,  transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer 
Infantry,  , 1864. 

Bohart  Stineley,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

George  Stubenhofer,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Charles  Shurley,  wounded  September  19,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chickamauga, 
Ga.  ; absent,  sick  in  hospital  at  Madison,  Ind.  ; mustered  out  June  22,  1864,  by 
order  of  war  department. 

Peter  J.  Shuster,  died  October  9,  1861,  at  Cheat  Mountain,  Va. 

Charles  Sill,  discharged  May  31,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

David  Steigle,  wounded  Dec.  31,  1862,  in  battle  of  Stone  River,  Tenn.  ; 
transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  January  15,  1864,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Philip  Smith,  transferred  to  company  F,»Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infan- 
try   , 1864. 

Patrick  Shunne.ssey.  transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volun- 
teer Infantry,  ,1864. 

Henry  Traut,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

John  E.  Taylor,  died  January  7,  1863,  of  wounds  received  at  battle  of 
Stone  River  December  31,  1862. 

Sylvanus  F.  Tullis,  records  missing. 


Military  History. 


129 


William  Titswood,  discharged  July  20,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

Benjamin  F.  Taylor,  discharged  October  24,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Frederick  Tester,  discharged  September  8,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Richard  B.  Tullis,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  January  16,  1864, 
by  order  of  war  department. 

William  Voit,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

George  Vining,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

John  Q.  Vanderslice,  discharged  August  19,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

George  Waters,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

Jacob  Warner,  mustered  out  with  company  June  22,  1864. 

John  Weyle,  died  April  i,  18C2,  in  hospital  at  Nashville,  Tenn. 

Charles  Wilson,  transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  In- 
fantry,  1864;  veteran. 

Joseph  M.  Waldorf,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  September  i, 
1863,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Thomas  Weston,  transferred  to  company  F,  Eighteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  In- 
fantry,   , 1864. 

THE  FIFTY-FIFTH  INFANTRY. 

To  the  numerical  strength  of  this  regiment  Erie  county  contributed  as  largely 
as  to  any  represented  by  the  county  in  the  three  years  service.  Companies  A, 
C,  D and  I were  recruited  in  this  and  Huron  counties,  while  the  field  and  staff" 
of  the  regiment  were  also  in  part  composed  of  men  from  the  sections  named. 

The  regiment  was  raised  during  the  months  of  September,  October  and 
November,  1861,  and  rendezvoused  at  Norwalk,  the  county  seat  of  Huron 
county.  It  was  not  until  the  latter  part  of  January,  1862,  that  the  Fifty-fifth 
broke  camp  at  Norwalk,  and  proceeded  to  Grafton,  W.  Va.,  where  it  remained 
for  a short  time,  and  thence  went  to  New  Creek.  Here  the  men  experienced 
some  severe  marching  service  and  engaged  in  a brisk  skirmish  at  Moorefield, 
but  in  February  the  regiment  returned  to  Grafton. 

Like  all  commands  of  northern  troops,  unused  to  the  climate  of  the  South, 
the  men  of  the  Fifty-fifth  suffered  severely  from  contagious  and  infectious  dis- 
eases ; many  died  and  others  were  rendered  wholly  unfit  for  active  service. 

During  the  latter  part  of  April  the  regiment,  except  companies  D,  E and 
G,  moved  with  Schenck’s  brigade,  to  which  it  was  attached,  to  McDowell,  in 
the  battle  at  which  place  they  were  engaged,  acting  in  support  of  a battery, 
and  not  under  heavy  fire.  At  Cross  Keys  the  regiment  was  on  the  field  but 
not  engaged.  After  this  they  moved  to  Middletown,  near  Winchester,  where 
the  regiment  was  brigaded  with  the  Twent}^- fifth.  Seventy-third  and  Seventy- 
hfth  Ohio  regiments  and  was  attached  to  General  Schenck’s  division. 


130 


History  of  Erie  County. 


On  August  9,  1862,  the  brigade  participated  in  the  fight  at  Cedar  Moun- 
tain and  suffered  some  loss.  Again  at  the  Second  Bull  Run,  on  the  30th  of 
the  same  month,  they  lay  in  support  of  a battery  when  the  rebels  appeared 
on  their  flank,  with  whom  they  at  once  engaged  and  continued  until  dark  when 
the  whole  line  fell  back  to  Centreville.  After  this  the  regiment  went  into 
camp  for  a few  days  on  Munson’s  Hill,  but  on  September  22,  returned  to  Cen- 
treville. From  this  point  a number  of  reconnoissances  were  made  but  no  general 
engagement  was  participated  in  until  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  May  2, 
1863,  with  the  Eleventh  Corps,  to  which  it  had  been  assigned.  In  the  Chan- 
cellorsville fight  the  Fifty-fifth  lost  one  hundred  and  fifty-three  men  in  killed, 
wounded  and  missing.  The  regiment  was  then  assigned  to  the  Second 
Brigade  of  the  Second  Division  and  so  remained  until  the  end  of  its  term  of 
service. 

From  Brooks’s  Station  the  Fifty-fifth  with  its  brigade  marched  to  Gettys- 
burg, Pa.,  where  it  again  was  engaged,  first  being  posted  on  Cemetery  Hill,, 
but  afterward  moving  to  the  left  of  the  Baltimore  Pike.  While  notin  the  reg- 
ular battle  line,  the  regiment  was  continually  exposed  to  a severe  fire  and  lost 
fifty  men.  The  regiment  joined  in  pursuit  of  the  retreating  rebel  forces  for 
some  days  and  on  July  25th  went  into  camp  at  Catlett’s  Station,  when  it  was 
assigned  to  picket  duty. 

In  September  the  Eleventh  and  Twelfth  Corps  left  camp,  and  by  a series  of 
movements  by  rail  and  marching,  reached  the  battle  ground  of  Mission  Ridge 
where  they  were  engaged  on  November  25,  and  suffered  a slight  loss,  their  po- 
sition being  on  the  extreme  left.  After  this  the  Fifty-fifth  entered  on  the 
Knoxville  campaign.  This  was  made  in  the  dead  of  winter,  without  tents  or 
blankets.  On  the  ist  of  January  following  the  Knoxville  campaign  three  hun- 
dred and  nineteen  of  the  men  of  the  Fifty- fifth  re-enlisted,  and  thus  became 
veterans.  They  were  granted  an  extended  leave  of  absence,  and  it  was  not 
until  the  early  part  of  March,  1864,  that  they  again  encamped  in  the  Fookout 
Valley.  At  about  this  time  the  Eleventh  and  Twelfth  army  corps  were  con- 
solidated and  denominated  the  Twentieth,  of  which  the  Fifty-fifth  formed  a 
part  of  the  Third  Brigade  of  the  Third  Division. 

Then  commenced  the  Atlanta  campaign,  and  in  it  the  regiment  partici- 
pated. The  month  of  May  witnessed  a succession  of  active  operations,  com- 
mencing with  the  affair  at  Buzzard’s  Roost  Gap,  Ga.,  on  the  5th;  again  on  the 
15th  came  the  engagement  at  Resaca,  where  the  regiment  was  under  heavy 
fire  and  lost  nearly  one  hundred  men.  From  May  19  to  the  early  part  of  June, 
the  Fifty-fifth  were  in  a series  of  maneuvres  about  Cassville,  Dallas,  New 
Hope  Church  and  Marietta,  and  the  9th  of  June  found  them  engaged  in  the 
operations  at  Kenesaw  Mountain,  which  continued  during  the  best  part  of  the 
month. 


Military  History. 


131 

The  month  of  July  found  the  brigade  to  which  the  Fifty-fifth  belonged  en- 
gaged in  the  movements  and  battle  at  Chattahoochie  River,  on  the  12th,  and 
also  at  Peach  Tree  Creek,  on  the  20th.  Further,  they  participated  in  the  other 
operations  just  prior  to  and  during  the  siege  of  Atlanta.  This  latter  occupied 
from  July  28  to  September  2,  1864,  and  about  this  time  the  city  was  occupied 
and  comfortable  quarters  found  for  the  men.  When  the  regiment  left  Look- 
out Valley  to  enter  upon  this  campaign,  it  numbered  about  four  hundred  men 
fit  for  service,  but  in  the  events  that  followed  up  to  the  time  that  Atlanta  was 
occupied,  that  number  was  reduced  by  about  one-half,  so  that  the  entire  avail- 
able force  amounted  to  less  than  two  hundred.  About  the  ist  of  November 
the  regiment  received  drafted  men,  substitutes,  and  some  recruits,  numbering 
in  all  some  two  hundred,  and  about  this  time  those  who  were  not  veterans 
were  mustered  out. 

On  the  15th  of  November  the  brigade  left  Atlanta  and  took  up  the  line  of 
march  toward  the  sea.  On  the  21st  of  December  it  arrived  at  Savannah,  and 
went  into  camp  on  the  northwest  of  the  city.  Here  it  remained  until  the  early 
part  of  January,  1865,  when  it  moved  to  the  opposite  side  of  the  river. 

In  March  commenced  the  campaign  of  the  Carolinas,  and  on  the  i6th  and 
19th  the  regiment  encountered  the  enemy  at  Smith’s  Farm,  and  lost,  in  the 
two  fights,  about  fifty  men.  On  the  24th  Goldsboro  was  reached,  and  the 
troops  passed  in  review  before  their  gallant  commander.  General  Sherman. 
From  Goldsboro  the  Fifty-fifth  went  to  Raleigh,  and  on  the  30th  commenced 
the  return  to  Washington.  Richmond  was  reached  May  ii,  and  on  the  l8th 
the  regiment  encamped  near  Alexandria.  On  the  24th  it  crossed  Long  Bridge 
and  participated  in  the  grand  review,  after  which  it  went  into  camp  near  Wash- 
ington. Upon  the  disbanding  of  the  Twentieth  corps,  the  Ohio  regiments  be- 
longing to  it  were  organized  into  a provisional  brigade,  and  were  assigned  to 
the  Fourteenth  corps.  On  the  loth  of  June  they  proceeded  to  Louisville,  Ky., 
and  here,  on  the  iith  of  July,  the  Fifty- fifth  was  mustered  out  of  service. 

Three  and  one-half  years  of  army  life  told  seriously  against  the  Fifty-fifth. 
From  all  sources  it  received  during  this  time  thirteen  hundred  and  fifty  men, 
and  of  these  seven  hundred  and  fifty  were  either  killed  or  wounded.  Ten  offi- 
cers were  wounded,  and  eight  were  either  killed  or  died  from  wounds.  The 
regiment  was  engaged  in  about  thirty  battles  or  skirmishes,  of  greater  or  less 
severity,  the  more  prominent  of  which  were  McDowell,  Va.,  May  8,  1862,  and 
thereafter  at  Cross  Keys,  Cedar  Mountain,  the  Second  Bull  Run,  Chancellors- 
ville,  Gettysburg,  Pa.,  Orchard  Knob,  Tenn.,  Mission  Ridge,  Buzzard’s  Roost 
Gap,  Resaca,  Cassville,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Chattahoochie  River,  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  Siege  of  Atlanta,  Turner’s  Ferry,  Savannah,  Arnysboro  and  Benton- 
ville.  This  list  of  battles  is  credited  the  regiment  in  the  work  entitled  “ Ros- 
ter of  Ohio  Soldiers.” 


132 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Roste}' — Field  and  Staff. 

John  C.  Lee,  colonel;  promoted  from  major  November  20,  l86i;  resigned 
May  8,  1863. 

Charles  B.  Gambee,  colonel  ; promoted  to  major  from  captain  company  A, 
October  2,  1862;  to  lieutenant-colonel  March  4,  1863;  to  colonel  May  8, 
1863  ; killed  May  16,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga. 

George  H.  Safford,  lieutenant-colonel;  resigned  March  4,  1863. 

James  M.  Stevens,  lieutenant-colonel;  promoted  to  major  from  captain 
company  H,  March  4,  1863;  wounded  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellors- 
ville,  Va.  ; arm  amputated  ; promoted  to  lieutenant-colonel  May  8,  1863  ; re- 
signed May  25,  1864. 

Edwin  H.  Powers,  lieutenant-colonel  ; promoted  from  captain  company  K, 
June  27,  1864;  mustered  out  with  regiment  July  ii,  1865. 

Daniel  F.  De  Wolf,  major;  promoted  from  adjutant  November  25,  1861  ; 
resigned  October  2,  1862. 

Rudolphus  Robbins,  major ; promoted  from  captain  company  K,  May  8, 
1863;  killed  May  16,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga. 

Charles  P.  Wickham,  major;  promoted  from  captain  company  I,  June  27, 
1864;  brevet  lieutenant-colonel  March  13,  1865  ; mustered  out  with  regiment 
July  1 1,  1865. 

Roster  Company  C. 

Horatio  N.  Shipman,  captain  ; appointed  captain  October  16,  1861  ; re- 
signed March  10,  1863. 

Henry  Miller,  captain  ; promoted  from  first  lieutenant  company  K,  Febru- 
ary 12,  1863;  resigned  September  28,  1864. 

Benjamin  F.  Evans,  captain  ; promoted  from  first  lieutenant  company  B, 
April  24,  1865  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 

Henry  W.  Persing,  first  lieutenant;  appointed  first  lieutenant  October  16, 
1861  ; promoted  to  captain  and  assistant  quartermaster  July  18,  1863. 

Thomas  O’Leary,  first  lieutenant;  appointed  first  sergeant  from  sergeant 
April  4,  1862;  promoted  to  second  lieutenant  July  17,  1862;  first  lieutenant 
March  6,  1863  ; resigned  December  28,  1863. 

John  R.  Lowe,  first  lieutenant;  appointed  sergeant  from  corporal  April  4, 
1862;  first  sergeant  July  17,  1862;  promoted  to  sergeant-major  February  1 1, 
1863  ; promoted  from  second  lieutenant  company  B,  March  9,  1864,  to  cap- 
tain company  H,  June  27,  1864. 

Thomas  W.  Miller,  first  lieutenant;  transferred  from  adjutant  September  2, 
1864;  mustered  out  January  4,  1865,  on  expiration  of  term  of  enlistment. 

John  Bellman,  first  lieutenant ; promoted  from  first  sergeant  company  E, 
April  24,  1865  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  11,  1865. 

Arthur  Cranston,  second  lieutenant;  appointed  second  lieutenant  October 
16,  1861  ; resigned  March  15,  1862. 


Military  History. 


133 


William  S.  Wickham,  second  lieutenant ; transferred  from  company  D, 
June  I,  1863  ; transferred  to  company  B. 

Walter  W.  Thomas,  first  sergeant ; promoted  to  second  lieutenant  March 
15,  1862,  but  not  mustered;  died  April  2,  1862,  at  Grafton,  Va. 

Henry  B.  Warren,  first  sergeant;  wounded  July  3,  1863,  in  battle  of  Get- 
tysburg, Pa.  ; appointed  first  sergeant  from  corporal  January  i,  1864;  pro- 
moted to  quartermaster-sergeant  October  28,  1864;  veteran. 

David  A.  Warren,  first  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  April  10,  1862  ; ser- 
geant October  27,  1862  ; wounded  July  3,  1863,  in  battle  of  Gettysburg,]  Pa.  ; 
appointed  first  sergeant  October  28,  1864;  wounded  March  19,  1865,  in  bat- 
tle of  Bentonville,  N.  C.  ; discharged  July  3,  1865,  De  Camp  Hospital,  N. 
Y. ; veteran. 

Alonzo  Keeler,  sergeant ; appointed  corporal  October  i,  1862;  sergeant, 
January  i,  1864;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865;  veteran. 

James  Hartney,  sergeant ; appointed  corporal  January  1,1864;  sergeant, 
October  28,  1864;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Robert  Young,  sergeant;  mustered  out  with  company^July  ii,  1865  ; vet- 
eran. 

Azenia  A.  Nichols,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1864;  ser- 
geant, May  I,  1865  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ! veteran. 

William  H.  Long,  sergeant;  appointed  from  corporalj  October  16,  1861  ; 
discharged  October  22,  1862,  at , N.  J. 

James  Young,  sergeant;  discharged  April  i,  1863,  at  Columbus,  O.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Charles  C.  Lowe,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  July  ii,  1864;  mustered 
■out  with  the  regiment  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Andrew  W.  Clawson,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  November  7,  1864; 
mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Henry  J.  Fay,  corporal;  captured  May  8,  1862,  in  battle  of  McDowell,  Va.  ; 
exchanged  ; appointed  corporal  January  6,  1865  ; mustered  out  with  company 
July  II,  1865  ! veteran. 

Jonathan  Welch,  jr.,  corporal  ; wounded  July  3,  1863,  in  battle  of  Gettys- 
burg, Pa.  ; November  25,  1863,  in  battle  of  Mission  Ridge,  Tenn.  ; appointed 
corporal  May  i,  1865;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865;  veteran. 

Francis  M.  Nichols,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  May  r,  1865  ; mustered 
out  with  company  July  1 1,  1865  ; veteran. 

Charles  G.  Drake,  corporal  ; appointed  corporal ; mustered  out  June 

9,  1865,  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Myron  Gregory,  corporal  ; appointed  corporal ; wounded  August  30, 

1862,  in  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Va.  ; captured  September  28,  1864;  mustered 
out  May  20,  1865,  by  order  of  war  department;  veteran. 

Albert  G.  Barenett,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  November  4,  1862; 

18 


134 


History  of  Erie  County. 


wounded  November  25,  1863,  in  battle  of  Mission  Ridge,  Tenn.;  killed  July 
20,  1864,  if*  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Ga. 

Frank  P.  Barton,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1864;  died  May 
22,  1864,  of  wounds  received  May  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.;  veteran. 

William  H.  Crawford,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1864;  killed 
May  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.;  veteran. 

William  B.  Sarman,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  November  8,  1864;  killed 
March  19,  1865,  in  battle  of  Bentonville,  N.  C.;  veteran. 

Francis  Van  Gorder,  corporal ; appointed  corporal ; wounded  July 

July  3,  1863,  in  battle  of  Gettysburg,  Pa.;  mustered  out  January  17,  1865,  at 
Baltimore,  Md.,  on  expiration  of  term  of  enlistment. 

Milton  N.  Cowles,  corporal  ; appointed  corporal ; captured  May  8,. 

1862,  at  battle  of  McDowell,  Va.;  exchanged  ; wounded  June  24,  1864,  in  ac- 
tion ; mustered  out  October  29,  1864,  at  hospital.  Camp  Dennison,  O.,  at  ex- 
piration of  term  of  service. 

William  Jager,  corporal ; appointed  corporal ; discharged  Decem- 

ber 23,  1862,  at  Stafford  Court-House,  Va.,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disa- 
bility. 

James  D.  Walker,  corporal  ; discharged  October  29,  1862,  at  Fairfax,  Va.,. 
on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

William  Bellamy,  corporal;  appointed  color  bearer ; killed  August  30,  1862,^ 
in  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Va. 

Alden  Emmons,  corporal ; appointed  corporal ; died  July  19,  1862, 

at  Baltimore,  Md. 

John  Bowers,  musician;  discharged  October  5,  1862,  at  Columbus,  O.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Billy  N.  Messenger,  musician;  discharged  September  3,  1862,  at  Balti- 
more, Md.,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Privates. 

Albert  Adams  ; discharged  November  5,  1862,  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

Ernest  Anson ; wounded  July  3,  1863,  in  battle  of  Gettysburg,  Pa.;  dis- 
charged May  30,  1864,  at  Camp  Dennison,  Ohio. 

Alonzo  Adams  ; no  record  found. 

Xavier  Bergmeyer;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Robert  Blake  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Enoch  M.  Bell  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  1 1,  1865  ; veteran. 

Philip  Brewer;  discharged  June  27,  1865,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Silas  Brown  ; mustered  out  June  22,  1865,  at  Camp  Dennison,  O.,  by  or- 
der of  war  department. 

Robert  B.  Baldwin  ; veteran  ; no  record  found. 


Military  History. 


135 


Edwin  H.  Butler;  reduced  to  ranks  from  corporal ; discharged  Jan- 

uary 20,  1863,  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

William  H.  H.  Bemis ; discharged  October  27,  1862,  at  Newark,  N.  J.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Benjamin  F.  Bemis;  killed  November  25,  1863,  in  battle  of  Mission  Ridge, 
Tenn. 

Lewis  Bauer;  transferred  to  company  D,  Fourteenth  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps,  July  31,  1863. 

Jack  O.  Burch  ; no  record  found. 

James  M.  Chaffee;  wounded  July  3,  1863,  in  battle  of  Gettysburg,  Pa.; 
mustered  out  December  29,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

John  Connor;  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  at  Washington,  D.  C., 
by  order  of  war  department. 

William  Collier;  drafted;  died  February  23,  1865,  at  Savannah,  Ga. 

William  Coultrip  ; wounded  August  30,  1862,  in  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Va.; 
mustered  out  October  16,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Thomas  Carr;  discharged  January  i,  1863,  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

William  Cowell;  wounded  August  30,  1862,  in  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Va.; 
transferred  to  company  H,  Seventh  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  January  12,  1864. 

John  Diehlman  ; drafted  ; absent,  sick  at  New  York  since  April  30,  1865  ; 
mustered  out  May  19,  1865,  at  McDougall  General  Hospital,  New  York,  by  or- 
der of  war  department, 

David  Dennis  ; drafted;  absent,  sick  at  Camp  Dennison,  O.,  since  Decem- 
ber 6,  1864;  mustered  out  July  19,  1865,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Peter  Diemer ; drafted  ; discharged  to  date  July  1 1,  1865,  by  order  of  war 
department. 

Albert  Drury;  drafted;  discharged  December  19,  1874,  by  order  of  war 
department. 

William  Dourian  ; discharged  September  4,  1862,  at  Columbus,  O.,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

John  H.  Eschman  ; drafted  ; discharged  May  22,  1865,  at  Savannah,  Ga., 
on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Henry  C.  Ellis  ; discharged  September  8,  1862,  at  Camp  Dennison,  O.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Oscar  F.  Fuller;  discharged  January  3,  1863,  at  Columbus  O.,  on  surgeon’s 
certificate  of  disability. 

Wesley  C.  Fay;  transferred  to  company  C,  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  May 
20,  1864. 

William  A.  Gibson  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  1 1,  1864. 

Richard  Green;  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 
by  order  of  war  department. 


136 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Wilbert  L.  Green;  mustered  in  as  Wilbert  Gunn;  wounded  July  20,  1864, 
in  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Ga.;  mustered  out  January  14,  1865,  at  Colum- 
bus, O.,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Joseph  G.  Hamilton  ; drafted  ; absent,  sick  since  April  28,  1865;  mustered 
out  May  19,  1865,  at  General  Hospital,  New  York,  by  order  of  war  depart- 
ment. 

Jacob  Hammond;  substitute;  mustered  out  June  2,  1865,  at  Camp  Den- 
nison, O.,  by  order  of  war  department. 

John  J.  Hankins;  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  at  Washington,  D. 

C. ,  by  order'of  war  department. 

James  M.  Hoffman;  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  at  Washington, 

D.  C.,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Henry  C.  Hill  ; discharged  May  29,  1865,  at  De  Camp  Hospital,  New  York, 
on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Henry  C.  Hess  ; wounded  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va.  ; 
mustered  out  June  8,  1865,  at  Cleveland,  O.,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disa- 
bility ; veteran. 

Henry  H.  Hess  ; captured  May  8,  1862,  at  battle  of  McDowell,  Va.  ; died 
July  29,  1862,  at  Lynchburg,  Va. 

Sylvester  Hull;  killed  May  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga. 

Jay  Hollister;  died  September  20,  1863. 

Edwin  H.  Hollister;  discharged  September  3,  1862,  at  Baltimore,  Md.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Edward  G.  Harris;  discharged  April  20,  1863,  at  Brooks’s  Station,  Va.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Thomas  J.  Harris;  discharged  January  4,  1864,  at  Camp  Dennison,  O.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

William  Jarrett ; discharged  May  7,  1863,  at  Stafford  Court  House,  Va., 
on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

George  E.  Jefferson;  died  March  10,  1862,  at  Grafton,  Va. 

David  E.  Jefferson  ; transferred  to  One  Hundred  and  First  Company, 
Second  Battalion  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  November  28,  1863. 

William  Kirkman  ; drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  at  Washington, 
D.  C.,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Barna  M.  Kline;  mustered  out  September  26,  1864,  at  Chattanooga,  Tenn.» 
on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Bradford  N.  Kellogg;  reduced  to  ranks  from  corporal ; mustered  out  Octo- 
ber 16,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Michael  Kavanaugh  ; no  record  found. 

Andrew  Love;  wounded  May  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.  ; mus- 
tered out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 

George  Lenox,  substitute;  captured  November  19,  1864,  near  Madison, 
Ga.  ; died  January  29,  1865,  in  rebel  prison  at  Andersonville,  Ga. 


Military  History. 


137 


Charles  H.  Lockwood  ; reduced  to  ranks  from  corporal ; discharged  March 
29,  1863,  at  Brooks’s  Station,  Va.,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

John  R.  Myer  ; killed  July  3,  1863,  in  battle  of  Gettysburg,  Pa. 

John  Myer;  mustered  out  with  company  July  1 1,  1865. 

Mathias  Mackin  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 

Thaddeus  Mackin;  wounded  May  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.  ; mus- 
tered out  with  company  July  1 1,  1865. 

John  Mills  ; drafted  ; mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  Washington,  D.  C.,  by 
order  of  war  department. 

Joseph  McMorris  ; drafted;  died  February  4,  1865,  at  Savannah,  Ga. 

William  C.  McGee;  substitute;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 

David  McGuckin  ; discharged  September  6,  1862,  at  Columbus,  O.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Samuel  McGuckin  ; killed  August  30,  1862,  in  battle  at  Bull  Run,  Va. 

Jacob  Mitchell ; killed  July  3,  1863,  in  battle  at  Gettysburg,  Pa. 

John  Noisot;  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  at  Washington,  D.  C., 
by  order  of  war  department. 

Albert  Niles;  captured  October  30,  1864;  discharged  May  20,  1865,  at 
Columbus,  O.,  by  order  of  war  department;  veteran. 

Frederick  Overman;  substitute;  died  April  6,  1865,  at  Geer  House  Gen- 
eral Hospital,  Wilmington,  N.  C. 

Williston  Osborn;  discharged  October  5,  1862,  at  Columbus,  O.,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

Cyrus  M.  Osier;  discharged  February  6,  1863,  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

John  C.  Purdy;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ll,  1865  ; veteran. 

Samuel  P.  Powell;  drafted;  discharged  May  24,  1865,  at  De  Camp  Hospi- 
tal, New  York,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

William  M.  Parks;  discharged  October  27,  1862,  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

George  W.  Plue ; discharged  September  4,  1862,  at  Alexandria,  Va.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

John  P.  Patterson;  died  March  6,  1862,  at  Grafton,  Va. 

William  E.  Pollock;  killed  July  3,  1863,  in  battle  at  Gettysburg,  Pa. 

• Jackson  N.  Pinney ; transferred  to  Eighty-fourth  Company,  Second  Bat- 
talion Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  March  8,  1864. 

Henry  C.  Pinney  ; transferred  to  One  Hundred  and  Fourteenth  Company, 
Second  Battalion  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  December  9,  1863. 

John  Ruckle;  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  at  Washington,  D.  C., 
by  order  of  war  department. 

Lewis  Roberts  ; discharged  May  19,  1865,  at  Grant  General  Hospital,  New 
York,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 


138 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Lewis  Ray;  discharged  December  3,  1862,  at  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

William  H.  Robinson;  discharged  September  30,  1863,  at  Washington,  D. 
C.,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

George  Ritz ; discharged  March  10,  1863,  at  Brooks’s  Station,  Va.,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

Edwin  F.  Russell  ; transferred  to  company  A,  Thirteenth  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps,  July  1 1,  1863. 

Anthony  A.  Simmons;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ll,  1865  ; vet- 
eran. 

James  H.  Stage  ; wounded  June  18,  1864,  in  battle  of  Marietta,  Ga.  ; mus- 
tered out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

James  H.  Sisty  ; drafted  ; mustered  out  May  19,  1865,  at  Camp  Dennison, 
O.,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Daniel  D.  Stage;  died  October  20,  1862,  at  Parkersburg,  W.  Va. 

John  Shepard  ; drafted  ; mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  at  Washington,  D.  C., 
by  order  of  war  department. 

Charles  A.  Sarman ; mustered  out  November  ii,  1864,  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  on 
expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Frank  W.  Sparks;  appointed  corporal ; wounded  November  25, 

1863,  in  battle  of  Mission  Ridge,  Tenn.  ; reduced  to  ranks ; mustered 

out  October  19,  1864,  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Henry  Shemnour  ; no  record  found  ; veteran. 

Stephen  L.  Saunders;  reduced  to  ranks  from  sergeant ; wounded 

August  9,  1862,  in  battle  of  Cedar  Mountain,  Va.  ; mustered  out  October  16, 

1864,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Justus  Squire  ; reduced  to  ranks  from  wagoner;  discharged  October  14, 
1862,  at  Centreville,  Va. 

John  Sprotbury;  discharged  September  14,  1863,  at  Cleveland,  O.,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

Rush  R.  Sloan  ; died  March  8,  1862,  at  Grafton,  W.  Va. 

Rinehart  Sickinger;  transferred  to  Ninety-third  Company,  Second  Bat- 
talion Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  October  31,  1863. 

Lemuel  Smith  ; transferred  to  company  G. 

John  Taylor;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ll,  1865  ; veteran. 

Benjamin  Tanner;  wounded  May  16,  1864,  in  battle  of  Marietta,  Ga. ; dis- 
charged July  6,  1865,  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Robert  Van  Gorder  ; killed  June  21,  1864,  in  battle  of  Kenesaw  Moun- 
tain, Ga. 

John  Widner  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  il,  1865. 

Moses  Waggoner;  mustered  out  May  ii,  1865,  at  Richmond,  Va.,  by 
order  of  war  department. 


Military  History. 


139 


Jerome  Welch,  died  July  10,  1864,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  of  wounds  received 
June  21,  1864,  in  battle  of  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga. 

Luther  A.  Welch,  discharged  April  16,  1863,  at  Brooks’s  Station,  Va.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Jonathan  Welch,  sr.,  discharged  , 1862,  at  Norwalk,  O.,  on  sur- 

geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

Francis  A.  Williams,  discharged  October  5,  1862,  at  Columbus,  O.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

George  W.  Wright,  discharged  September  9,  1862,  at  Columbus,  O.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Elihu  Westfall,  discharged  September  16,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

John  White,  discharged  January  29,  1863,  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

John  M.  Young,  substitute,  died  April  16,  1865,  at  New  Berne,  N.  C.,  of 
wounds  received  March  19,  1865,  in  battle  of  Bentonville,  N.  C. 

Roster  Company  E. 

Recruited  largely  in  Berlin,  Vermillion  and  Florence  townships,  and  partly 
in  Huron  county : 

Edwin  H.  Powers,  captain;  appointed  December  20,  1861  ; wounded  May 
2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville ; transferred  to  company  K March  3,. 
1864. 

Francis  H.  Morse,  captain  ; promoted  to  first  lieutenant  from  second  lieu- 
tenant December  23,  1862;  wounded  May  2,  1863,  at  Chancellorsville;  pro- 
moted to  captain  March  19,  1864;  resigned  April  22,  1864. 

Henry  H.  Moore,  captain ; promoted  from  first  lieutenant  company  D 
June  27,  1864;  resigned  January  15,  1865. 

James  H.  Gallop,  captain ; promoted  from  first  lieutenant  and  adjutant 
April  24,  1865  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 

Albert  E.  Peck,  first  lieutenant ; appointed  second  lieutenant  October  24, 
1861  ; promoted  to  first  lieutenant  November  21,  1861  ; captain  company  H 
March  6,  1863. 

Thomas  W.  Miller,  first  lieutenant;  transferred  from  company  E March  31,. 
1864;  appointed  adjutant  April  i,  1864. 

John  H.  Boss,  first  lieutenant;  appointed  first  sergeant  from  sergeant  Jan- 
uary I,  1864;  promoted  to  quartermaster-sergeant  April  16,  1864;  first  lieu- 
tenant August  19,  1864;  regimental  quartermaster  January  i,  1865  ; veteran. 

Hiram  K.  Preston,  first  sergeant;  died  June  18,  1862,  at  New  Creek,  Va. 

John  Cowpe,  sergeant ; mustered  as  private;  wounded  August  30,  1862, 
in  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Va. ; appointed  first  sergeant  May  i,  1864;  killed  July 
20,  1864,  in  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Ga. ; veteran. 


140 


History  of  P2rie  County. 


John  Bellman,  sergeant ; appointed  sergeant  from  corporal  January  i, 
1864;  first  sergeant  July  29,  1864;  promoted  first  lieutenant  company  C 
April  24,  1865  ; veteran. 

Alpheus  J.  Peck,  sergeant;  appointed  sergeant  from  corporal  July  29, 
1864;  first  sergeant  May  22,  1864;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii, 
1865  ; veteran. 

Henry  VV.  Crosby,  sergeant;  died  May  27,  1864,  of  wounds  received  May 
16,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.  ; veteran. 

Henry  Heffron,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  July  29,  1864;  sergeant 
May  I,  1865  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Giles  King,  sergeant;  transferred  to  company  D,  Fourteenth  Veteran 
Reserve  Corps,  July  31,  1863. 

Sterling  H.  Post,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  June  i,  1864;  sergeant 
November  i,  1864;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Jedediah  D.  Smith,  sergeant ; wounded  May  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca, 
Ga. ; discharged  July  ii,  1865,  at  Columbus,  O.,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

John  W.  Saltman,  sergeant ; wounded  August  30,  1862,  at  Bull  Run,  Va. ; 
appointed  corporal  January  i,  1864;  sergeant  June  i,  1864;  wounded  June 
20,  1864,  at  Cassville,  Ga.;  discharged  June  6,  1865,  for  wounds;  veteran. 

John  Bowers,  corporal  ; wounded  March  19,  1865,  at  Averysboro,  N.  C. ; 
discharged  June  17,  1865,  at  Columbus,  O. ; veteran. 

John  L.  Flaharty,  corporal  ; mustered  out  December  31,  1864,  on  expira- 
tion of  term. 

George  W.  Foote,  corporal  ; discharged  July  9,  1863,  for  wounds  received 
in  action. 

Ezra  Lee,  corporal;  mustered  out  December  20,  1864,  at  expiration  of 
term  of  service. 

George  H.  Motley,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  November  i,  1864;  mus- 
tered out  with  company  July  1 1,  1865  1 veteran. 

Anson  Pease,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  January  i,  1865;  mustered 
out  with  company  July  1 1,  1865  ; veteran. 

Chauncey  T.  Peck,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  April  30,  1863;  killed 
May  15,  1864,  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga. 

Ira  O.  Peck,  corporal ; discharged  April  16,  1863,  at  Brooks’s  Station,  Va., 
on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Myron  B.  Runyan,  corporal;  appointed  November  i,  1864;  discharged 
June  26,  1865,  for  wounds  received  March  19,  1865,  at  Bentonville,  N.  C.  ; 
veteran. 

Edward  Sharp,  corporal:  appointed  corporal  June  i,  1864;  captured  Oc- 
tober 28,  1864,  near  Atlanta  ; . perished  by  explosion  of  steamer  Sultana,  on 
Mississippi  River,  near  Memphis,  Tenn.,  April  27,  1865  ; veteran. 


Military  History. 


141 


John  West,  corporal  ; discharged  July  23,  1863  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

John  F.  Wheaton,  corporal  ; discharged  September  22,  1862,  on  surgeon’s 
certificate  of  disability. 

John  Altman,  musician;  mustered  out  December  31,  1864,  at  expiration 
of  term  of  service. 

Privates. 

Henry  Baxtine,  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  i veteran. 

Jira  Burt,  no  record  found. 

Joel  Baker,  drafted,  mustered  out  June  5,  1865,  by  order  of  war  depart- 
ment. 

Frederick  Bellman,  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  by  order  of  war  depart- 
ment. 

Lewis  Bellman,  died  July  ll,  1862,  at  Cumberland,  Md. 

Peter  Balser,  drafted,  died  March  23,  1865,  at  David’s  Island,  N.  Y. 

Thomas  Banning,  discharged  May  15,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

Sewell  C.  Briggs,  discharged  November  22,  1863,  for  wounds  received 
August  30,  1862,  at  Bull  Run. 

Samuel  Briggs,  no  record  found. 

Thomas  E.  Buckley,  discharged  March  3,  1863,  for  wounds  received  Au- 
gust 30,  1862,  at  Bull  Run. 

Erastas  Barrett,  died  April  5,  1862,  at  Grafton,  W.  Va. 

Thomas  Brumby,  died  August  23,  1863,  of  wounds  received  at  Chancel- 
lorsville,  Va. 

Sefen  Brabert,  no  record  found. 

Robert  G.  Courtney,  drafted,  wounded  March  19,  1865,  at  Averysboro  ; 
mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  by  order  of  war  department. 

William  Callen,  captured  October  30,  1864;  exchanged;  discharged  June 
20,  1865,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Michael  S.  Coppman,  mustered  out  June  15,  1S65,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Henry  Chulip,  drafted,  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

William  E.  Childs,  promoted  to  hospital  steward  November  21,  1861. 

John  Coppins,  died  July  28,  1864,  at  Chattanooga  (Tenn.)  Hospital;  vet- 
eran. 

William  Clinton,  discharged  November  21,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

William  F.  Crapo,  discharged  October  13,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

19 


142 


History  of  Erie  County. 


William  Donelson,  substitute,  mustered  out  July  7,  1865,  by  order  of  war 
department. 

Dewitt  C.  Dolph,  drafted,  mustered  out  June  19,  1865,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Jerome  Degarmer,  drafted,  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  by  order  of  war 
department. 

James  Doughty,  died  March  22,  1862,  at  Grafton,  W.  Va. 

William  Delaney,  died  February  14,  1863,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

John  Feififer,  substitute  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 

Wallace  R.  Bord,  drafted  ; mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Marcus  Farnsworth,  died  September  i,  1864,  at  Chattanooga,  Tenn. 

Burton  Farnsworth,  discharged  September  13,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certifi- 
cate of  disability. 

Henry  Fox,  drafted  ; died  December  25,  1864,  at  Savannah,  Ga. 

John  Ferguson,  discharged  February  14,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

David  Gates,  died  March  21,  1865,  of  wounds  received  March  19,  1865,  in 
battle  of  Bentonville,  N.  C.;  veteran. 

Gilbert  Gordon,  captured  November  18,  1864,  near  Atlanta,  Ga.,  while  for- 
aging ; mustered  out  May  24,  1865,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

David  Golispie,  drafted;  died  May  26,  1865,  at  David’s  Island,  N.  Y. 

Edwin  T.  Hood,  wounded  July  20,  1864,  in  the  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek, 
Ga.;  discharged  February  17,  1865  ; veteran. 

Robert  Hamilton,  drafted;  mustered  out  May  30,  1865,  by  order  of  war 
department. 

John  Horner,  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  by  order  of  war  depart- 
ment. 

William  Harpman,  mustered  out  December  31,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term 
of  service. 

Sidney  Hooper,  discharged  April  10,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

George  Howarth,  transferred  to  Sixth  United  States  Cavalry,  November  10, 
1862. 

Edward  Hotchkins,  discharged  December  26,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Michael  Hennessey,  wounded  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville ; 
transferred  to  Seventy-eighth  company.  Second  Battalion  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps  October  19,  1863. 

William  Harris,  died  December  7,  1862,  at  Fairfax  Station,  Va. 

Charles  Hart,  died  February  16,  1863,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 

Hiram  K.  Horr,  mustered  in  as  William  K.  Horn 


Military  History. 


H3 


Joseph  H.  Hewett,  discharged . 

William  Jones,  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Ira  S.  Lump,  wounded  May  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.;  transferred 
to  company  F,  Sixteenth  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  January  23,  1865  ; veteran. 

John  A.  James,  wounded  May  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.;  mustered 
out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 

Melville  Jameson,  wounded  June  21,  1864,  near  Cassville,  Ga.;  discharged 
November  21,  1864,  at  Camp  Dennison,  O.;  veteran. 

Francis  L.  Jupp,  discharged  November  10,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Henry  C.  King,  discharged  October  19,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

Henry  Klour,  discharged  August  29,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

James  H.  Lowry,  died  August  3,  1864,  at  Atlanta,  Ga. 

Daniel  Leiser,  substitute ; wounded  March  14,  1865,  at  Silver  Creek,  Ga., 
and  left  the  field  ; no  further  record  found. 

James  H.  Larkins,  wounded  June  20,  1864,  in  action  at  Cassville,  Ga.; 
mustered  out  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Mahlon  T.  Lambert,  promoted  to  sergeant-major  October  25,  1861. 

Richard  Maxwell,  substitute  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  il,  1865. 

James  McBeth,  substitute  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 

Alonzo  McCord,  discharged  March  14,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

Thomas  Messer,  drafted;  mustered  out  May  30,  1865,  by  order  of  war 
department. 

Albert  Myers,  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  by  order  of  war  depart- 
ment. 

George  W.  Minus,  drowned  April  14,  1862,  at  Moorhead,  Va.,  while  on 
duty. 

Rufus  Morton,  discharged  June  9,  1863. 

Thomas  Norris,  substitute;  mustered  out  June  2,  1865,  by  order  of  war 
department. 

James  Nelson,  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Rufus  Norton,  discharged  June  9,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disa- 
bility. 

Henry  Opher,  jr.,  discharged  July  2,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

Henry  Opher,  killed  July  3,  1863,  in  battle  of  Gettysburg,  Pa. 

George  W.  Pratt,  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 

Benjamin  Prouts,  wounded  February  13,  1865;  mustered  out  June  21,  1865, 
at  David’s  Island,  N.  Y.,  by  order  of  war  department;  veteran. 


144 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Benjamin  Pease,  captured  October  30,  1864;  exchanged;  mustered  out 
June  20,  1865  ; veteran. 

George  W.  Phillips,  drafted  ; mustered  out  June  26,  186J,  by  order  of  war 
department. 

Cyrenius  A.  Peck,  discharged  September  12,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Ambrose  Rice,  reduced  to  ranks  from  sergeant;  wounded  August  30,  1862, 
in  battle  of  Bull  Run;  appointed  corporal  November  i,  1864;  reduced  to 
ranks  January  i,  1865  ; mustered  out  with  company;  veteran. 

Benjamin  C.  Robinson,  wounded  May  15,  1864,  at  Resaca,  Ga.;  transferred 
to  company  C,  Sixth  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  March  13,  1865  ; veteran. 

Henry  Riper,  mustered  out  with  company  July  li,  1865. 

Luther  Roberts,  drafted  ; mustered  out  July  7,  1865,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

George  Rumsey,  substitute;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 

Alex.  M.  Richards,  discharged  November  16,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate 
of  disability. 

Robert  R.  Scott,  wounded  May  12,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville  ; dis- 
charged June  7,  1865,  for  wounds  received  in  action  August  3,  1864;  veteran. 

Demsey  Si.xton,  drafted  ; mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Dean  Swift,  died  November  29,  1863,  in  hospital  at  Murfreesboro,  Tenn. 

William  E.  Sherart,  mustered  out  December  31,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term 
of  service. 

William  F.  Smith,  reduced  to  ranks  from  corporal ; mustered  out  Decem- 
ber 3 I,  1864. 

Ambrose  D.  Smith,  discharged  July  12,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

Jonathan  Smith,  wounded  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville;  trans- 
ferred to  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-fifth  company.  Second  Battalion  Veteran 
Reserve  Corps,  December  18,  1863. 

Horace  Smith,  died  February  26,  1862,  at  Grafton,  W.  Va. 

Fred.  J.  Slattery,  discharged  November  5,  1862,  by  order  of  war  depart- 
ment. 

Martin  Van  Syckle,  mustered  out  December  3 i,  1864,  expiration  of  term 
of  service. 

Allen  E.  Winters,  captured  March  5,  1865,  while  foraging;  mustered  out 
June  21,  1865,  at  Camp  Chase,  by  order  of  war  department. 

William  Whistler,  substitute;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 

Frank  Wyatt,  wounded  March  16,  1865,  at  Averysboro  ; mustered  out  June 
26,  1865,  at  Camp  Dennison,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Joseph  H.  Williams,  drafted  ; mustered  out  May  24,  1865,  by  order  of  war 
department. 


Military  History. 


1 45 


David  S.  Williams,  discharged  March  19,  1863,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

John  L.  Wilson,  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Henry  Westmire,  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Albert  E.  Withers,  transferred  to  company  F,  Seventeenth  Veteran  Reserve 
Corps,  October  31,  1863. 

George  Winklepleck,  discharged  November  16,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certifi- 
cate of  disability. 

John  Winklepleck,  mustered  out  June  19,  1865,  by  order  of  war  depart- 
ment ; veteran. 


Roster  Company  H. 

This  company  was  recruited  in  Margaretta  and  the  townships  south  of  that* 
and  partly  from  Huron  county. 

James  M.  Stevens,  captain;  appointed  captain  October  16,  1861 ; promoted 
to  major  March  4,  1864. 

Albert  E.  Peck,  captain;  promoted  from  first  lieutenant  company  E,  March 
6,  1863  ; killed  May  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga. 

John  R.  Lowe,  captain  ; promoted  from  first  lieutenant  company  C,  June 
27,  1864;  mustered  out  with  company  July  il,  1865. 

Randolph  Eastman,  first  lieutenant ; appointed  first  lieutenant  October  24, 

1861  ; resigned  December  23,  1862. 

Hartwell  Osborn,  first  lieutenant ; promoted  from  second  lieutenant  com- 
pany I,  Februar}’  12,  1863  ; to  captain  company  B August  4,  1863. 

Russel  H.  Bever,  first  lieutenant;  appointed  sergeant  from  corporal  Sep- 
tember 19,  1862  ; first  sergeant  October  3,  1862;  promoted  second  lieutenant 
March  16,  1863;  first  lieutenant  March  19,  1864;  captain  company  A Novem- 
ber 3,  1864. 

William  E.  Childs,  first  lieutenant ; promoted  from  hospital  steward  Janu- 
ary 18,  1865  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Robert  W.  Pool,  second  lieutenant;  mustered  as  private  ; promoted  to  sec- 
ond lieutenant  October  24,  1861  ; to  first  lieutenant  and  adjutant,  October  3, 
1862. 

Henry  W.  Ragan,  second  lieutenant ; promoted  from  sergeant  October  3, 

1862  ; resigned  March  24,  1863. 

Albert  H.  Hubbard,  first  sergeant;  discharged  May  25,  1862,  at  Franklin, 
Va.,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Lewis  Peck,  first  sergeant;  appointed  sergeant  from  corporal  October  3, 
1862;  first  sergeant  May  2,  1863;  promoted  to  quartermaster-sergeant  Sep- 
tember I,  1864;  veteran. 


146 


History  of  Erie  County. 


John  Burket,  first  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  October  3,  1862;  sergeant 
June  9,  1863  ; first  sergeant  September  i,  1864;  promoted  to  commissary-ser- 
geant June  26,  1865  ; veteran. 

Sidney  C.  Brown,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  August  i,  1863;  sergeant 
June  I,  1864;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865;  veteran. 

Moses  Pugh,  first  sergeant;  wounded  August  30,  1862,  in  battle  of  Bull 
Run,  Va.;  appointed  corporal  November  i,  1862;  sergeant  September  i,  1864; 
first  sergeant  June  26,  1865;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865; 
veteran. 

Horace  M.  Chamberlin,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  September  i,  1864; 
sergeant  June  26,  1865;  mustered  out  with  compan)'- July  ii,  1865;  veteran. 

Jesse  Dewers,  sergeant;  captured  September  15,  1863,  at  Bristow,  Va.; 
mustered  out  October  23,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Arthur  A.  Graham,  sergeant ; transferred  to  company  B,  Twenty-first  Vet- 
eran Reserve  Corps,  September  16,  1863. 

Edwin  Holmes,  sergeant;  discharged  October  19,  1862,  at  Columbus,  O. , 
on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Clark  M.  Kline,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  June  i,  1864;  sergeant,  De- 
cember 31,  1864;  discharged  June  15,  1865,  at  Eairfax  Seminary,  Va.;  vet- 
eran. 

Eri  Misnard,  sergeant ; appointed  corporal  October  3,  1862  ; sergeant  May 
I,  1863;  wounded  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va.;  killed  June 
22,  1864,  in  battle  of  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga.;  veteran. 

Alexander  M.  Ross,  sergeant ; appointed  from  corporal  ; wounded  August 
30,  1862,  in  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Va.;  transferred  to  company  D,  Fourteenth 
Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  July  31,  1863. 

William  R.  Little,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  October  3,  1862  ; sergeant 
August  I,  1863  ; mustered  out  December  29,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term  of 
service. 

Adam  Beer,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  June  22,  1864;  wounded  March 
19,  1865,  in  battle  of  Bentonville,  N.  C.;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  at  Wash- 
ington, D.  C.,  by  order  of  war  department. 

William  B.  Conger,  corporal;  discharged  September  19,  1862,  at  Annapo- 
lis, Md. 

John  B.  Conger,  corporal ; killed  August  30,  1862,  in  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Va. 

Cyrenus  Dejean,  corporal  ; discharged  January  19,  1864,  for  wounds  re- 
ceived May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va.;  leg  amputated. 

Addison,  Golden,  corporal;  wounded  July  20,  1864,  in  battle  of  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  Ga.;  appointed  corporal  June  26,  1865  ; mustered  out  with  company 
July  II,  1865  ; veteran, 

Peter  H.  Keiffer,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  December  31,  1864;  mus- 
tered out  with  company,  July  ii,  1865. 


Military  History. 


147 


William  W.  Lawton,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  March  i,  1865;  mus- 
tered out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; v^eteran. 

Jacob  Myer,  corporal,  wounded  May  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.; 
appointed  corporal  June  9,  1865  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; 
veteran. 

William  Negele,  corporal;  appointed  corporal ; wounded  August 

30,  1862,  in  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Va.;  discharged  August  27,  1863,  at  Colum- 
bus, O. 

Lewis  Perkey,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  May  i,  1863;  killed  May  15, 
1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.;  veteran. 

George  W.  Ragon,  corporal;  wounded  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancell- 
orsville,  Va.;  August  27,  1864,  at  Turner’s  Ferry,  Ga.;  appointed  corporal  Jan- 
uary I,  1865  ; mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  by  order  of 
war  department. 

Jeremiah  Ricker,  corporal,  discharged  August  19,  1862,  at  Fairfax  Semi- 
nary, Va.,  on  surgeon's  certificate  of  disability. 

Dennis  Spurrier,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  May  25,  1862;  wounded  Au- 
gust 30,  1 862,  in  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Va.;  July  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Gettysburg, 
Pa.;  appointed  sergeant  January  i,  1864;  wounded  August  17,  1864,  near  At- 
lanta, Ga.;  died  September  2,  1864,  at  Chattanooga,  Tenn.;  veteran. 

Horace  R.  Starks,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  June  9,  1865;  mustered 
out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Edward  Tallman,  corporal;  discharged  August  29,  1862,  at  Cumberland, 
Md.,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Charles  L.  Wilson,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  October  3,  1862;  wound- 
ed July  20,  1864,  in  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Ga.;  mustered  out  with  com- 
pany July  II,  1865;  veteran. 

Clarence  Linn,  musician  ; discharged  March  18,  1864,  at  Lookout  Valley, 
Tenn.,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Privates. 

Charles  Au,  substitute;  mustered  out  with  company  July  li,  1865. 

John  M.  Armstrong,  mustered  out  October  23,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term 
of  service. 

Jeremiah  G.  Armstrong,  mustered  out  October  23,  1864,  on  expiration  of 
term  of  service. 

Zenas  W.  Achlefeld,  mustered  out  October  23,  on  expiration  of  term  of 
service. 

William  Ainesly  ; discharged  February  27,  1863,  at  Columbus,  O.,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

Charles  H.  Borefif,  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

James  P.  Boston,  wounded  August  30,  1862,  in  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Va.; 
mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 


148 


History  of  Erie  County. 


George  W.  Button,  mustered  out  with  company  July  il,  1865;  veteran. 

Olcott  K.  Brown,  wounded  May  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.;  mus- 
tered out  June  9,  1865,  at  Camp  Dennison,  O.,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Martin  Beery,  mustered  ont  with  company  July  li,  1865. 

Anton  Bolsinger,  drafted;  mustered  out  with  company  July  li,  1866. 

Henry  C.  Beck,  drafted;  discharged  March  25,  1863,  at  Brooks’s  Station, 
Va.,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Andrews.  Baker,  discharged  August  5,  1862,  at  Columbus,  O.,  on  surgeon’s 
certificate  of  disability. 

Edgar  W.  Barker,  wounded  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va.; 
transferred  to  company  K,  Fifth  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  December  17,  1863. 

John  L.  Butz,  died  July  13,  1862,  at  Frederick  City,  Md. 

Joseph  E.  Case,  killed  August  30,  1862,  in  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Va. 

Augustus  B.  Case,  killed  May  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.;  veteran. 

James  Cram,  died  May  29,  1864,  hospital  at  Dallas,  Ga. 

John  Cain,  substitute. 

Marion  G.  Cross,  mustered  out  October  23,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term  of 
service. 

John  Clark,  discharged  November  13,  1862,  at  Hopewell  Gap,  Va. 

Nathan  Cadwalader,  discharged  October  20,  1862. 

Frederick  A.  Crum,  killed  June  26,  1864,  in  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga.;  vet- 
eran. 

Robert  J.  Dutcher,  captured  December  9,  1864,  near  Savannah,  Ga.;  mus- 
tered out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Benjamin  Dunlap,  wounded  July  20,  1864,  in  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek, 
Ga.;  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Peter  Dill,  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Parker  Dejian,  discharged  November  13,  1862,  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Adam  Ditto,  killed  March  12,  1865,  near  Fayetteville,  N.  C.;  veteran. 

John  H.  W.  Dildine,  wounded  March  19,  1865,  in  battle  of  Bentonville, 

N.  C.;  died  May  22,  1865,  at  Portsmouth  Grove,  R.  I.;  veteran. 

Charles  D.  Dudrow,  wounded  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  i 
Va.;  mustered  out  October  23,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service.  I 

Fewis  D.  Dudrow,  died  November  4,  1863,  at  Cumberland,  Md. 

Jacob  Fronce,  wounded  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va.; 
captured  March  5,  1865,  at  Wadesboro,  N.  C.;  mustered  out  June  23,  1865,  at  ' 
Camp  Chase,  O.,  by  order  of  war  department ; veteran.  i 

Thomas  B.  Fox,  wounded  June  19,  1864,  in  battle  of  Kenesaw  Mountain;  i| 
mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Guy  S.  Frazey,  substitute  on  detached  service  as  telegraph  operator  at  Chat- 
tanooga, Tenn.;  mustered  out  to  date  July  ii,  1865,  by  order  of  war  depart- 
ment. 


Military  History. 


149 


Frederick  Fleig,  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  by  order  of  war  de- 
partment. 

Abraham  D.  Falkner,  killed  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va. 

Seth  Golden,  wounded  July  20,  1864,  in  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek  ; dis- 
charged May  20,  1865,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Christian  Guarlach,  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  at  Washington, 
D.  C.,  by  order  of  war  department. 

James  W.  Griffith,  transferred  to  One  Hundred  and  Forty-eighth  Veteran 
Reserve  Corps,  January  22,  1864. 

Ebenezer  B.  Green,  wounded  May  15,  1864,  “i  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.;  died 
July  27,  1864,  at  Big  Shanty,  Ga.;  veteran. 

William  H.  Gittenger,  wounded  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville, 
Va.;  mustered  out  October  23,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Boody  J.  Gaines,  died  March  8,  1862,  at  Grafton,  W.  Va. 

James  C.  Holt,  discharged  October  20,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  dis- 
ability. 

George  Harkcom,  mustered  out  June  19,  1865,  at  Camp  Chase,  O.,  by  or- 
der of  war  department. 

Joseph  Holdeman,  drafted;  wounded  March  19,  1865,  in  battle  of  Benton- 
ville,  N.  C.  ; absent,  sick  in  hospital ; mustered  out  July  1 1,  1865,  by  order  of 
war  department. 

John  Hutchinson,  drafted  ; mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  at  Washington,  D. 
C.,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Asa  Hoppas,  wounded  May  25,  1864,  in  battle  of  Dallas,  Ga.  ; discharged 
May  24,  1865,  at  Trippler  Hospital,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Clay  Holtz,  captured  May  27,  1862,  at  Franklyn,  Va.  ; mustered  out  Oc- 
tober 27,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Edward  Hinchy,  killed  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va. 

Thomas  Jeffers,  substitute  ; absent,  sick  at  Bentonville,  N.  C.  ; mustered 
out  to  date  July  1 1,  1865,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Albert  Johnson,  drafted;  mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  Washington,  D. 
C.,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Edwin  E.  Jones,  discharged  September  22,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

John  L.  King,  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Samuel  Kuhlman,  killed  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va. 

Albion  F.  Lee,  mustered  out  July  1 1,  1865. 

Martin  Lindley,  discharged  March  21,  1865,  at  hospital,  Columbus,  O.,  by 
order  of  war  department. 

James  Linn,  died  June  27,  1864,  in  hospital  at  Chattanooga,  Tenn. 

Isaac  Livensparger,  wounded  and  captured  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  at  Chan- 
cellorsville, Va.  ; discharged  April  30,  1864. 

20 


150 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Philip  Livensparger,  killed  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va. 

Peter  H.  Livengood,  discharged  October  20,  1862,  at  Cumberland,  Md., 
on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Edwin  S.  Morse,  appointed  corporal  October  3,  1863  ; wounded  May  2, 
1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va.  ; returned  to  ranks  March  i,  1863  ; mus- 
tered out  July  19,  1864,  at  Camp  Cleveland,  by  order  of  war  department. 

John  McConahy,  wounded  July  20,  1864,  in  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek, 
Ga.  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

John  B.  Martin,  drafted  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 

Lewis  Mesnard,  wounded  August  9,  1862,  at  Freeman’s  Ford,  Va.  ; mus- 
tered out  June  22,  1865,  by  order  of  war  department. 

John  W.  Miller,  wounded  March  19,  1865,  in  battle  of  Bentonville,  N.  C. 
mustered  out  June  16,  1865,  by  order  of  war  department. 

John  McLaughlin,  captured  July  2,  1 863,  at  battle  of  Gettysburg,  Pa.  ; mus- 
tered out  October  23,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Oliver  Melroy,  captured  September  15,  1863,  at  Bristow,  Va.  ; mustered 
out  October  23,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Jackson  V.  Perdew,  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 

Van  Buren  Palmer,  captured  July  17,  1863,  at  Aldie,  Va.,  mustered  out 
October  23,  1864,  on  expiration  of  term  of  service. 

Benjamin  F.  Perkey,  discharged  January  26,  1863,  at  New  York,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

John  Plotts,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  March  i,  1864;  mustered 
out  January  26,  1866,  at  Columbus,  to  date  August  21,  1864. 

George  W.  Price,  died  December  18,  1 862,  at  Baltimore,  Md. 

Isaac  Reed,  wounded  July  20,  1864,  in  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Ga.  - 
mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Frank  Ray,  wounded  July  20,  1864,  in  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Ga., ; 
discharged  March  16,  1865,  at  Fort  Schuyler,  N.  Y. 

Alfred  G.  Rumur,  died  May  18,  1863,  at  Brooks’s  Station,  Va.,  of  wounds 
received  May  8,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va. 

Abner  Royce,  discharged  October  7,  1862,  at  Columbus,  O.,  on  surgeon’s 
certificate  of  disability. 

Robert  P.  Ralston,  died  July  ii,  1862,  at  Sperryville,  Va. 

Lawrence  Rumbacher,  drafted  ; mustered  out  June  9,  1865,  at  Washing- 
ton, D.  C.,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Corwin  K.  Sites,  mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Samuel  Stone,  wounded  and  captured  May  2,  1863,  at  battle  of  Chancellors- 
ville, Va.  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865  ; veteran. 

Michael  Schiffler,  mustered  out  with  company  July  il,  1865;  veteran. 

Reed  A.  Stacks,  wounded  July  12,  1864,  in  action  at  Chattahoochie  River, 
Ga.  ; mustered  out  with  company  July  ii,  1865. 


Military  History. 


151 


Joseph  Soncraut,  drafted;  mustered  out  May  31,  1865,  at  David’s  Island, 
N.  Y.,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Jonathan  Shell,  wounded  June  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Kenesaw  Mountain; 
mustered  out  August  li,  1865,  by  order  of  war  department ; veteran. 

George  W.  Steward,  died  July  14,  1863,  of  wounds  received  July  4,  1863, 
in  battle  of  Gettysburg,  Penn. 

Thomas  T.  Spafford,  died  March  3,  1863,  at  Brooks’s  Station,  Va. 

William  Starkey,  killed  July  3,  1863,  in  battle  of  Gettysburg,  Penn. 

John  A.  Seawalt,  killed  August  27,  1864,  at  Turner’s  Ferry,  Ga. 

Elias  Saddoris,  drafted;  died  Feb.  28,  1865,  in  hospital  at  Savannah,  Ga. 

Jesse  Sneath,  discharged  May  23,  1862,  at  Franklin,  Ya. 

George  W.  Stull,  transferred  to  company  H,  Seventh  V eteran  Reserve  Corps, 
January  12,  1864. 

Henry  H.  Trowbridge,  died  July  30,  1862,  at  Baltimore,  Md. 

William  H.  Tallman,  killed  August,  30,  1862,  in  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Va. 

Benjamin  Wagner,  drafted;  mustered  out  with  company,  July  ll,  1865. 

John  A.  Wilson,  discharged  March  25,  1863,  at  Brooks’s  Station,  Va.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Barney  Weigle,  wounded  August  30,  1862,  in  battle  of  battle  of  Bull  Run  ; 
discharged  January  9,  1863. 

Fernando  West,  discharged  December  26,  1862,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of 
disability. 

Enoch  B.  Watson,  wounded  August  30,  1862,  in  battle  of  Bull  Run,  Va.  ; 
May  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Resaca,  Ga.  ; transferred  to  company  I,  Seventeenth 
Veteran  Reserve  Corps  August  3,  1864;  veteran. 

George  M.  Wagar,  transferred  to  Sixteenth  company.  Second  Battalion, 
Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  August  5,  1863. 

John  B.  York,  killed  May  2,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chancellorsville,  Va. 

THE  SIXTY-FOURTH  INFANTRY. 

This  regiment  formed  a portion  of  the  Sherman  Brigade.  It  was  organized 
and  recruited  at  Mansfield  during  the  summer  and  fall  months  of  1861.  In 
several  companies  of  the  regiment  were  men  from  Erie  county,  although  no 
considerable  portion  of  either  company  was  from  here. 

At  Nashville,  Tenn.,  the  Sixty-fourth  joined  the  national  forces.  Its  first 
lively  battle  was  fought  at  Pittsburg  Handing,  on  the  7th  of  April,  and  even 
here  but  a part  of  the  regiment  was  engaged.  General  Garfield  commanded 
the  brigade.  It  participated  in  the  events  just  preceding  and  in  the  battle  of 
Corinth,  and  afterward  built  Fort  Harker,  at  Stevenson.  It  joined  in  pursuit 
of  Bragg  in  August,  and  was  repulsed  in  a battle  with  the  rebels  at  Munfords- 
ville.  The  next  important  battle  was  at  Stone  River,  where  the  regiment  was 
attached  to  Crittenden’s  Corps  and  Wood’s  Division.  In  this  fight  it  was  more 


152 


History  of  Erie  County. 


or  less  closely  engaged  for  three  days  and  lost  about  seventy-five  men  in  killed 
and  wounded.  For  some  days  preceding  Chickamauga  it  was  skirmishing  fre- 
quently, and  in  the  main  battle  was  closely  engaged  during  the  whole  day  on 
the  19th  of  September.  It  here  lost  over  one  hundred  in  killed,  wounded  and 
missing.  On  November  25th  it  was  engaged  at  Mission  Ridge  with  but  slight 
loss.  In  January,  1864,  about  three-fourths  of  the  regiment  veteranized,  after 
which  the  men  returned  home  on  a thirty-days’  furlough. 

The  regiment  joined  Sherman’s  army  and  participated  in  the  charge  at 
Rocky  Face  Ridge.  Foss,  twenty-one  killed  and  sixty  five  wounded.  Next 
came  Resaca,  on  June  14th,  and  thereafter  daily  skirmishing  until  the  20th  of 
July,  at  which  time  it  took  part  in  the  fight  at  Peach  Tree  Creek.  Until  the 
latter  part  of  August  the  regiment  was  almost  daily  under  fire.  It  next  en- 
gaged at  Jonesboro,  September  3d,  and  then  at  Fovejoy  Station,  on  the  6th. 

After  the  fall  of  Atlanta  the  Sixty- fourth  encamped  in  the  city,  but  two 
weeks  later,  with  the  Fourth  Corps,  joined  in  pursuit  of  Hood’s  forces  as  far 
as  Chattanooga.  Here  four  hundred  recruits  were  added  to  the  regiment  and 
the  veterans  were  paid  off.  After  following  Hood  about  fifty  miles  south  of 
Chattanooga  the  regiment  returned  to  that  point,  after  which  it  was  sent  to 
Athens,  Ala.,  and  thence  marched  to  Pulaski  and  Spring  Hill,  at  which  latter 
place  it  had  another  sharp  fight.  From  Spring  Hill  the  regiment  marched  to 
Franklin,  Tenn.,  and  engaged  in  the  battle  there  with  heavy  loss.  After  that 
it  returned  to  Nashville  and  was  engaged  in  sorties  and  battles  before  that  city. 
It  then  pursued  Hood  again  and  finally  went  into  camp  at  Huntsville,  but  soon 
left  and  moved  to  Decatur  and  Athens,  remaining  about  two  months  and  then 
returned  to  Huntsville;  thence  into  East  Tennessee  and  soon  after  returned  to 
Nashville.  From  the  latter  place  it  was  sent  to  New  Orleans  where  many  died 
from  sickness.  About  the  middle  of  September,  1865,  the  Sixty-fourth  went 
to  Victoria,  Texas,  where  on  the  3d  of  December  following  the  men  were  paid 
off,  discharged  and  sent  home. 

THE  SIXTY-FIFTH  INFANTRY. 

The  Sixty-fifth  was  one  of  the  regiments  raised  at  Mansfield,  and  known  as 
the  “ Sherman  brigade,”  having  been  recruited  mainly  through  the  efforts  of 
Hon.  John  Sherman.  It  was  organized  at  Camp  Buckingham,  and  was  mus- 
tered into  service  on  the  first  of  December,  1861. 

Erie  county  was  represented  in  this  regiment  by  about  thirty-five  men, 
nearly  all  of  whom  were  members  of  Company  G,  while  a few,  and  only  a few, 
were  scattered  through  other  companies. 

The  army  life  and  experiences  of  this  regiment,  according  to  Whitelaw 
Reid,  in  his  “ Ohio  in  the  War,”  were  as  follows : “ The  regiment  left  Mans- 
field for  active  duty,  on  the  l8th  of  December,  and  moved,  by  way  of  Cincin- 
nati, to  Fouisville,  Ky.,  where  it  remained  for  a week,  and  then  marched  to 


Military  History. 


153 


Camp  Morton,  arriving  there  on  the  30th.  The  Sixty-fifth  was  assigned  to  a 
brigade  composed  of  the  Sixty-fourth  and  Sixty-fifth  Ohio,  the  Fifty-first  In- 
diana and  Ninth  Kentucky.  Colonel  Harker,  of  the  Sixty- fifth,  commanded 
the  brigade,  and  General  Wood  the  division.” 

On  January,  13,  1862,  the  brigade  broke  camp  and  proceeded  to  Hall’s 
Gap,  arriving  there  on  the  24th,  when  it  was  at  once  placed  at  work  to  cordu- 
roy the  roads.  On  account  of  the  swampy,  miasmatic  nature  of  the  country 
many  of  the  men  fell  sick  and  died.  On  February  7 the  regiment  left  this 
place  and  marched  to  Lebanon,  where  by  rail  it  proceeded  to  Green  River, 
and  remained  in  camp  at  Munfordsville,  until  the  23d,  after  which  it  went  to 
Nashville,  arriving  there  on  March  13,  tired  and  worn  from  having  marched 
over  obstructed  roads,  and  carrying  baggage  over  places  impassable  for  the 
loaded  wagons. 

In  the  latter  part  of  March,  with  General  Garfield  commanding  the  brigade, 
the  regiment  again  took  up  the  line  of  march  by  way  of  Columbia  to  Savan- 
nah, and  thence  by  steamer  to  Pittsburg  Landing,  at  which  place  a fight  was 
in  progress,  but  the  Sixty-fifth  was  not  engaged  though  on  the  field.  Follow- 
ing close  upon  this  event  came  the  siege  of  Corinth,  in  which  the  regiment 
participated,  being  under  fire  much  of  the  time  and  meeting  with  some  loss. 
After  the  enemy  evacuated  the  place  the  regiment  moved  to  Bridgeport,  and 
was  assigned  to  guard  duty  along  the  Tennessee  River,  until  the  latter  part  of 
August,  when  it  joined  in  pursuit  of  Bragg’s  retreating  forces,  and  finally 
reached  Perry vllle  late  in  September.  A week  later  it  marched  to  Nashville. 
At  this  place  the  army  was  reorganized,  the  Sixty-fifth  holding  its  place  in  the 
brigade,  with  Colonel  Harker  in  command.  On  December  26  the  brigade 
moved  on  the  Nashville  Pike,  fighting  its  way  into  Lavergne,  across  Stewart’s 
Creek,  and  up  to  Stone  River.  On  the  29th,  at  night,  the  regiment  forded 
the  river,  armpit  deep,  in  the  face  of  a galling  fire,  and  gained  the  opposite 
bank,  where  they  formed  and  engaged  the  enemy;  but  supporting  troops  fail- 
ing to  arrive  they  were  forced  to  retire,  which  was  done  in  good  order.  The 
men  lay  on  their  arms  all  night  and  early  the  next  day  moved  to  the  support 
of  McCook’s  corps,  which  was  having  much  the  worst  of  it  in  a fierce  battle. 
For  eight  long  hours  the  regiment  was  engaged  before  the  enemy  was  finally 
put  to  rout.  The  loss  of  the  Sixty-  fifth  in  this  engagement  amounted  to  nearly 
one  hundred  and  seventy-five  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  Forty  officers  and 
men  were  killed.  Stone  River  was  the  most  destructive  battle  in  which  the 
regiment  participated. 

At  Chickamauga,  on  September  19  and  20,  the  regiment  was  again  en- 
gaged, but  on  the  last  named  day  retreated  to  Mission  Ridge,  thence  fell  back 
to  Chattanooga,  at  which  latter  place,  on  November  23-25,  it  was  again  closely 
engaged  and  lost  heavily,  there  being  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing  no  less 
than  one  hundred  men.  Added  to  this  was  the  loss  in  the  battle  at  Mission 
Ridge,  on  the  25th,  in  which  thirteen  were  killed  and  two  wounded. 


154 


History  of  Erie  County. 


The  regiment  next  participated  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  and  was  engaged 
at  Rocky  Face  Ridge,  May  5-9,  1864;  at  Adairsville,  May  17,  18;  at  New 
Hope  Church,  May  28  ; at  Kenesaw  Mountain,  from  June  9 to  30,  losing  ten 
in  killed  and  wounded  ; at  Big  Shanty,  on  June  28  ; at  Peach  Tree  Creek,  with 
a loss  of  four  killed,  one  wounded  and  one  missing.  During  the  siege  of 
Atlanta  the  regiment  was  also  engaged.  It  participated  in  the  flanking  move- 
ment to  Jonesboro,  and  from  there  advanced  to  Lovejoy.  After  the  rebels 
evacuated  Atlanta  the  regiment  returned  to  that  place  and  went  into  camp. 
Three  weeks  later  it  joined  in  pursuit  of  Hood.  It  marched  to  Mission  Ridge, 
and  thence,  by  rail,  went  to  Alpine,  Ga.  After  four  days  of  rest  it  again 
moved  to  Chattanooga,  and  did  guard  duty  along  a line  of  railroad  near  the 
Tennessee  River.  On  November  29  it  participated  in  the  battle  at  Spring- 
field,  losing  forty-one  in  killed,  wounded,  captured  and  missing.  Again, 
on  the  30th,  at  Franklin,  it  was  engaged  with  a loss  of  forty-two  men. 

On  the  3d  of  October  the  non  veterans  were  discharged  and  sent  home. 
This  left  the  Sixty-fifth  with  only  one  hundred  and  thirt}^  available  men.  The 
last  battle  of  the  regiment  was  fought  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  on  the  15th  and  l6th 
of  December,  1864,  and  after  following  the  defeated  rebels  for  some  time,  re- 
turned to  the  city  and  went  into  camp. 

In  June,  1865,  the  regiment  moved  from  Nashville  to  Johnsonville,  where 
it  embarked  on  transports  for  New  Orleans.  It  remained  here  for  several 
weeks,  and  was  then  ordered  to  Texas,  where  it  performed  garrison  duty  at 
San  Antonio  until  December,  1865,  when  it  was  ordered  to  Camp  Chase,  O., 
and  was  mustered  out,  paid  and  discharged,  on  the  2d  day  of  January,  1866. 

Roster — Field  and  Staff. 

Charles  G.  Harker,  colonel;  promoted  to  brigadier- general  September  20, 
1863  ; killed  June  27,  1864,  in  battle  of  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Ga. 

Daniel  French,  lieutenant-colonel;  resigned  August  8,  1862. 

Alexander  Cassil,  lieutenant-colonel ; promoted  from  captain  company  A, 
August  8,  1S62;  resigned  March  22,  1863. 

Horatio  N.  Whitbeck,  lieutenant-colonel ; promoted  to  major  from  captain 
company  E,  October7,  1862;  wounded  December  31,  1862,  in  battle  of  Stone 
River;  promoted  to  lieutenant-colonel  March  22,1863;  wounded  September 
19,  1863,  in  battle  of  Chickamauga,  and  June  27,  1864,  in  battle  of  Kenesaw 
Mountain;  discharged  August  16,  1865,  for  wounds. 

Orlow  Smith,  lieutenant-colonel ; promoted  to  major  from  captain  company 
G,  September  22,  1863;  to  lieutenant-colonel,  October  10,  1865;  to  colonel, 
November  24,  1865,  but  not  mustered;  mustered  out  November  30,  1865. 

James  Olds,  major;  resigned  October  7,  1862. 

Samuel  C.  Brown,  major  ; promoted  from  captain  company  H,  March  22, 
1863  ; died  September  22,  1863,  from  wounds  received  in  battle  of  Chicka- 
mauga, Ga. 


Military  History. 


iSS 


Brewer  Smith,  adjutant;  appointed  sergeant-major  from  corporal  company 
G;  promoted  to  second  lieutentant  January  l,  1863,  and  acting  adjutant 
March  I,  1863;  to  first  lieutenant  and  adjutant  March  23,  1863;  to  captain 
company  K,  August  29,  1864. 

John  C.  Zollinger,  regimental  quartermaster;  appointed  from  first  lieutenant 
company  K,  February  13,  1865  ; mustered  out  November  30,  1865  ; veteran. 

Roster  Company  G. — Erie  County  Men. 

Clark  S.  Gregg,  first  lieutenant ; appointed  November  26,  1861  ; died  May 

11,  1862,  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  of  disease. 

Dolsen  Van  Kirk,  second  lieutenant;  promoted  from  first  sergeant  August 

12,  1862  ; killed  December  31,  1862,  in  battle  of  Stone  River,  Tenn. 

Patrick  R.  Nohilly,  first  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  June  12,  1862;  ser- 
geant, November  i,  1863  ; first  sergeant,  July  31,  1864;  killed  November  29, 
1864,  in  battle  of  Spring  Hill,  Tenn.  ; veteran. 

John  C.  Zollinger,  sergeant;  promoted  to  quartermaster-sergeant  July  13, 

1 864 ; veteran. 

William  Clark,  sergeant  ; mustered  as  private;  appointed  sergeant;  mus- 
tered out  December  14,  1864,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  on  expiration  of  term  of 
service. 

August  Keimlin,  sergeant ; appointed  from  corporal;  transferred  to  com- 
pany F,  seventh  regiment  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Adam  Apple,  sergeant;  appointed  corporal  November  i,  1864;  wounded 
November  29,  1864,  in  battle  of  Spring  Hill,  Tenn.  ; appointed  sergeant  May 
I,  1865  ) mustered  out  November  30,  1865  ; veteran. 

John  V.  Nicholai,  sergeant  ; mustered  as  private ; appointed  sergeant  * 
transferred  to  company  B,  Seventh  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  September  i,  1863. 

Brewer  Smith,  corporal;  appointed  corporal  November  ii,  1861;  pro- 
moted to  sergeant-major  June  i,  1862. 

H.  C.  Jennings,  corporal;  discharged  January  26,  1863,  at  Murfreesboro, 
Tenn.,  on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Privates. 

John  Boyd,  transferred  to  forty-third  company  second  battalion  Veteran 
Reserve  Corps,  August  31,  1863. 

John  Brown,  veteran  ; no  other  record  found. 

Christian  F.  E.  Blaich,  discharged  May  20,  1863,  at  Murfreesboro,  Tenn., 
on  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

Martin  Casey,  died  October  22,  1862,  at  Nashville,  Tenn. 

John  C.  Ernst,  discharged  August  18,  1864,  at  Camp  Dennison,  O.,  on 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

John  Geideman,  mustered  out  December  14,  1864,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  on 
expiration  of  term  of  service. 


156 


History  of  P2rie  County. 


Theodore  Geesey,  died  October  i,  1862,  at  Louisville,  Ky. 

Fred.  Koegle,  died  October  4,  1862,  at  Louisville,  Ky.  i' 

Henry  Leidkie,  discharged  November  i,  1864,  at  Camp  Dennison,  O.,  on  < 
surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 

James  Murty,  no  record  found. 

John  Murphy,  wounded  December  31,  1862,  in  battle  of  Stone  River,  ' 
Tenn. ; wounded  December  15,  1864,  in  battle  of  Nashville,  Tenn.  ; discharged 
to  date  November  25,  1865,  at  Columbus,  O.  ; veteran. 

John  Malaney,  discharged  January  18,  1865,  by  order  of  war  department. 

Michael  Nash,  mustered  out  December  14,  1864,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  on  ’ 
expiration  of  term  of  service.  C 

James  Nolan,  died  January  30,  1863,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  of  wounds  re- 
ceived December  31,  1862,  in  battle  of  Stone  River,  Tenn. 

George  W.  Philo,  died  April  30,  1862,  at  Nashville,  Tenn. 

Peter  Sharp,  transferred  to  third  company  second  battalion  Veteran  Re- 
serve Corps,  April  29,  1864. 

John  Sullivan,  mustered  out  December  14,  1864,  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  on 
expiration  of  term  of  service. 

J.  C.  Weidemier,  discharged  June  10,  1 862,  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  on  surgeon’s 
certificate  of  disability. 

William  Walsh,  discharged  April  6,  1863,  at  Murfreesboro,  Tenn.,  on  sur- 
geon’s certificate  of  disability. 

THE  SEVENTY-SECOND  INFANTRY. 

This  regiment  in  the  main  was  recruited  in  the  county  of  Sandusky,  Com- 
panies A,  B,  C,  D,  E,  F,  H,  and  I,  being  raised  almost  wholly  in  that  county, 
while  Company  G,  and  a very  small  contingent  of  Companies  Hand  A were  re- 
cruited in  Erie  county.  Company  K was  principally  from  Medina  county,  and 
a few  men  in  C and  E were  from  Wood  count}'. 

The  regiment,  about  nine  hundred  and  fifty  strong,  left  Fremont  for  Camp 
Chase,  on  the  24th  of  January,  1862.  In  February  it  was  ordered  to  General 
Sherman’s  army  and  reported  at  Paducah,  where  it  was  brigaded  with  the  For- 
ty-eighth  and  Seventieth  Ohio  Regiments,  and  placed  under  command  of  Col- 
onel Buckland. 

The  first  regular  engagement  in  which  the  Seventy-second  took  part  was  at 
Pittsburg  Landing,  and  it  was  not  until  the  third  day’s  proceedings  at  that  place 
that  it  became  fully  initiated  in  army  service.  On  this  day,  the  6th  of  April, 
1862,  the  brigade  to  which  our  regiment  belonged  withstood  three  successive 
attacks  from  the  enemy,  and  firmly  held  their  position  until  General  Sherman 
ordered  it  to  retire.  The  next  day  it  was  again  engaged  and  took  part  in  the 
charge  that  routed  the  rebels  and  drove  them  from  the  field.  This  battle  cost 
the  regiment  one  hundred  and  thirty- five  men  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing.  ■ 


Military  History. 


157 


During  the  service  of  the  regiment  down  to  and  after  the  siege  of  Corinth, 
the  ranks  were  fearfully  reduced  by  disease,  and  nearly  as  many  were  lost  or 
unfitted  for  field  service  from  this  cause,  as  by  the  results  of  battle.  At  Cor- 
inth the  regiment  was  again  closely  engaged.  Colonel  Buckland  returned  to 
the  command  of  the  regiment,  and  General  Denver  took  the  brigade.  After 
Corinth  the  army  proceeded  to  Memphis,  the  Seventy-second  being  stationed 
at  Fort  Pickering.  While  here  it  was  brigaded  with  the  Thirty- second  Wis- 
consin, the  Ninety-third  Indiana,  Ninety-third  Illinois,  and  the  One  Hundred 
and  Fourteenth  Illinois,  and  designated  as  the  First  Brigade  of  the  Third  Di- 
vision, Colonel  Buckland  again  assuming  command  of  the  brigade,  and  General 
Lauman  the  division. 

While  holding  the  bridge  over  Wolf  Riv'er  the  brigade  had  a taste  of  guer- 
rilla tactics,  but  it  did  them  no  loss.  It  remained  in  this  place  some  two  weeks 
and  in  January,  1863,  received  orders  to  proceed  to  Corinth,  where  it  arrived 
after  a long  and  weary  march  in  the  dead  of  winter.  Here  the  brigade  was 
assigned  to  the  Sixteenth  Corps,  and  placed  on  picket  duty  at  White’s  Station, 
nine  miles  from  the  city.  The  strength  of  the  regiment  was  increased  while  at 
this  place  by  about  forty  nine  months  recruits,  and  other  men  formerly  of  the 
command  who  had  been  absent  and  sick. 

About  the  middle  of  March  commenced  the  movement  southward,  and  by 
a series  of  journeys  by  land  and  by  water  until  Jackson,  Mississippi,  was  reached 
and  a battle  fought  on  the  14th  of  May,  and  after  that  came  the  labor  of  the 
siege  of  Vicksburg.  After  the  surrender  of  that  city  the  regiment  participated 
in  the  movement  against  General  Johnson,  at  Jackson,  and  afterward  pursued 
the  rebels  to  Brandon  where  another  engagement  took  place.  In  September 
the  command  joined  in  the  four  days’  scout  to  Mechanicsville,  and  on  the  15th 
of  October  moved  on  General  McPherson’s  expedition  to  Canton,  but  soon  af- 
terward went  into  camp  in  rear  of  Vicksburg.  From  here  it  went  to  guard  duty 
on  a line  of  railroad  between  Memphis  and  Charleston.  This  occupied  the  re- 
mainder of  the  year.  On  January  2 the  men  of  the  Seventy-second  re-enlisted 
and  moved  to  Memphis,  and  after  taking  part  in  the  expedition  to  the  Talla- 
hatchie River,  returned  to  Ohio  on  veteran  furlough  on  the  23d  of  February, 
1864. 

Early  in  April,  having  been  strengthened  by  many  recruits,  the  regiment 
returned  again  to  the  seat  of  operations  and  made  a stand  at  Paducah  to  defend 
that  place,  and  shortly  after  moved  to  Memphis  where  it  remained  till  the  30th 
of  April,  when  it  again  joined  an  expedition  against  the  rebel  Forrest,  thence 
to  Bolivar,  and  from  there  to  Ripley,  but  soon  returned  to  Memphis.  In  June 
following  twelve  regiments,  of  which  the  Seventy- second  was  one,  again  started 
in  pursuit  of  Forrest,  and  found  him  much  to  their  sorrow  at -Brice’s  Cross 
Roads,  and  were  badly  defeated  and  routed,  losing  a part  of  their  wagon-train 
and  destroying  the  rest.  They  retreated  in  disorder  and  confusion,  and  escaped 


158 


History  of  Erie  County. 


annihilation  or  capture  only  by  a rapid  retreat  to' Memphis,  nevertheless,  many 
were  killed  and  captured.  After  this  disastrous  campaign  the  regiment,  or 
what  was  left  of  it,  was  attached  to  the  First  Brigade  of  the  Sixteenth  Corps. 
It  next  participated  in  the  battle  at  Tupelo  in  which  the  rebels  were  defeated, 
as  they  were  also  at  Tishomingo  Creek.  In  both  of  these  fights  the  brunt  of 
battle  fell  upon  the  brigade  of  the  Seventy-second,  and  its  loss  amounted  to 
twenty-five  men.  The  regiment  then  joined  the  Atlanta  expedition,  but  Mower 
having  charge  of  the  division,  was  ordered  to  Arkansas  to  resist  Price,  but 
failed  to  meet  him.  It  then  marched  northward  continuing  eighteen  days,  and 
finally  reached  the  Mississippi,  where  it  embarked  on  transports  for  St.  Louis, 
thence  moved  to  Jefferson  City.  It  then  pursued  Price’s  cavalry  as  far  as  Lit- 
tle Santa  Fe,  and  then  turned  back  to  St.  Louis,  which  point  was  reached  on 
the  1 6th  of  November. 

The  Seventy-second  next  participated  in  the  battle  at  Nashville,  December 
7th  and  8th,  and  also  at  Walnut  Hills  soon  afterward.  McMillan’s  Brigade  in 
this  battle  numbered  less  than  twelve  hundred  effective  men,  still  they  captured 
two  thousand  prisoners  and  thirteen  pieces  of  artillery,  but  sustained  a loss  of 
one  hundred  and  sixty  of  its  own  force.  The  division  then  moved  to  Eastport, 
Miss.,  and  went  into  camp.  In  February,  1865,  the  brigade  moved  to  New 
Orleans  and  camped  on  the  old  battle-ground.  On  the  28th  of  the  same  month 
it  went  to  Dauphin  Island  ; moved  to  the  east  side  of  Mobile  River  on  the  19th 
of  March,  and  on  the  27th  laid  siege  upon  Spanish  Fort,  which  was  evacuated 
on  the  8th  of  April.  The  next  day  it  captured  Fort  Blakeley.  It  was  then  or- 
dered to  Meriden,  Miss.,  where  it  was  assigned  to  garrison  duty.  In  September 
the  Seventy-second  moved  to  Corinth,  and  soon  afterward  to  Vicksburg,  where 
it  was  mustered  out  September  1 1,  1865,  after  which  it  returned  to  Camp  Chase 
and  was  paid  and  discharged. 

Roster  Company  G — Unofficial. 

James  Fernald,  captain;  mustered  out  with  regiment. 

William  C.  Biddle,  first  lieutenant;  promoted  to  captain;  transferred  to 
company  E. 

John  H.  Poyer,  second  lieutenant;  resigned  December  3,  1862. 

Jacob  M.  Beecher,  first  sergeant;  promoted  to  first  lieutenant  in  U.  S.  Col- 
ored Infantry,  April  17,  1864. 

Jonas  Stanbury,  first  sergeant;  wounded  at  siege ‘of  Spanish  Fort,  Ala.; 
mustered  out  with  company. 

George  Downing,  sergeant ; mustered  out  with  company  ; veteran. 

Charles  Hawes,  sergeant;  mustered  out  with  company;  veteran. 

William  P.  Shilk,  sergeant;  mustered  out  with  company;  veteran. 

George  Taylor,  sergeant ; mustered  out  with  company  ; veteran. 

Robert  Dalzell,  corporal;  mustered  out  with  company;  veteran. 


Military  History. 


159 


Elihu  Fernald,  corporal;  promoted  to  sergeant;  transferred  to  company 
E.;  veteran. 

Christian  Eyle,  musician;  discharged  August  7,  1865  ; veteran. 

Privates. 

Erasmus  H.  Andress,  not  on  muster-out- roll;  Sidney  Adams,  mustered  out 
with  company,  veteran  ; John  R.  Ackers,  not  on  muster-out-roll ; Ebenezer  G. 
Allen,  mustered  out  with  company ; Burel  Butman,  mustered  out  with  com- 
pany; David  Brownell,  veteran,  mustered  out  with  company  ; Charles  Barber, 
mustered  out  with  company;  Peter  Brones,  mustered  out  with  company;  Lewis 
C.  Clark,  veteran,  mustered  out  with  company ; Wilson  S.  Crhm,  veteran,  dis- 
charged August  7,  1865  ; John  Coon,  John  Call,  Samuel  Dailey,  Edward 
Daniels,  veteran,  mustered  out  with  company;  Willard  Dike,  discharged  De- 
cember 14,  1864;  William  Davie,  discharged  December  14,  1864;  Henry  W. 
Dakin,  discharged  December  14,  1864;  Christopher  Edwards,  Erastus  Erskin, 
veteran,  discharged  May  13,  1865;  Henry  L.  Ewing,  discharged  June  ii,  1864; 
Louis  A.  Ervin,  Thomas  C.  Fernald,  Hiram  B.  French,  Henry  French,  Eu- 
gene Frankenburg,  died  in  Andersonville  prison;  Norman  Foster,  veteran, 
mustered  out  with  company;  John  Franigan,  Edward  B.  Fuller,  Edward  Gibbs, 
Nicholas  L.  Grow;  John  Haughn,  discharged  December  14,  1864;  Alfred 
Haun ; Charles  Haughn,  discharged  to  accept  promotion  July  10,  1864  ; Fran- 
cis Higgins,  James  Hageny,  Solomon  Hower;  Charles  Harley,  veteran,  dis- 
charged August  7,  1865  ; Joseph  Imhaf,  David  H.  James,  John  H.  Jefferson, 
Frantz  Kromer,  Charles  Kramus,  Andrew  Laughlin;  John  V.  Ladd,  discharged 
October  29,  1864;  Comfort  M.  Lewis,  Charles  Lausen,  George  W.  Lewis,  Ru- 
fus W.  Lawrence,  Dennis  Lavler ; William  H.  McEnalley,  veteran,  mustered 
out  with  company;  Dennis  Mark;  Philip  Mons,  died  in  rebel  prison  ; Michael 
McCarty  ; Augustus  Mulchey,  veteran,  mustered  out  with  company  ; Robert 
Meek,  William  Perry,  John  Plum,  Calvin  R.  Porter,  James  L.  Porter,  William 
Rood,  William  L.  Robertson  ; Albert  Rice,  veteran,  mustered  out  with  com- 
pany; Augustus  Rice,  George  W.  Reed;  George  H.  Sutherland,  discharged 
December  14,  1864;  Erastus  Squires,  Merritt  Sextons,  John  C.  Steward,  dis- 
charged by  reason  of  fracture  of  right  ankle  September  27,  1864;  James  M. 
Smith,  Frederick  Schafer;  William  Seitt,  discharged  February  10,  1865  ; Henry 
Sprow,  Morris  Sweet,  John  Shadenck,  Joseph  R.  Turner,  Benjamin  Thurlby  ; 
John  D.  Turner,  veteran,  mustered  out  with  company;  Michael  Parchner;  Jon- 
athan Taylor,  recruit,  mustered  out  with  company;  De  Witt  C.  Vance,  died  of 
wounds  August  8,  1864;  Isaac  Vanderpool,  Henry  Wile,  Thomas  J.  Wright, 
Harrison  Warren,  William  H.  Walker. 

THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FIRST  INFANTRY. 

This  regiment  was  organized  during  the  summer  of  1862,  and  at  a time 


i6o 


History  of  Erie  County. 


when  almost  every  engagement  resulted  disastrously  to  the  Union  arms,  and 
at  a time,  too,  when  it  required  something  more  than  enthusiasm  or  mere  love 
of  excitement  to  become  a soldier;  it  was  a stern  and  positive  duty,  and  the 
recruits  knew  full  well  that  untold  privations  and  hardships  awaited  them. 
The  One  Hundred  and  First  was  raised  in  the  counties  of  Crawford,  Wyandot, 
Huron,  Erie  and  Seneca;  the  contingent  from  Erie  county  comprising  com- 
pany B and  a large  part  of  company  G. 

On  the  4th  of  September,  1862,  and  before  being  fully  organized  for  field 
duty,  the  command  proceeded  under  orders  hurriedly  to  Cincinnati,  and  thence 
to  Covington,  Ky.,  to  repel  the  threatened  invasion  of  Kirby  Smith’s  forces; 
and  on  the  24th  the  regiment  moved  to  Louisville,  when  it  was  placed  in  Car- 
lin’s Brigade,  Mitchell’s  Division,  and  attached  to  the  army  under  General 
Buell. 

Soon  after  the  1st  of  October  commenced  the  pursuit  of  Bragg’s  rebel 
force,  which  culminated  in  the  battle  of  Perrysville  on  the  8th.  Again  the  re- 
treating rebels  were  overtaken  and  their  rear  guard  attacked  at  Lancaster. 
The  regiment  then  moved  to  Nashville,  Tenn.,  where  General  Jefferson  C. 
Davis  took  command  of  the  division,  and  on  the  26th  of  November  joined  the 
army  of  the  Cumberland,  General  Rosecrans  being  chief  in  command.  At 
this  time  was  fought  a battle  near  Nashville,  at  Knob  Gap,  where  the  regiment 
made  an  excellent  record  for  coolness  and  bravery,  being,  as  they  were  much 
of  the  time,  under  a heavy  and  telling  fire  from  infantry  and  artillery. 

On  December  30  commenced  the  battle  at  Stone  River,  the  brigade  to 
which  the  One  Hundred  and  First  belonged  having  the  right  of  the  line  and 
was  the  first  on  the  field.  On  the  day  following  they  had  it  “ hot  and  heavy,” 
no  sooner  being  driven  from  one  position  than  they  made  a determined  stand 
at  another,  all  through  the  day.  They  held  their  position  on  the  right  until 
January  2,  when  the  brigade  was  ordered  to  support  the  left.  From  this 
time  until  April  the  regiment  was  posted  at  or  near  Murfreesboro,  from  which 
point  they  were  constantly  moving  on  various  wearying  expeditions  ; but  from 
April  to  June  it  rested  in  camp  at  Tullahoma. 

In  June  was  fought  the  battle  at  Liberty  Gap,  after  which,  in  August,  the 
brigade  crossed  the  mountains  into  Georgia,  but  returned  shortly  afterward 
and  took  part  at  the  Chickamauga  battle,  August  19  and  20.  In  this  fight 
the  One  Hundred  and  First  made  a fierce  charge  and  regained  a national  bat- 
tery, fighting  over  the  guns  with  clubbed  muskets.  After  this  splendid 
achievement  the  command  retired  to  Chattanooga,  where  the  regiment  was 
made  a part  of  the  First  Brigade,  First  Division,  Fourth  Army  Corps.  During 
the  latter  part  of  October  the  brigade  moved  to  Bridgport,  Ala.,  where  it  re- 
mained in  camp  until  January  16,  1864,  when  it  proceeded  to  Oldtawah,  Tenn- 

The  regiment  participated  in  the  Atlanta  campaign  in  1864,  making  its 
first  move  in  May,  and  first  engaging  the  enemy  at  Catoosa  Springs,  and  drove 


Military  History. 


i6i 


him  as  far  as  Tunnel  Hill,  from  which  place  it  went  to  Buzzard  Roost  Gap, 
where  misfortune  awaited  it,  as  the  command  got  much  the  worst  of  it  in  a 
mountain  fight,  and  was  compelled  to  seek  refuge  behind  rocks  and  remain 
concealed  until  late  in  the  evening.  It  afterward  took  part  in  the  operations 
about  Atlanta  during  the  siege  of  that  city,  and  fought  at  that  place  and  at 
Jonesboro  and  Lovejoy.  At  Franklin  it  regained  an  important  position  that 
another  command  had  lost. 

The  regiment  was  afterward  engaged  at  Nashville,  and  pursued  Hood’s 
retiring  force  for  a time,  but  soon  after  went  into  camp  at  Huntsville.  At  this 
place,  on  the  I2th  of  June,  1865,  the  One  Hundred  and  First  was  mustered 
out  of  service.  Soon  after  it  returned  to  Camp  Taylor,  where  the  men  were 
paid  and  discharged. 

Roster  Field  and  Staff. 

Leander  Stern,  colonel  ; killed  December  26,  1862. 

Isaac  M.  Kirby,  colonel ; promoted  from  major  ; mustered  out  with  regi- 
ment. 

John  Trautz,  lieutenant-colonel;  resigned  October  14,  1862. 

Moses  F.  Wooster,  lieutenant-colonel  ; promoted  from  major ; died  of 
wounds  January  3,  1863. 

John  Messer,  lieutenant-colonel;  resigned  January  7,  1864. 

Bedan  D.  McDonald,  lieutenant-colonel  ; promoted  from  major  ; mustered 
out  with  regiment. 

Daniel  H.  Fox,  major;  promoted  from  captain;  resigned  September  28, 

1864. 

John  A.  Lattimer,  major ; promoted  from  captain  ; mustered  out  with 
regiment. 

Roster  Company  B. — Unoffcial. 

This  company  was  raised  in  and  about  the  cit}’  of  Sandusky  ; mustered  in 
August  30,  1862  ; mustered  out  June  12,  1865. 

Thomas  C.  Fernald,  captain  ; resigned  on  account  of  disability  Januarj- 
.25,  1863. 

Stephen  P.  Beckwith,  first  lieutenant ; promoted  to  captain  February  l, 
1863  ; resigned  November  30,  1864,  by  reason  of  disability. 

Otis  L.  Peck,  second  lieutenant;  dishonorably  discharged  Januar}'  25, 

1865. 

John  M.  Butler,  first  sergeant;  promoted  to  first  lieutenant  Januar}'  25, 
1863  ; resigned  December  29,  1863. 

Charles  E.  Smith,  sergeant;  discharged  for  disability  Februaiy  14,  1863. 

Jay  C.  Butler,  sergeant ; promoted  to  second  lieutenant  January  25,  1863  ; 
to  first  lieutenant  March  29,  1864,  and  to  captain  March  16.  1865. 

James  Gordon,  sergeant;  discharged  for  disability  March  8,  1863. 


History  of  Erie  County. 


162 


Simeon  Huntington,  sergeant ; wounded  at  Stone  River;  died  from  wounds 
January  19,  1863. 

Alonzo  R.  Sharp,  corporal  ; discharged  for  disability  June  i,  1863. 

Henry  J.  Ely,  corporal  ; discharged  February  17,  1863,  for  wounds  re- 
cieved  at  Stone  River. 

Joshua  B.  Davis,  corporal  ; transferred  to  First  United  States  Engineers 
July  29,  1864. 

William  D.  Taylor,  corporal;  promoted  to  sergeant  January  25,  1864; 
mustered  out  with  company. 

Francis  F.  Pease,  corporal ; transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  April  6, 
1864. 

William  B.  Rice,  corporal  ; promoted  to  sergeant  January  25,  1863. 

Jacob  Merkley,  corporal ; mustered  out  with  company. 

John  W.  Ward,  corporal  ; discharged  for  disability  March  8,  1863. 

George  W.  Hill,  musician;  died  at  Perry ville,  Ky.,  November  I2,  1862. 
William  P.  Barton,  wagoner  ; mustered  out  with  company. 

Privates. 

Harper  Austin,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Seth  A.  Barton,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  January  4,  1864. 
William  P.  Bartow,  no  record  found. 

William  Burrell,  died  in  service. 

Allen  M.  Curran,  promoted  to  sergeant  January  25,  1863. 

William  H.  Carpenter,  discharged  for  disability  January  15,  1863. 

Edwin  Claflin,  discharged  April  5,  1865,  by  reason  of  accidental  wound. 
Robert  Cullen,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Wilbur  F.  Cowles,  promoted  to  first  sergeant  January  25,  1863  ; captured 
at  battle  of  Chickamauga. 

William  H.  Coveil,  transferred  to  Marine  Corps  May  3,  1863. 

John  W.  Dodge,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  February  4,  1864. 
Milton  C.  Dodge,  missing  in  battle  at  Chickamauga  September  20,  1863. 
Simeon  A.  Davis,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  May  3,  1864. 
Charles  B.  Dennis,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Henry  M.  Elwood,  discharged  for  disability  December  20,  1862. 

Sidney  W.  Faxton,  discharged  for  disability  January  28,  1863. 

James  C.  Fitch,  discharged  for  disability  May  29,  1865. 

Amos  W.  Fox,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  July  i,  1863. 

Alfred  Foreman,  discharged  for  disability  January  14,  1863. 

Theodore  Ford,  wounded  in  battle  at  Chickamauga,  Tenn.,  September  19,. 
1863. 

Alfred  Grant,  discharged  for  disability  January  24,  1863. 

Feonard  Gay,  discharged  for  disability  January  10,  1863. 


Military  History. 


163 


James  Glinn,  died  in  service  November  5,  1862. 

Charles  Gross,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  (date  unknown). 
Alexander  C.  Hosmer,  transferred  to  company  A ; promoted  to  second 
lieutenant. 

William  L.  Hutton,  discharged  for  disability  October  7,  1863. 

Jerome  Holly,  died  May  8,  1863. 

Albert  Hinman,  discharged  by  reason  of  wounds  received  at  Stone  River. 
Harrison  J.  Hammond  died  in  service  February  14,  1863. 

Francis  Houseman,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  March  18,  1864. 
Orlando  Holly,  died  in  service  November  8,  1862. 

Smith  Harrington,  discharged  for  disability  February  24,  1863. 

David  Hinds,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Oliver  Holbrook,  discharged  for  disability  March  10,  1863. 

Martin  Ingles,  died  in  service  December  9,  1863. 

James  L.  Hill,  no  record  found. 

Philip  Kuntz,  not  on  muster-out  roll. 

Emmitt  Lincoln,  transferred  to  marine  service. 

George  W.  Littleton,  mustered  out  with  company. 

James  H.  Laden,  discharged  for  disability  April  7,  1863. 

George  W.  Ladd,  promoted  to  sergeant  January  25,  1863. 

Justus  Luhrs,  promoted  to  corporal  June  l,  1864. 

Charles  McGettigan,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  May  3,  1864. 
Dennis  Mullen,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Joseph  T.  Marshall,  discharged  Lebruary  28,  1863,  from  wounds  received 
at  Stone  River. 

William  Meacham,  mustered  out  with  company. 

John  L.  Miller,  died  May  26,  1864,  from  wounds  received  at  Nashville, 
Tenn. 

J.  Edward  Matthews,  promoted  to  hospital  steward  April  14,  1863. 

Charles  D.  Pierce,  discharged  for  disability  June  il,  1863. 

Edwin  C.  Pomroy,  died  June  30,  1864,  from  wounds  received  at  Chatta- 
nooga, Tenn. 

Oscar  Pertschman,  promoted  to  corporal  March  l,  1865. 

Henry  B.  Penfield,  discharged  for  disability  December  30,  1863. 

William  R.  Pope,  discharged  March  12,  1864,  by  reason  of  wounds  received 
at  Chickamauga. 

Theodore  Rebadue,  captured  at  Huntsville. 

Aden  Rice,  clerk  at  head  quarters,  Lourth  Corps,  mustered  out  with  com- 
pany. 

Robert  Sankey,  died  at  Nashville,  Tenn. 

Thomas  Shea,  deserter. 

Jay  C.  Smith,  promoted  to  sergeant-major  January  4,  1863. 


164 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Robert  Schell,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Charles  Shupe,  prisoner  of  war;  no  record  of  discharge. 

Orange  Seamons,  discharged  for  disability  January  9,  1863. 

Bradford  J.  Severy,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Ralph  E.  Taylor,  discharged  for  disability  October  9.  1863. 

David  W.  Thompson,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  September  20, 
1863. 

Royal  A.  Tucker,  discharged  for  disability  May  29,  1865. 

Joseph  H.  Terrill,  captured  September  20,  1863,  and  died  in  prison  April 
I,  1865. 

Joel  S.  Wolverton,  discharged  for  disability  December  30,  1862. 

Daniel  Wood,  discharged  for  disability  January  7,  1864. 

Mack  Wood,  discharged  for  disability  December  30,  1863. 

Anton  Wauck,  discharged  for  disability  December  30,  1863. 

Henry  O.  Wright,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Samuel  G.  Wright,  discharged  for  disability  December  30,  1863. 

Dustin  Washburn,  transferred  to  United  States  Engineers  j^Tugust  29,  1864. 

Jacob  Young,  promoted  to  corporal  March  i,  1865;  mustered  out  with 
company. 

Jacob  M.  Zimmerman,  missing  at  Chickamauga  ; died  in  rebel  prison  Janu- 
ary 9,  1864. 

Additional  names  of  company : Rolla  Meeker,  no  record  ; Ansor*.  Doug- 
lass, no  record;  Christian  Wall,  deserter;  George  W.  Hill,  died  in  service  ; 
Thomas  Johnson,  deserted  at  Covington,  Ky. 

Roster  Company  G,  Unoflicial. 

This  company  was  recruited  mainly  in  the  east  and  west  parts  of  the  coun- 
ty, one  'portion  from  Margaretta  township  and  the  other  from  Berlin,  Flor- 
ence and  other  localities,  while  a few  were  from  outside  the  county. 

John  Messer,  captain  ; promoted  to  lieutenant-colonel  to  date  January  3, 
1863;  resigned  January  7,  1864. 

John  P.  Fleming,  first  lieutenant ; promoted  to  captain  May  23,  1863  ; mus- 
tered out  with  the  company. 

Horace  D.  Olds,  second  lieutenant ; promoted  to  first  lieutenant  May  27, 
1863  ; discharged  December  25,  1864,  to  accept  promotion  in  First  United 
States  Volunteer  Veteran  Engineer  Corps. 

William  H.  Van  Ness,  first  sergeant;  discharged  October  26,  1863. 

Ambrose  B.  C.  Dunman,  sergeant;  captured  September  19,  1863. 

Jonathan  Cooke,  sergeant;  transferred  to  First  United  States  Veteran  En- 
gineer Corps,  August  7,  1864. 

George  W.  Fleming,  sergeant;  discharged  March  4,  1863. 

Squire  A.  Butler,  corporal;  promoted  to  first  sergeant  May  3,  1864;  mus- 
tered out  with  the  company. 


Military  History. 


165 


George  Mordorf,  corporal;  promoted  to  sergeant  July  2,  1864;  mustered 
out  with  company. 

Isaac  C.  Capen,  corporal;  promoted  to  sergeant  March  4,  1863  ; killed  in 
battle  September  19,  1863. 

Francis  M.  Miller,  corporal;  discharged  October  18,  1862. 

George  L.  Smith,  corporal  ; died  December  4,  1862. 

Jasper  F.  Webster,  corporal  ; promoted  to  second  lieutenant  May  3,  1864  ; 
to  first  lieutenant  February  l,  1865  ; mustered  out  with  company. 

John  White,  corporal;  promoted  to  sergeant  October  15,  1863  ; mustered 
out  with  company. 

Roderick  Russell,  musician;  discharged  March  26,  1863. 

Privates. 

Franklin  Andrews,  promoted  to  corporal  March,  1865. 

Emerson  Andrews,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Squire  Abbott,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Henry  E.  Burbank,  not  on  muster-out  roll. 

Isaac  Baldwin,  died  June  12,  1863. 

Daniel  S.  Barber,  discharged  Eebruary  21,  1863. 

Oliver  W.  Benschoter,  died  December  28,  1862. 

Albert  A.  Blair,  mustered  out  with  company. 

James  C.  Burkholder,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  May  27,  1864. 
Walter  C.  Beardsley,  captured  September  19,  1863. 

Oliver  M.  Butler,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Marcus  Crawnell,  wounded  December  15,  1864;  mustered  out  with  com- 
pany. 

John  Daniels,  died  January  19,  1863. 

Hezekiah  S.  Drake,  promoted  to  corporal  March  i,  1865. 

John  J.  Dunning,  discharged  July  16,  1863. 

William  Dunham,  killed  at  Kenesaw  Mountain  June  25,  1864. 

Floron  Dalzell,  died  January  28,  1863. 

Henry  E.  Dwight,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Henry  D.  Fisher,  mustered  out  with  compaii)!. 

Alpha  B.  Falley,  discharged  June  23,  1863. 

George  L.  Fowler,  promoted  to  sergeant  July  i,  1864;  mustered  out  with 
company. 

Ralph  G.  Fuller,  mustered  out  with  company. 

James  Ford,  transferred  to  Mississippi  Marine  Brigade  March  1 1,  1863. 
Alfred  Ford,  discharged  for  wounds  May  13,  1865. 

Peter  Grimer,  transferred  to  Signal  Corps  October  22,  1863. 

Oliver  Gardner,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Daniel  W.  Harris  mustered  out  with  company. 

22 


History  of  Erie  County. 


1 66 


George  Hewitt,  killed  in  battle  of  Stone  River  January  5,  1863. 

George  Hoover,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Jacob  Hay,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  May  3,  1864. 

William  Hutchinson,  killed  in  battle  of  Nashville,  Tenn.,  December  5,  1864^ 
Malachi  Humphrey,  discharged  for  wounds  May  25,  1865. 

Daniel  B.  Higgins,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Miles  E.  Hale,  discharged  January  31,  1863. 

Edgar  F.  Horn,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Alba  Howey,  mustered  out  with  company. 

John  Howey,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

John  Howell,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Frederick  Houck,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Benjamin  Jones,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Peter  Landin,  discharged  February  7,  1863. 

Laban  D.  Lowrey,  discharged  December  ii,  1863. 

Charles  Long,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Alexander  Lewis,  died  December  2,  1862. 

Charles  D.  Morehouse,  discharged  February  28,  1864. 

Curtis  B.  Mullenox,  killed  in  battle  of  Stone  River  January  2,  1863. 
Andrew  Menikle,  killed  in  battle  of  Stone  River,  January  2,  1863. 

Francis  Magill,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

La  Fayette  Miller,  transferred  to  Engineer’s  Corps,  August  7,  1864. 

Daniel  Myers,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Andrew  J.  Miller,  promoted  to  corporal  March  i,  1865. 

William  Munson,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  April  10,  1864. 
George  B.  Morse,  promoted  to  corporal  January  l,  1865. 

Leroy  Mullenox,  died  from  wounds  July  25,  1864. 

Lewis  Osborn,  died  in  Libby  Prison  December  14,  1863. 

Stephen  Paxton,  promoted  to  corporal  May  10,  1863  ; mustered  out  with 
company. 

James  J.  Pike,  discharged  January  6,  1864. 

David  Plue,  promoted  to  corporal  July  i,  1864;  mustered  out  with  com- 
pany. 

John  Russet,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Charles  Russet,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Giles  W.  Ray,  promoted  corporal  July  l,  1864. 

Horace  V.  Ramsdell,  discharged  for  wounds  March  ii,  1863. 

Lyman  B.  Russell,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Almon  W.  Sherman,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Elisha  D.  Smith,  discharged  June  4,  1864. 

Russell  Sanders,  discharged  August  15,  1863. 

George  W.  Shaffer,  died  June  19,  1864. 


Military  History. 


167 


Alfred  Sutton,  mustered  out  with  company. 

De  Witt  Thompson,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Martin  V.  Wilbur,  discharged  for  wounds  March  27,  1865. 

John  D.  Wheat,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Maddison  E.  Wells,  promoted  to  sergeant  July  i,  1864;  mustered  out 
with  company. 

George  W.  Wheal,  discharged  February  4,  1863. 

Andrew  Bradley,  starved  to  death  in  Andersonville  prison  September  24, 
1864;  captured  September  23,  1863. 

THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  SEYENTH  INFANTRY. 

This  was  one  of  the  many  regiments  composed  of  steady-going  Germans 
that  joined  the  Union  army.  Many  of  those  who  were  in  what  was  known  as 
the  German  regiments  were  unable  to  speak  English,  and  some  were  taken 
prisoners  by  the  rebels.  When  the  “ Johnnies”  found  so  strong  a foreign 
element  among  the  Union  soldiers,  they  supposed  as  a matter  of  course  that 
the  North  had  been  receiving  aid  from  Germany,  and  were  at  great  loss  to 
thoroughly  understand  it.  This  was  noticeably  the  case  among  the  Pennsyl- 
vania regiments,  a large  number  of  whom  were  what  might  aptly  be  termed 
“ solid  Dutch.” 

The  German  regiments  were,  as  a rule,  somewhat  slow  in  their  movements, 
but  they  were,  nevertheless,  generally  on  hand  when  wanted.  They  were 
hard,  determined  fighters,  and  made  excellent  soldiers.  The  One  Hundred 
and  Seventh  was  a part  of  the  Second  Brigade,  First  Division,  and  Eleventh 
Army  Corps,  under  command  of  Major-General  Sigel,  whose  fighting  qualities 
were  well  known  all  through  the  army. 

One  company,  F,  of  this  regiment,  was  raised  in  Erie  county  and  was 
called  the  “ Sandusky  Yaegers.”  The  regiment  rendezvoused  at  Camp  Taylor, 
near  Cleveland,  and  first  took  to  the  field  in  September,  1862,  at  Covington, 
Ky.,  where  Kirby  Smith  was  threatening  an  invasion.  After  this  scare  was 
passed  the  regiment  came  to  Delaware,  O.,  but  soon  left  for  work  and  duty  on 
the  defenses  about  the  national  capital.  In  November  it  went  into  Virginia,  at 
Stafford  Court  House,  at  which  place  it  was  assigned  to  Sigel’s  army  as  already 
stated.  Some  two  weeks  later  it  participated  in  the  movement  designed  to 
bring  the  command  in  rear  of  Fredericksburg,  and  acting  with  Burnside’s 
Corps,  make  a second  attack  on  the  city,  but  the  exceedingly  bad  condition  of 
the  roads  made  the  plan  fail. 

In  the  early  part  of  May,  1863,  the  regiment  participated  in  the  battle  of 
Chancellorsville,  but  Stonewall  Jackson  proved  too  much  for  Howard,  and 
defeated  him  with  serious  loss,  the  One  Hundred  "and  Seventh  alone  losing 
two  hundred  and  twenty- nine  in  killed,  wounded  and  captured.  After  this 
the  regiment  lay  in  camp  at  Brooks’s  Station  until  the  12th  of  June,  at  which 


i68 


History  of  Erie  County. 


time  it  moved  northward  to  engage  with  the  forces  against  General  Lee.  It 
took  a prominent  part  in  the  Gettysburg  fight,  commencing  July  r,  and  was 
engaged  actively  for  that  and  the  next  day.  The  regiment  went  into  the  bat- 
tle about  five  hundred  strong,  and  its  total  loss  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing 
amounted  to  nearly  four-fifths  of  that  number.  This  was  a terrible  fight  for 
the  One  Hundred  and  Seventh,  and  their  loss  was  in  a measure  offset  by  their 
capture  of  a stand  of  colors  from  the  famous  Louisiana  Tigers.  Having  but  a 
trifle  over  one  hundred  serviceable  men  left,  the  command  joined  in  the  pur- 
suit of  Lee’s  army,  following  it  to  Hagarstown,  thence  to  Catlett’s  Station. 

The  regiment  started  by  boat  for  Folly  Island  on  the  ist  of  August,  and 
remained  at  that  place  performing  garrison  and  picket  duty  until  the  following 
February,  when  an  expedition  was  made  to  Seabrook  Island  and  Jones’s 
Island.  After  that  it  went  to  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  where  it  remained,  except  for 
about  a month,  until  December,  1864.  Its  fighting  days  were  now  about 
over,  nevertheless,  until  the  latter  part  of  March,  1865,  it  performed  valuable 
service,  and  had  a short,  but  sharp  brush  with  the  rebels  at  Sumpterville, 
capturing  three  pieces  of  artillery  and  a number  of  horses  and  prisoners. 
Afterward,  at  Singleton’s  Plantation,  it  captured  a railroad  train  and  a large 
amount  of  stores  and  ammunition. 

After  Lee’s  surrender  the  regiment  went  to  Charleston,  where  it  remained 
on  provost  duty  until  July  10,  when  it  was  mustered  out,  sent  home  and  dis- 
charged from  the  service. 


Roster,  Field  and  Staff. 

Seraphim  Meyer,  colonel;  resigned  February  8,  1864,  for  disabilities. 
Charles  Mueller,  lieutenant-colonel;  resigned  October  24,  1863. 

John  S.  Cooper,  lieutenant-colonel  ; mustered  out  with  regiment. 

George  Arnold,  major;  resigned  August  21,  1863. 

August  Vignos,  major;  resigned  September  30,  1864. 

Edward  S.  Meyer,  major;  resigned  January  i,  1865. 

F.  C.  Suhner,  major  ; mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Roster  Company  F,  not  Official. 

Henry  Bernhard,  first  sergeant;  discharged  March  2,  1863. 

George  Beck,  sergeant;  missing  in  action  at  Gettysburg  July  i,  1863. 
Justus  Thornberg,  sergeant;  promoted  to  first  lieutenant;  wounded  May 
2,  1863. 

Leopold  Weinman,  sergeant ; mustered  out  with  company. 

Carl  Groesch,  sergeant;  discharged  December  22,  1862. 

John  Becker,  corporal;  mustered  out  with  company. 

Frederick  P'rey,  corporal;  promoted  sergeant  March  5,  1863;  mustered 
out  with  company. 


Military  History. 


169 


Charles  Wahler,  corporal  ; wounded  at  Gettysburg  July  i,  1863. 

Henry  Roder,  corporal ; mustered  out  with  company. 

Henry  Frey,  corporal;  died  November  i,  1862. 

Joseph  Fels,  corporal  ; discharged  for  wounds  May  27,  1864. 

Stephen  Schnurr,  musician  ; mustered  out  with  company. 

Joseph  Meier,  wagoner;  mustered  out  with  company. 

Py'ivates. 

Herman  Breunmy,  discharged  April,  1863. 

Jacob  Bretz,  died  October  8,  1863. 

T.  Xavier  Buerge,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Augustine  Burzikafer,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Jacob  Beecher,  mustered  out  with  company. 

John  Bucher,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Frederick  Biehl,  captured  at  Gettysburg;  eight  months  a prisoner. 

Adam  Bergheeler,  promoted  corporal  ; mustered  out  with  company. 

John  Becker,  wounded  at  Gettysburg  ; promoted  corporal. 

John  Breil,  died  May  14,  1865. 

Frederick  Busch,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Joseph  Bishop,  died  December  31,  1862. 

Andrew  Bengel,  killed  in  action  March  2,  1863. 

John  Ernst,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  September  26,  1863. 
Jacob  Ensdorff,  promoted  to  sergeant  October  i,  1864;  mustered  out  with 
company. 

Charles  Eranck,  mustered  out  with  company. 

John  G.  Eott,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Charles  Gerdes,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Edward  Gessler,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Edward  Giteman,  mustered  out  with  company. 

John  Hormes,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  by  reason  of  wounds. 
George  Helmech,  killed  in  action  at  Gettysburg  July  2,  1863. 

Henry  Hossle,  mustered  out  with  company. 

William  Heinzmann,  not  on  muster-out  roll. 

William  Hacker,  missing  at  Gettysburg  July  i,  1863. 

Martin  Indlekofer,  died  June  19,  1865. 

John  Kastor,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Charles  Krumbholz,  not  on  muster-out  roll. 

Henry  Kappel,  promoted  corporal  March  i,  1864. 

Anton  Lung,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Ferdinand  Loeblein,  killed  in  action  May  2,  1863. 

Alphouse  J.  Lefflor,  not  on  muster-out  roll. 

Frank  Mangin,  mustered  out  with  company 


I/O 


History  of  Erie  County. 


John  Moos,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Jacob  G.  Miller,  absent,  sick  when  company  was  mustered  out. 

Conrad  Missig,  promoted  to  corporal  March  i,  1864:  wounded  Maya, 
1863,  iri  breast  and  shoulders. 

August  Mathew,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  May  20,  1863. 

Joseph  Mueller,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Frank  Newberger,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  May  20,  1863. 

Gustav  Philips,  promoted  to  corporal  November  24,  1862;  wounded  in 
action  May  2,  1863  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  August  22,  1864. 

Peter  Reader,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  March  5,  1864,  for 
reason  of  wounds. 

Peter  Reis,  died  from  wounds  July  10,  1863. 

August  Raber,  died  of  wounds  August  2,  1863. 

Nicholas  Rimel,  died  in  Libby  Prison. 

Henry  Ross,  mustered  out  with  company. 

John  Surren,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps  February  i,  1864. 

William  Sneider,  promoted  to  principal  musician. 

Adam  Schaul,  wounded  in  action  March  i,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  com- 
pany. 

Valentine  Scheidler,  not  on  muster-out  roll. 

John  Schorner,  mustered  out  with  company. 

John  Smith,  not  on  muster-out  roll. 

Christian  Thomas,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Wendel  Viethauer,  not  on  muster-out  roll. 

Jacob  Walter,  wounded  in  action  May  2,  1863;  mustered  out  with  com- 
pany. 

Garret  Walter,  missing  at  Gettysburg  July  i,  1863. 

Anthony  Wintersteller,  not  on  muster-out  roll. 

Jacob  Zuber,  not  on  muster-out  roll. 

THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  T^YENTY-THIRD  INFANTRY. 

This  was  among  the  latter  regiments  raised  in  Ohio  for  the  three  years 
service.  It  was  mustered  into  service  by  companies  during  the  months  of 
September  and  October,  1862.  Erie  county  was  represented  by  company  G 
and  a small  portion  of  K,  the  larger  part  of  the  latter  being  recruited  at  Tiffin 
and  vicinity.  The  regiment  rendezvoused  and  was  organized  at  Camp  Mon- 
roeville, in  Huron  county,  and  immediately  after  the  muster-in  of  the  last  com- 
pany it  was  ordered  to  Zanesville  ; thence  into  Virginia,  where  its  time  seems 
to  have  been  occupied  in  scouting  and  marching  from  place  to  place,  and 
eventually  brought  up  at  Webster,  not  twenty-five  miles  from  its  starting 
place.  Soon  afterwards  the  regiment  went  to  New  Creek  and  remained  there 
in  camp  until  the  12th  of  December.  In  January  it  marched  to  Morehead  to 


Military  History. 


171 


relieve  the  One  Hundred  and  Sixteenth  Ohio,  and  on  the  loth  left  that  place 
for  Romney.  Here  it  was  employed  in  scouting  duty  along  the  line  of  the 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad,  and  while  so  doing  one  company  of  the  One 
Hundred  and  Sixteenth  and  a small  detail  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty- 
third  were  captured  by  McNeil’s  Cavalry. 

But  this  loss  was  comparatively  trifling  as  against  that  that  fell  to  the  regi- 
ment at  Winchester  on  the  13th  of  June  and  the  days  following,  and  although 
the  men  fought  like  demons,  this  regiment  making  three  desperate  charges  in 
attempting  to  break  through  the  rebel  lines,  it  was  of  no  avail  ; they  were  sur- 
rounded, their  retreat  cut  off,  and  the  command,  with  but  few  exceptions,  were 
captured  and  taken  to  Richmond.  The  officers  were  confined  in  Libby  prison,, 
but  a few  managed  to  effect  their  escape.  The  privates  were  exchanged  in  the 
course  of  a few  months  and  sent  to  the  parole  camps  at  Annapolis,  and  at 
Camp  Chase,  O. 

About  the  ist  of  April,  1864,  the  regiment  was  re- assembled  at  Martins- 
burg,  and  from  thence  moved  to  Winchester,  the  city  of  their  recent  downfall. 
From  here  it  moved,  under  General  Sigel,  up  the  Shenandoah  and  engaged  in 
battle  at  New  Market,  on  May  15th,  but  with  heavy  loss  was  compelled  to 
retreat  to  Cedar  Creek.  Here  General  Sigel  was  succeeded  by  General  Hunter 
in  the  command  of  this  branch  of  the  army.  On  the  5th  of  June  Port  Repub- 
lic was  fought  and  two  thousand  prisoners  taken  from  the  Confederacy.  After 
this  commenced  Hunter’s  retreating  fight  from  Lynchburg  to  Salem,  a retreat 
memorable  for  its  disasters,  and  when  the  command  arrived  at  Gauley  Bridge 
it  was  in  a most  forlorn  and  pitiable  condition.  On  the  6th  of  July  the  regi- 
ment reached  Parkersburg,  and  thence  marched  to  Martinsburg,  which  latter 
place  it  left  two  and  a half  months  before  with  seven  hundred  men,  but  on  its 
return  could  muster  but  two  hundred  and  fifty. 

With  the  Army  of  West  Virginia  the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-third 
fought  at  Snicker’s  Ferry  on  July  i8th,  and  afterward  joined  in  the  pursuit  of 
the  rebels  with  alternating  success  and  reverses  for  some  days.  Then  the  regi- 
ment joined  the  army  under  Phil  Sheridan.  It  participated  in  the  battle  at 
Berryville,  on  September  19;  at  Strasburg  ; at  Cedar  Creek,  on  October  19th, 
when  Sheridan  made  his  famous  ride  and  turned  disaster  into  victory  ; at  Hat- 
cher’s Run,  on  the  2d  of  April  of  the  following  year ; at  High  Bridge,  where 
the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-third  was  again  captured  and  taken  to  Appo- 
mattox Court  House.  But  at  this  place  the  whole  of  Lee’s  army  surrendered 
to  General  Grant,  and  thus  the  prisoners  were  rescued. 

The  regiment  then  returned  to  Camp  Chase,  O.,  where  on  the  I2th  of  June 
the  men  vVere  mustered  out  of  service. 

Roster  Field  and  Staff. 

William  T.  Wilson,  colonel ; mustered  out  with  regiment. 

Henry  B.  Hunter,  lieutenant-colonel;  discharged  December  8,  1864. 


172 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Horace  Kellogg,  lieutenant-colonel  ; promoted  from  captain  ; mustered  out 
with  regiment. 

A.  Baldwin  Norton,  major;  resigned  March  3,  1863.  , 

John  W.  Chamberlain,  major  ; promoted  from  captain  ; mustered  out  with 
regiment. 

Roster  Company  G.  — Unojficial. 

Mustered  in  September  24,  1862;  mustered  out  June  12,  1865. 

Charles  H.  Riggs,  captain;  died  September  15,  1864,  from  starvation  while 
in  rebel  prison  at  Charleston,  S.  C. 

Charles  H.  Rosenbaum,  first  lieutenant ; promoted  from  private  to  first 
lieutenant;  to  captain  March  7,  1865. 

Frank  B.  Colver,  second  lieutenant  ; promoted  to  first  lieutenant  June  i, 
1863  ; discharged  by  special  order  of  war  department  April  4,  1865. 

Sherman  A.  Johnson,  first  sergeant ; promoted  to  second  lieutenant  Janu- 
ary 14,  1864;  discharged  for  wounds  June  15,  1865. 

George  A.  Scobey,  sergeant ; transferred  to  non-commissioned  staff  April 
6,  1863. 

Wesley  B.  Jennings,  sergeant ; promoted  to  first  sergeant  Janaary  i,  1864. 

Charles  M.  Keyes,  sergeant ; transferred  by  promotion  to  Company  K 
April,  1864. 

Martin  L.  Skillman,  sergeant;  captured  June  15,  1865  ; mustered  out  with 
company. 

Myron  E.  Clemons,  corporal ; promoted  to  sergeant;  wounded  at  Hatcher’s 
Run,  March  3 i,  1865. 

John  Steele,  corporal;  discharged  March,  1863. 

Augustus  O.  Garrett,  corporal ; promoted  to  sergeant ; captured  June  15, 
1863. 

Frank  W.  Canfield,  corporal ; discharged  for  disability. 

Jacob  Wentz,  corporal  ; died  in  rebel  prison  January  27,  1865. 

William  Gallard,  corporal;  killed  in  action  June  13,  1863. 

William  H.  Metcalf,  corporal;  name  not  on  muster-out  roll. 

William  H.  Levering,  corporal;  name  not  on  muster-out  roll. 

William  Jennings,  musician;  mustered  out  with  company. 

William  Allen,  musician  ; mustered  out  with  company. 

George  R.  McConnelly,  wagoner;  absent  as  brigade  teamster. 

Privates. 

Louis  Buyer,  captured  June  15,  1863. 

Solomon  Brown,  died  of  wounds  November-2  1,  1864. 

Charles  Brumm,  discharged  for  wounds  March  20,  1865. 

Napoleon  Buyer,  absent  when  company  was  mustered  out. 

Luther  Barnard,  wounded  in  action  September  19,  1864;  captured  June 
15,  1863. 


Military  History. 


173 


Henry  C.  Barnard,  captured  June  15,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company. 
George  N.  Bonn,  captured  June  15,  1863  i mustered  out  with  company. 
Jay  Bogart,  mustered  out  with  company. 

James  Burns,  captured  June  15,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company. 

Albert  D.  Buck,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Henry  Blosier,  captured  June  15,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company. 
Michael  Clark,  captured  June  15,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company. 

John  Clavin,  discharged  for  disability. 

James  Cross,  captured  June  15,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company. 
William  H.  Chamberlain  ; discharged  for  disability. 

Cornelius  D.  Conger,  captured  June  15,  1863;  mustered  out  with  com- 
pany. 

George  B.  Drake,  promoted  corporal;  captured  June  15,  1863  ; mustered 
out  with  company. 

Benjamin  Drake,  captured  June  15,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company. 
Jacob  Detless,  died  from  wounds  received  in  action  November  21,  1864. 
Martin  Dipple,  discharged  for  disability. 

Benjamin  E.  Deeley,  captured  June  15,  1863;  mustered  out  with  com- 
pany. 

Edward  Eorrester,  on  detached  service. 

Conrad  Eillmore,  absent,  sick  in  hospital. 

Joseph  Groff,  captured  June  15,  1863. 

Joseph  H.  Goff,  captured  June  15,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company. 
George  W.  Greenhoe,  captured  June  15,  1864;  mustered  out  with  com- 
pany. 

Charles  W.  Gillen,  discharged  for  disability. 

William  Golden,  captured  August  10,  1864. 

George  Golden,  jr.,  died  June  21,  1865. 

Bryant  Headley,  transferred  by  promotion  to  lOist  United  States  Colored 
troops,  September  i,  1864. 

Charles  Hegoney,  no  date  of  muster-out. 

John  Harper,  captured  June  15,  1863. 

James  Hoyt,  died  March  6,  1863. 

William  Hoyt,  died  May  25,  1863. 

Richard  Howe,  captured  June  15,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company. 
Charles  Hammond,  discharged  for  disability  ; no  record. 

John  Hines,  on  detached  service. 

George  Hines,  captured  June  15,  1863;  mustered  out  with  company. 
Henry  D.  Johnson,  died  from  wounds  received  in  action  June  15,  1863. 
Charles  G.  Knight,  promoted  to  corporal;  captured  June  15,  1863. 
Thomas  Keyes,  captured  June  15,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company. 
Lyman  Luce,  mustered  out  with  company. 

23 


174 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Patrick  Laughlin,  captured  May  15,  1864;  exchanged  March  ii,  1865; 
mustered  out  with  company. 

John  La  Fere,  died  in  rebel  prison. 

Andrew  J.  Lewis,  transferred  to  Veteran  Reserve  Corps. 

Frank  Littlefield,  discharged  for  disability. 

Jonn  P.  McElwane,  died  in  rebel  prison. 

William  Morgan,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Barney  McGookey,  died  in  hospital  May  9,  1865. 

Richard  Martin,  missing  in  action  June  15,  1863. 

Foster  Neil,  captured  June  15,  1863. 

Thomas  Neil,  starved  to  death  in  Andersonville  prison. 

Theodore  Ochs,  killed  in  action  March  31,  1865. 

Albert  Ott,  killed  in  action  July  12,  1864. 

William  Oehen,  in  hospital  when  company  was  mustered  out. 

August  Raab,  absent  in  hospital  when  company  was  mustered  out. 

Conrad  Rhohella,  discharged  for  wounds  receivd  in  action  June  13,  1863. 
Delos  C.  Ransom,  captured  June  15,  1863. 

William  Reed,  captured  June  15,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company. 
James  Reed,  died  of  wounds  July  12,  1864. 

Samuel  E.  Stowe,  captured  June  15,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company. 
Andrew  Strawson,  captured  October  19,  1864. 

Albert  Southey,  name  not  on  muster  roll. 

John  R.  Snvenack,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Peter  Sheur,  captured  June  15,  1863  ; mustered  out  with  company. 

George  Stockley,  captured  June  15,  1863. 

George  Shesley,  on  detached  duty. 

Benjamin  Thompson,  on  detached  service. 

Frederick  Tucker,  in  hospital  when  company  was  mustered  out. 

Alfred  C.  Van  Tine,  discharged  for  wounds  February  20,  1865. 

George  A.  Warren,  died  in  hospital  at  Cumberland,  Md. 

Albert  L.  Walker,  promoted  to  first  lieutenant  March  14,  1865  ; assigned 
to  1 86th  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  Regiment. 

William  P.  Wheeler,  promoted  to  corporal  ; wounded  in  action  September 
19,  1864  ; discharged  from  hospital. 

Solomon  Kriss,  discharged  for  disability. 

William  Stahl,  discharged  in  hospital. 

George  Weber,  captured  June  15,  1863. 

John  G.  McGookey,  mustered  out  with  company. 

Richard  H.  Trimmer,  wounded  in  action;  captured  June  15,  1863. 

Thomas  Parsons,  captured  June  15,  1863. 

Milo  H.  Wagner,  wounded  in  action  ; captured  Juue  15,  1863. 

William  Kelley,  wounded  in  action;  captured  June  15,  1863. 


Military  History. 


175 


National  Guards  — One  Hundred  Days  Service. 

THE  ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FORTY-FIFTH  INFANTRY. 

This  command  was  called  into  the  United  States  service  in  the  spring  of 
1864,  and  was  the  first  regiment  composed  in  any  considerable  part  of  Erie 
county  volunteers,  that  enlisted  in  the  one  hundred  days  service.  Parts  of  sev- 
eral companies  were  raised  in  Erie  county.  The  regiment  rendezvoused  at 
Camp  Chase,  but  not  long  was  it  permitted  to  remain  there,  for  it  was  at  once 
ordered  to  the  national  defenses  at  Washington.  Upon  the  arrival  of  the  reg- 
iment at  the  capital  it  was  assigned  to  garrison  duty  at  Eorls  Whipple,  Wood- 
bury, Cass,  Tillinghast  and  Albany,  on  the  south  of  the  city,  on  what  is  known 
as  Arlington  Heights. 

The  men  of  the  One  Hundred  Eorty-fifth,  during  their  months  of  service, 
were  not  once  engaged  with  the  rebels,  but  their  duty  was,  nevertheless,  labo- 
rious and  severe.  At  that  period  of  the  war  the  capital  was  threatened  with 
invasion  and  the  defending  force  was  kept  constantly  on  the  alert,  ready  at  any 
minute  for  an  attack  should  it  come.  In  July  the  rebel  commander.  General 
Early,  with  his  force  made  a raid  down  the  valley  of  the  Shenandoah  River,  and 
threatened  to  lay  siege  to  Washington  ; and  from  where  the  regiment  lay  en- 
camped the  noise  of  his  troops  could  be  heard,  but  he  made  no  attack. 

The  One  Hundred  and  Forty-fifth  was  in  service  from  the  loth  of  May  un- 
til the  20th  of  August,  1864,  and  after  the  expiration  of  its  term  of  enlistment 
the  men  returned  to  Camp  Chase,  where  they  were  mustered  out  of  service. 

It  is  not  deemed  important  for  the  purposes  of  this  chapter  to  furnish  a 
roster  of  this  regiment,  or  the  portion  thereof  from  Erie  county,  other  than  to 
give  the  field  and  staff,  and  the  commissioned  officers,  which  were  as  follows. 

Colonel,  Henry  C.  Ashwell  ; lieutenant-colonel,  Lloyd  A.  Lyman  ; major, 
Henry  C.  Olds;  surgeon,  Henry  Besse  ; assistant  surgeon,  John  D.  Janney  ; 
adjutant,  William  E.  Moore;  quartermaster,  James  H.  Stead;  chaplain,  W.  G. 
Williams;  captains,  Edward  M.  Jones,  Lewis  Moss,  James  Wallace,  James  M. 
Crawford,  Richard  W.  Reynolds,  John  J.  Penfield,  David  H.  James,  Archibald 
Freswater,  William  H.  Wilson,  John  Cellar;  first  lieutenants,  Hugh  J.  Perry, 
Frederick  W.  Cogsville,  Cornelius  Hull,  David  G.  Cratty,  John  A.  Cone,  Wil- 
liam E.  Bates,  G.  W.  Flemming,  Jackson  S.  Post,  James  W.  McGookey  ; sec- 
ond lieutenants,  Joseph  S.  Hall,  James  S.  Harmon,  Henry  M.  Bronson,  John 
Neley,  John  T.  Munsell,  John  D.  Van  Deman,  E.  H.  Draper,  H.  B.  Wood, 
Chris.  R.  Caulkins,  Samuel  M.  White,  jr.,  Aaron  M.  Decker. 

THE  THIRD  CAVALRY. 

This  regiment  was  recruited  largely  from  the  counties  of  Erie  and  Huron, 
the  contingent  from  Erie  being  represented  in  the  companies  B,  E,  I,  and  K. 
It  was  organized  and  prepared  for  service  at  Camp  Monroeville,  in  Huron 


1/6 


History  of  Erie  County. 


county,  from  which  point  it  proceeded  to  Camp  Dennison  on  the  14th  of  Jan- 
nary,  1862,  but  one  month  later  moved  to  Jefifersonville,  Ind.  jS' 

On  the  i8th  of  March  the  command  arrived  at  Nashville,  and  ten  days  * 
later  left  for  Pittsburg  Landing,  where  it  arrived  and  went  into  camp  on  April  * 
25.  In  May  the  first  engagement  of  the  battalion  was  had  at  Monterey,  and 
there  the  enemy  were  driven  back.  After  this  it  moved  to  a point  near  Cor- 
inth,  when  it  took  a position  within  sight  of  the  rebel  lines,  but  being  com- 
pelled to  fall  back,  the  rebels  pursued  and  a brisk  battle  followed.  Again,  on 
May  27,  on  the  railroad  west  of  Corinth,  another  battle  was  fought,  and  the 
enemy  beaten. 

On  July  18  the  Third  reached  Winchester,  where  it  camped  until  August 
14,  and  then  moved  to  McMinnville.  Major  Foster  took  his  battalion  to  Dun- 
lap, five  miles  distant,  where  the  enemy  was  again  encountered  and  their 
pickets  driven  in,  after  which  the  command  returned  to  its  division.  On  Sep- 
tember 3 Nashville  was  again  reached,  thence  Gallatin,  and  from  there  to 
Mumfordsville,  arriving  at  the  latter  place  on  September  21,  just  in  time  to 
meet  the  enemy  and  drive  them  three  successive  times  into  their  earth-works, 
and  with  a loss  to  themselves  of  less  than  fifteen. 

On  the  next  day  began  the  march  to  Louisville,  arriving  October  i,  and 
from  here  the  Third  took  up  the  work  of  following  and  harassing  Bragg’s  rebel 
army,  but  on  the  20th  a detachment  of  the  regiment,  some  two  hundred  and 
fifty  strong,  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  guerrilla  John  Morgan.  The  prisoners 
were  robbed  of  their  personal  effects,  and  paroled  and  allowed  to  return  to  the 
Union  lines,  but  subsequently  sent  to  Camp  Chase.  The  remaining  force  of 
the  Second  and  Third  Battalions  was  then  stationed  along  the  railroad  between 
Bowling  Green  and  Gallatin,  where  a battle  was  soon  brought  on  against  Mor- 
gan’s force  and  a large  amount  of  supplies  taken  as  well  as  many  prisoners. 
The  regiment  then  went  into  camp  at  Hartsville. 

From  this  place  the  detachment  under  command  of  Captain  Elisha  M. 
Colver  moved  up  the  Cumberland  River  to  Carthage  to  intercept  a drove  of 
mules  and  rebel  stores,  which  were  being  removed  by  rebel  quartermasters, 
and  accompanied  by  an  escort  of  Morgan’s  raiders.  After  a chase  of  twenty- 
six  miles,  fording  the  river  four  times,  the  detachment  captured  the  entire 
train,  and  drove  off  one  hundred  and  forty- six  mules,  besides  routing  the  escort 
and  taking  seventeen  of  them  prisoners. 

During  the  greater  part  of  the  month  of  December  the  Third  was  actively 
engaged  in  skirmishing  and  foraging  through  the  enemy’s  country.  On  the 
26th  it  took  a position  on  the  right  of  Rosecrans’s  army,  near  Franklin.  On 
the  27th  a battle  was  fought  here  and  the  rebels  routed.  The  regiment  then 
moved  to  Triune,  and  at  night  again  engaged  the  enemy.  The  next  few  days 
it  saw  plenty  of  service.  On  the  29th  a reconnaissance  in  force  was  made  ; on 
the  30th  the  Third  was  assigned  to  a position  on  the  extreme  right  ; and  at 


Military  History. 


177 


two  o’clock  on  the  morning  of  the  31st  the  rebels  made  an  advance,  whereupon 
the  brigade  to  which  the  Third  belonged  was  advanced  as  skirmishers  ; at  four 
o’clock  the  line  was  driven  in  by  Wheeler’s  Cavalry,  and  after  a sharp  battle 
of  two  hours  was  driven  from  the  field.  The  next  morning  General  McCook’s 
Corps  ammunition  train  was  captured,  but  the  Second  and  Third  Battalions  of 
the  Third  made  a dash  and  re-captured  the  whole  train,  as  well  as  a large 
number  of  prisoners.  In  this  efficient  work  the  Third  sustained  thirteen  killed 
and  a large  number  wounded. 

The  year  1863  witnessed  many  stirring  events  for  the  regiment.  On  the 
1st  the  Third  left  the  field  to  escort  a train  of  four  thousand  wagons  to  Nash- 
ville for  supplies.  The  train  was  attacked  by  the  rebel  cavalry  under  Stewart 
and  Wheeler,  but  the  attack  was  repulsed  by  the  Third,  supported  by  the 
Tenth  Cavalry.  During  the  whole  journey  the  rebels  hung  about  and  made 
frequent  attacks,  but  as  often  were  they  defeated  by  the  escorting  party.  Their 
duty  was  at  length  performed  faithfully  and  well.  After  this,  and  after  the 
battle  of  Stone  River,  the  Third  was  sent  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  and  at  Mid- 
dleton, Tenn.,  attacked  the  rear  guard  and  captured  a wagon  train.  It  then 
went  into  camp  at  Murfreesboro.  Here  the  Second  Battalion  was  detached 
and  sent  to  Readyville  to  battle  against  John  Morgan’s  guerrillas.  The  Third 
Battalion,  remaining  at  Murfreesboro,  was  surrounded  by  rebels  and  a sur- 
render demanded,  but  Lieutenant  Brenard,  in  command,  could  not  see  it  in  that 
light,  and  at  once  ordered  a sabre  charge,  cutting  his  way  out  and  taking  a 
number  of  prisoners. 

On  the  general  advance  of  the  army  from  Murfreesboro,  in  July,  the  Third 
was  engaged  almost  daily.  In  the  Sequatchie  Valley  the  enemy  was  encoun- 
tered, and  a running  fight  of  three  days’  duration  ensued.  During  the  battle 
at  Chickamauga  the  Third  occupied  the  extreme  left  of  the  line,  and  afterward 
pursued  Wheeler’s  Cavalry  through  Tennessee,  engaging  him  at  McMinnville 
and  Farmington,  and  in  the  latter  battle  secured  a large  number  of  prisoners. 
In  November  detachments  of  the  Third  scouted  through  the  mountains  of  East 
Tennessee,  and  thus  ended  the  year’s  campaigning. 

While  at  Pulaski,  Tenn.,  in  January,  1864,  the  regiment  veteranized,  but  its 
ranks  were  fearfully  decimated,  the  results  of  its  many  engagements.  It  there- 
fore became  necessar}"  to  recruit  and  add  to  its  effective  strength,  there  being 
then  but  four  hundred  men  fit  for  duty  in  the  whole  command.  Through  the 
efforts  of  Major  Skinner  and  Captain  Elisha  M.  Colver  nearly  one  thousand 
troops  were  raised  in  Northern  Ohio,  and  when  the  regiment  returned  to  the 
front,  at  Nashville,  it  numbered  over  thirteen  hundred  serviceable  men.  At 
Nashville  the  regiment  was  re-equipped,  armed  and  mounted.  Much  was  ex- 
pected of  the  command,  and  it  more  than  fulfilled  that  expectation. 

We  find  them  first  engaged  with  Rhoddy’s  command  at  Courtland,  Ala., 
■early  in  May,  1864,  at  which  fight  the  rebel  loss  amounted  to  upwards  of  thirty 


tf 


178  History  of  Erie  County. 

men  in  killed  and  wounded.  At  Rome  the  Third  was  on  the  left  of  Sherman’s 
army,  and  was  engaged  at  Etowah,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Noonday  Creek,  and 
at  the  crossing  of  the  Chattahoochie  River.  It  was  sent  to  Roswell,  Ga.,  to 
destroy  the  rebel  stores  and  factories  at  that  place.  In  this  affair  four  hundred 
factory  girls  were  captured  and  sent  through  the  lines.  At  McAfee  Bridge, 
on  July  9,  four  companies  of  the  Third,  commanded  by  Captain  Colver,  became 
engaged  with  a large  force  of  rebel  Texas  cavalrymen,  in  which  battle  several 
rebels  were  killed  and  a large  number  fell  into  the  regiment’s  hands  as  pris- 
oners. 

The  regiment  participated  in  the  battle  at  Peach  Tree  Creek,  in  the  raid 
upon  Covington,  Stone  Mountain,  and  in  the  Stoneman  raid,  in  each  of  which 
engagements  it  met  with  severe  losses.  After  the  fall  of  Atlanta  it  went  in 
pursuit  of  Hood’s  rebel  force,  and  was  engaged  at  the  battles  of  Eranklin  and 
Nashville  ; also  in  the  Wilson  raid  through  Alabama  and  Georgia.  It  was  at 
Selina,  Montgomery,  Macon  and  Griffin,  and  in  the  chase  after  Jefferson  Davis, 
the  Confederate  president. 

Under  the  orders  of  General  Thomas,  the  Third  Cavalry  turned  over  to  the 
government  its  horses  and  arms,  at  Macon,  after  which  it  proceeded  to  Nash- 
ville and  was  mustered  out  of  service.  It  then  returned  to  Camp  Chase, 
where,-  on  the  14th  of  August,  1865,  after  a severe  service  of  almost  four  years,, 
it  was  paid  off  and  discharged. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

THE  PRESS  OF  ERIE  COUNTY. 

Education  is  the  great  civilizer,  and  printing  its  greatest  auxiliary. 

Were  it  not  for  the  aid  furnished  by  the  press  the  great  mass  of  the  peo- 
ple would  still  be  groping  in  the  darkness  of  the  middle  ages,  and  knowledge 
would  still  remain  confined  within  the  limits  of  the  cloister. 

It  is  surprising,  when  searching  our  libraries,  to  discover  how  little  has 
been  written  of  the  “Art  preservative  of  all  Arts,’’  and  the  educator  of  all  edu- 
cators. While  printing  has  been  the  chronicler  of  all  arts,  professions  and 
learning,  it  has  recorded  so  little  of  its  own  history  and  progress  as  to  leave 
even  the  story  of  its  first  invention  and  application  wrapped  in  mystery  and 
doubt.  We  only  know  that  from  the  old  Ramage  press  which  Faust  and 
Franklin  used,  capable  of  producing  a hundred  impressions  per  hour,  we  have 
now  the  ponderous  machine  which  turns  out  one  thousand  copies  per  minute. 
In  glancing  over  the  pages  of  history,  we  discover  the  gradual  develop- 


The  Erie  County  Press. 


179 


ments  in  the  arts  and  sciences.  We  notice  that  they  go  hand  in  hand — one 
discovery  points  to  another,  one  improvement  in  the  arts  leads  to  others  con- 
tinually, and  the  results  of  the  last  few  centuries  show  that  observations  of  no 
apparent  use  led  to  the  most  important  discoveries  and  developments.  The 
falling  of  an  apple  led  Newton  to  unfold  the  theory  of  gravitation  and  its  rela- 
tions to  the  solar  system  ; the  discovery  of  the  polarity  of  the  loadstone  led 
to  the  construction  of  the  mariner’s  compass ; the  obseiwation  of  the  muscular 
contraction  of  a frog  led  to  the  numerous  applications  of  galvanic  electricity ; 
the  observation  of  the  expansive  force  of  steam  led  to  the  construction  and 
application  of  the  steam  engine  ; the  observation  of  the  influence  of  light  on 
the  chloride  of  silver  led  to  the  art  of  photography  ; the  observation  of  the 
communication  of  sound  by  the  connected  rails  of  a railroad  led  to  the  inven- 
tion of  the  telephone  ; the  impressions  taken  from  letters  cut  in  the  smooth 
bark  of  the  beech  tree  led  to  the  art  of  printing — the  art  which  transmits  to 
posterity  a record  of  all  which  is  valuable  to  the  world. 

Thus  is  progress  discernible  in  every  successive  generation  of  man.  Grad- 
ually has  he  advanced  from  a state  of  rude  barbarism  and  total  ignorance  to  a 
degree  of  perfection  which  gives  him  almost  absolute  dominion  over  all  ele- 
ments, and  in  the  pride  of  glorious  and  enlightened  manhood  he  can  exclaim 
Avith  Cowper : 

“ I am  monarch  of  all  I survey, 

My  right  there  is  none  to  dispute  ; 

From  the  center  all  ’round  to  the  sea 
I am  lord  of  the  fowl  and  the  brute  1 ” 

So  long  as  mind  shall  occupy  its  seat,  so  long  will  progress  be  the  watch- 
word of  man,  and  onward  and  upward  will  be  his  march  to  an  endless  and  lim- 
itless ascent — where  all  the  hidden  and  occult  secrets  of  creation  will  unfold 
their  mysteries  to  his  comprehension  and  crown  him  master  of  them  all. 

The  printing  office  has  well  been  called  the  “ Poor  Boy’s  College,”  and  has 
proven  a better  school  to  many ; has  graduated  more  intellect  and  turned  it 
into  useful,  practical  channels  ; awakened  more  active,  devoted  thought,  than 
any  alma  mater  on  the  earth.  Many  a dunce  has  passed  through  the  univer- 
sities Avith  no  tangible  proof  of  fitness  other  than  his  insensible  piece  of  parch- 
ment— himself  more  sheepish,  if  possible,  than  his  “sheep-skin.”  There  is 
something  in  the  very  atmosphere  of  a printing  office  calculated  to  aAvaken  the 
mind  to  activity  and  inspire  a thirst  for  knoAvledge.  Franklin,  Stanhope,  Ber- 
anger,  Thiers,  Greeley,  Taylor,  and  a host  of  other  names,  illustrious  in  the 
Avorld  of  letters  and  science,  have  been  gems  in  the  diadem  of  typography,  and 
OAve  their  success  to  the  influence  of  a printing  office. 

The  neAvspaper  has  become  one  of  the  chief  indexes  of  the  intelligence, 
ciAulization  and  progress  of  the  community  in  AAffiich  it  is  published,  and  its 
files  are  the  footprints  of  the  adA^ancement  and  refinement  of  the  period  of  its 


i8o 


History  of  Erie  County. 


publication  ; and  the  printing  office  is  now  deemed  as  essential  as  the  school- 
house  or  church.  It  has  taken  the  place  of  the  rostrum  and  the  professor’s 
chair,  and^  become  the  great  teacher.  No  party,  organization,  enterprise  or 
calling  is  considered  perfect  without  its  “organ”  — the  newspaper  — as  a 
mouth-piece. 

Turning  from  this  comment  upon  the  art  of  journalism,  let  us  see  what  Erie 
county  has  done  in  the  way  of  newspaper  publications. 

THE  SANDUSKY  REGISTER. 

The  journal  now  known  as  the  Sandusky  Register  was  founded  in  the  year 
1822  by  David  Campbell,  a New  England  printer.  An  effort  was  made,  how- 
ever, in  the  year  1821,  by  this  same  person,  associated  with  Adonijah  Champ- 
lin,  to  establish  a paper  in  Sandusky,  to  be  known  as  the  Ohio  Illiiininator, 
but  from  lack  of  that  substantial  support  so  essential  to  the  successful  conduct 
of  a newspaper,  or  any  other  enterprise,  the  Ilhmiinator  never  sent  forth  its 
rays  of  light  upon  the  people  of  the  county. 

The  Sandusky  Clai'ion^  a weekly  publication,  succeeded  the  Illuminator 
project,  and  made  its  first  appearance  on  the  22d  of  April,  1822,  David  Camp- 
bell acknowledging  its  paternity  and  assuming  its  maintenance.  It  was  a 
four-page  sheet,  four  columns  to  the  page,  printed  on  what  would  now  be 
called  coarse  paper,  and  the  advertisements  and  reading  matter  appeared  in 
much  the  same  size  and  style  of  type.  Under  the  name  of  the  Clarion  the 
paper  was  continued  until  1843,  when  Mr.  Campbell  issued  a daily  edition, 
which  he  called  the  Daily  Sanduskian. 

After  continuing  for  some  years  longer  the  proprietor  sold  the  entire  plant 
to  Earl  Bill  and  Clark  Waggoner.  The  former  of  these  persons  was  afterward 
chosen  clerk  of  the  United  States  District  Court  for  the  district  of  Northern 
Ohio,  while  the  latter  became  editor  of  the  Toledo  Blade.  Still  later  he  was  on 
the  editorial  staff  of  the  Toledo  Commercial,  but  at  a quite  recent  day  embarked  * 
in  the  limitless  field  of  history.  'X 

Messrs.  Bill  and  Waggoner  subsequently  sold  an  interest  in  the  paper  to  « 
Henry  D.  Cooke,  and  the  firm  style  was  thereupon  changed  to  H.  D.  Cooke  & a 
Co.  Upon  taking  formal  possession  of  the  office  this  firm  dropped  the  old  » 
name  and  called  the  paper,  in  all  its  editions.  The  Covimercial  Register,  three  ; 
editions,  daily,  tri- weekly  and  weekly,  being  printed.  H.  D.  Cooke  & Co.  jj 
continued  the  Register  publications  for  some  twelve  years,  when  Mr.  Cooke  m : 
retired  to  become  the  editor  of  the  State  Journal,  Mr.  Waggoner  to  accept  a W 
position  on  the  Toledo  Blade,  whereupon  the  paper  passed  into  the  hands  of  9 
Bill  & Johnson. 

The  Commercial  Register  changed  hands  three  or  four  times  between  1855  J . 
and  1869.  In  the  last  named  year  Isaac  F.  Mack  purchased  a half  interest,  I 
and  in  1870  the  other  half  He  dropped  the  first  part  of  the  name,  and  since® 

i 


The  Erie  County  Press. 


i8i 


that  time  the  paper  has  been  called  The  Register.  In  1874  John  T.  Mack  be- 
came a part  owner,  and  for  fourteen  years  the  paper  has  been  published  under 
the  firm  name  of  I.  F.  Mack  & Bro.  In  1882  a Sunday  edition  Avas  started, 
and  since  that  date  has  been  published  every  morning  in  the  year.  In  1869, 
when  the  present  editor  took  charge,  the  Register  was  an  evening  daily,  but 
be  changed  it  to  a morning  paper  in  May,  1869. 

The  Register,  from  the  time  of  its  establishment  to  the  death  of  that  party, 
was  an  ardent  advocate  of  Whig  principles.  It  became  Republican  in  1856, 
and  has  so  since  remained,  being  all  these  years  the  recognized  organ  of  that 
party  in  this  county, 

From  the  office  of  the  Register  are  now  issued  four  separate  editions  — 
daily,  Sunday,  tri-weekly  and  weekly.  The  business  department  is  in  charge 
of  John  T.  Mack;  Isaac  F.  Mack  is  editor-in-chief;  C.  P.  Caldwell  has  the 
charge  of  the  Sunday  edition,  and  Charles  Kline  is  in  charge  of  the  city  de- 
partment of  the  Daily  Register. 

THE  MILAN  FREE  PRESS. 

Second  in  the  order  of  founding  in  the  county  was  the  newspaper  carrying 
the  above  head  line.  The  paper  Avas  established  at  Milan  in  February,  1830, 
under  the  editorial  management  and  proprietorship  of  Warren  Jenkins.  Its 
publication  continued  at  that  place  for  a single  year  only,  after  Avhich  the  pro- 
prietor moved  to  the  county  seat  for  the  purpose  of  starting  an  anti-Masonic 
paper.  As  to  Avhat  end  this  last  venture  finally  came  Ave  have  no  reliable  in- 
formation, but  it  seems  to  have  failed  of  its  main  purpose  in  extinguishing 
Free  Masonry,  judging  from  the  present  popularity  of  that  order  throughout 
the  county. 

THE  REPUBLICAN  STANDARD. 

The  Standard  came  into  existence  as  a Aveekly  publication  at  Sandusky  in 
the  year  1832  through  the  efforts  of  E.  and  J.  H.  BroAvn,  and  was  intended  to 
be  the  “ organ  ” of  the  Jacksonian  Democracy,  and  especially  to  advocate  the 
cause  of  “ Old  Hickory.”  But  the  Standard  proved  to  be  a short-lived  journal, 
and  was  soon  discontinued. 

THE  HURON  COMMERCIAL  ADVERTISER. 

On  the  17th  of  January,  1837,  the  first  number  of  the  Advertiser  made  its 
appearance,  issuing  from  an  office  at  Huron,  and  from  the  editorial  manage- 
ment of  H.  C.  Gray.  During  the  succeeding  }^ear  the  office  was  destroyed  by 
fire,  but  in  March,  1839,  the  paper  again  appeared  and  Avas  published  regu- 
larly until  the  year  1842,  at  Avhich  time  the  office  Avas  moved  to  Sandusky  and 
a new  weekly  paper  issued  under  the  heading  of  the  Commercial  Advertiser, 
the  publishers  being  M.  H.  Snyder  & Co.  Sandusky  seems  to  haA^e  been,  at 
that  period  at  least,  a no  more  profitable  field  for  journalism  than  Avas  Huron, 

24 


i82 


History  of  Erie  County. 


for  in  the  fall  of  the  year  of  its  removal  to  that  place  the  Advertiser  became 
numbered  among  the  evanescent  journals  of  the  county. 

In  the  office  of  the  paper  while  at  Huron  it  seems  that  use  was  made  of  the 
material  of  the  Milan  Times,  a paper  published  at  Milan,  but  of  the  precise 
time  of  its  birth  or  death,  as  a journal,  no  reliable  information  is  obtainable. 
George  M.  Swan  is  said  to  have  been  at  one  time  connected  with  the  paper, 
and  that  he  was,  “ perhaps,”  one  of  the  original  proprietors  in  connection  with  i 
Mrl  Gray. 

THE  DEMOCRATIC  MIRROR. 

In  December,  1842,  William  S.  Mills  and  Sylvester  Ross  purchased  the 
material  of  the  defunct  Commercial  Advertiser  and  issued  the  first  number  of 
the  Democratic  Mirror,  a weekly  paper  of  Sandusky  These  proprietors  con- 
tinued its  publication  with  varying  success  until  the  year  1847,  when  John 
Mackey,  then  recently  admitted  to  the  bar,  but  not  yet  in  practice,  became  a 
part  owner  in  the  office,  and  the  firm  was  changed  to  Mills,  Ross  & Mackey. 

Under  the  management  of  these  gentlemen  a daily  was  started,  and  in 
connection  with  the  weekly  edition  was  continued  for  about  two  years,  or 
until  May,  1849,  when  Mr.  Mackey  retired  from  the  firm  to  practice  law,  and 
J.  W.  Taylol",  better  known  as  “ Signal  Taylor,”  took  his  place  in  the  firm. 
During  the  fall  of  this  same  year  Mr.  Ross  was  attacked  with  cholera  and  died. 
Mills  & Taylor  continued  the  publication  until  1852,  when  the  latter  retired, 
leaving  Mr.  Mills  sole  editor  and  proprietor. 

In  the  fall  of  1853  the  paper  was  sold  to  Joseph  and  Fielding  Cable,  father 
and  son,  under  whose  control  the  name  of  both  daily  and  weekly  was  changed 
to  the  Bay  City  Mirror.  The  Cables  published  the  Mirror  but  a short  time 
and  then  sold  out  to  Asa  Dimmock,  and  he  soon  afterwards  to  Ray  Haddock. 
About  this  time  the  daily  edition  was  discontinued. 

Charles  Orton,  formerly  connected  with  the  Norwalk  Experiment,  became 
the  owner  and  proprietor  of  the  paper  in  May,  1856,  but  after  two  years’  ex- 
perience in  its  publication  disposed  of  it  to  his  son,  T.  S.  Orton,  but  one'year 
later  its  publication  was  suspended. 

THE  MILAN  TRIBUNE. 

In  the  year  1843,  the  Tribune  as  a newspaper  of  Erie  county  first  saw  the 
light  of  day.  It  was  founded  by  Clark  Waggoner,  who  brought  to  Milan  for 
the  purposes  of  the  publication  the  materials  formerly  used  by  him  in  the  pub 
lication  of  the  Lower  Sandusky  Whig.  After  publishing  the  Tribune,  a weekly 
paper,  at  Milan  for  something  like  eight  years,  Mr.  Waggoner  discontinued 
operations  at  that  place  and  became  interested  in  the  Sandusky  Clarion,  and 
moved  his  stock  to  the  building  in  which  the  Clarion  was  published  in  San- 
dusky. Thus  ended  the  life  of  the  Milan  Tribune.  Mr.  Waggoner  subse- 
quently severed  his  connection  with  the  Clarion  to  assume  an  editorial  position 


The  Erie  County  Press. 


183 


on  the  Toledo  Blade,  but  at  a still  later  day  became  connected  with  the  Toledo 
Commercial. 

THE  INTELLIGENTE  BLATT  (GERMAN). 

This  paper  was  established  in  the  year  1851,  by  Augustus  Reimmele  and 
Herman  Ruess,  and  was  the  first  German  paper  of  the  county.  Mr.  Ruess  was 
the  editor,  and  his  partner  had  charge  of  the  business  and  mechanical  depart- 
ment. The  latter  was  killed  by  an  accident  on  the  old  Mad  River  and  Lake 
Erie  Railroad,  near  Castalia,  in  September,  1857. 

The  paper  was  continued  by  Mr.  Ruess,  and  Frederick  Kelley  until  1859, 
when  it  passed  by  sale  into  the  hands  of  Jacob  Neuert,  H.  Hamelstein  and 
Charles  Bachy.  J.  Lippart  was  the  editor.  In  November  of  the  same  year, 
1859,  the  paper  was  sold  to  Engle  8:  Co.,  under  whose  ownership  it  was  edited 
by  A.  Thieme  and  Frederick  Reidding.  In  May,  1861,  the  latter  became  sole 
editor  and  proprietor.  Until  1854  the  Intelligente  Blatt  pinned  its  faith  to  the 
Democratic  party,  but  in  the  year  named  it  became  Republican  in  politics. 
About  the  time  of  the  war  the  publication  of  the  paper  was  suspended. 

THE  BEACON. 

This  weekly  paper  made  its  first  appearance  at  Huron  in  the  year  1853,  un- 
der the  proprietorship  of  Mr.  Haddock ; but  it  seems  to  have  been  the  more 
remarkable  for  the  short  term  of  its  existence,  as  it  “ passed  away”  in  the  next 
year,  1854. 

THE  BAYSTADT  DEMOKRAT  (GERMAN). 

The  Demokrat,  the  outgrowth  of  which  is  the  present  Sandusky  Demokrat, 
was  established  at  the  county  seat  in  1856  by  Louis  Traub,  and  edited  b}^  H. 
Raw.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  the  paper  was  sold  to  Frederick  Hertel, 
who  thereupon  became  editor  and  publisher.  It  advocated  the  cause  of  the 
Democracy. 

In  1873  the  property  passed  into  the  editorial  control  of  William  Senn,  and 
appeared  under  the  name  of  the  Sandusky  Demokrat,  by  which  it  has  ever  since 
been  known.  Two  issues  of  the  Demokrat  are  published  each  w'eek — a semi- 
weekly and  weekly.  It  enjoys  a very  extensive  circulation  among  the  German 
element  of  this  county,  and  in  Ottawa,  Sandusky,  Huron  and  Lorain  as  well. 

THE  SANDUSKY  JOURNAL  AND  LOCAL. 

The  Sandusky  Journal  was  first  established  as  a weekly  newspaper  in  the 
year  1866,  in  a job  printing  office  conducted  by  Addison  Kinney  and  Frank  B. 
Colver.  This  office  was  located  in  rooms  over  where  Melville  Bro.’s  drug-store 
is  at  present  situated,  on  the  northeast  corner  of  Columbia  avenue  and  Market 
street. 

In  the  month  of  August  of  that  year  Messrs.  Kinney  and  Colver  were  joined 
by  John  C.  Kinney,  a brother  of  the  former,  and  the  first  number  of  the  Jour- 


History  of  Erie  County. 


184 

Jial  was  issued  on  August  16,  1866.  The  new  paper  was  an  eight  column  folio, 
very  neatly  printed  for  the  times,  and  was  edited  by  John  C.  Kinney  with  vigor 
and  ability.  At  the  end  of  six  months  Mr.  Colver  retired  from  the  firm,  and 
the  paper  was  conducted  by  Kinney  Brothers  until  the  ist  of  January,  1868, 
when  M.  F.  McKelvey  became  associated  in  the  firm,  and  a daily  and  tri-weekly 
edition  of  the  Journal,  were  established  as  an  experiment.  These  editions  were 
continued  with  varying  success  until  Mr.  McKelvey  went  out  of  the  firm  in 
September  of  the  same  year,  when  they  were  suspended.  The  Weekly  Journal 
was  not  affected  by  this  event,  however,  but  kept  up  its  issues  regularly  as  an 
independent  publication  until  the  nomination  of  Horace  Greeley  for  president 
in  1872.  It  then  espoused  his  cause,  and  became  the  exponent  of  Democratic 
principles,  which  it  always  afterwards  advocated. 

In  the  year  1879,  John  C.  Kinney,  who  had  been  its  editor,  felt  compelled 
by  failing  health  to  retire  from  active  business,  and  at  the  close  of  that  year  the 
Journal  was  sold  to  Frank  and  Charles  A.  Dayman,  who,  on  the  8th  of  Janu- 
ary, 1880,  issued  the  paper  under  the  firm  name  of  Layman  Bros. 

After  his  retirement  from  active  business  John  C.  Kinney  acted  as  stenog- 
rapher in  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  but  later  his  failing  health  confined  him 
to  home,  and  in  a little  over  eight  yeai's  after  relinquishing  control  of  the  paper 
of  which  he  was  one  of  the  founders,  he  died  at  his  residence  in  Sandusky,  on 
February  i,  1888,  at  the  age  of  fifty-eight  years. 

Layman  Brothers,  who  were  journalists  from  Columbus,  concluded  to  re- 
issue a daily  edition  of  the  Journal,  which  they  did  in  the  form  of  a six-column 
folio,  on  January  i,  1885,  since  which  time  it  has  continued  with  only  a brief 
interruption.  In  1882  the  office  of  publication  was  moved  from  212  Columbus 
avenue  to  the  Ramsey  block  on  Market  street,  in  rooms  formerly  occupied  by 
the  Sandusky  Trib7uie  and  Sandusky  Independe7it,  the  former  paper  having 
been  published  a few  years  as  a daily  and  weekly,  and  the  latter  only  about 
three  months  as  a weekly. 

The  Layman  Brothers  sold  out  the  establishment  on  March  i,  1886,  to 
Frank  Stible  and  Felix  Breen,  who  published  the  journal,  daily  and  weekly,  for 
six  weeks  under  the  firm  name  of  Stible  & Breen.  At  the  expiration  of  that 
time  Mr.  Stible  purchased  the  interest  of  Mr.  Breen,  and  continued  to  publish 
both  editions,  employing  E.  P.  Moore  as  editorial  writer.  Some  time  later,  in 
the  year  1886,  a Sunday  edition  was  added,  which  appeared  regularly  several 
months,  when  it  ceased  for  want  of  adequate  support. 

In  January,  1887,  the  Jojirnal  office  met  with  a disaster  by  fire,  which  ne- 
cessitated the  suspension  of  the  paper’s  issue  for  some  weeks,  after  which  the 
publication  of  the  daily  edition  was  resumed  by  Mr.  Stible,  and  continued  until 
March  3,  1887,  when  the  whole  establishment  passed  by  sale  into  the  posses- 
sion of  A.  E.  Merrill  and  C.  C.  Bittner,  and  was  consolidated  with  the  Sandusky 
Local,  a daily  and  weekly  newspaper  which  had  been  in  existence  as  an  oppo- 
sition Democratic  publication  for  several  years. 


The  Erie  County  Press. 


185 


The  Sandtisky  Local  was  founded  as  a weekly  newspaper  by  Ernest  King, 
jr.,  of  Middletown,  Conn.,  who  at  that  time  was  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the 
Middletown  Sentinel  and  Witness,  one  of  the  oldest  publications  in  that  State. 
The  first  number  of  the  Local  was  issued  November  18,  1882,  as  an  indepen- 
dent weekly  newspaper  politically.  It  was  a six-column  quarto,  with  publica- 
tion office  in  the  third  story  of  No.  212  Columbus  avenue,  in  rooms  formerly 
occupied  by  the  Sandusky  Journal.  The  weekly  issue  of  the  Local  met  with 
such  continued  success  that  a daily  was  projected  and  successfully  published 
by  its  proprietor,  beginning  on  the  2d  of  April,  1883,  as  a six- column  folio. 
The  publication  of  the  paper  in  these  two  editions  was  continued  independent 
in  politics  until  November,  1884,  when  the  paper  espoused  the  cause  of 
Democracy,  that  party  at  the  time  having  no  daily  paper  to  champion  its  prin- 
ciples. In  April,  1885,  Mr.  King  finding  that  the  newspaper  property  in 
which  he  had  an  equal  interest  with  his  father  in  Middletown,  Conn.,  de- 
manded his  personal  attention,  sold  out  the  paper  to  F.  P.  Lyman  and  F.  W. 
Stevens,  the  latter  having  been  an  attachee  of  the  office  since  the  paper  was 
first  issued.  The  first  paper  appearing  under  the  proprietorship  of  the  new 
firm  was  dated  April  27,  1885.  In  March,  1886,  O.  P.  Wharton,  a veteran 
Democratic  editor  of  Youngstown,  O.,  was  engaged  as  editorial  writer  and  con- 
tinued in  such  capacity  during  the  proprietorship  of  Lyman  & Stevens.  In 
July,  1886,  Mr.  King  having  sold  his  interest  in  his  eastern  paper,  and  desiring 
to  again  enter  the  business  in  Sandusky,  bought  out  the  interest  of  Lyman  & 
Stevens,  the  services  of  Messrs.  Wharton  and  Stevens  being  retained  by  Mr. 
King.  The  paper  continued  under  the  proprietorship  of  Mr.  King  until  March 
3,  1887,  when  he  received  an  advantageous  offer  from  A.  E.  Merrill  and  C.  C. 
Bittner,  who  were  desirous  of  uniting  the  two  factions  of  the  party  by  consoli- 
dating the  two  opposing  Democratic  organs,  and  the  consolidation  was  there- 
fore effected  by  the  sale  of  the  Local  to  these  parties  on  the  above  date. 

This  purchase  finished  the  publication  of  the  Local,  as  it  did  also  that  of 
the  Journal  as  a separate  concern,  the  consolidated  paper  appearing  on  March 
3,  1887,  the  Sandusky  Daily  Journal  and  Local,  and  the  weekly  edition  on 
March  5,  as  the  Weekly  Journal  and  Local,  under  the  firm  name  of  Merrill  & 
Bittner. 

At  the  time  this  co-partnership  was  formed,  A.  E.  Merrill  was  filling  the 
offices  of  probate  judge  of  the  county  and  president  of  the  Citizens’  National 
Bank,  so  that  the  entire  management  of  the  paper  devolved  upon  Mr.  Bittner, 
a lawyer  by  profession,  and  who  had  previously  held  the  position  of  justice  of 
the  peace,  and  member  of  the  board  of  education,  and,  at  this  time,  was  one  of 
the  recognized  leaders  of  the  Democracy  of  the  county.  O.  P.  Wharton  was 
retained  by  the  new  firm  as  editorial  writer,  as  were  also  several  of  the  attachees 
of  both  offices.  The  consolidated  paper  first  appeared  as  a six-column  folio, 
but  the  demands  for  advertising  space  was  such  that  the  new  proprietor  found 


History  of  Erie  County. 


1 86 


it  necessary  to  enlarge  ; therefore,  in  April  the  paper  was  issued  as  a seven- 
column  folio.  On  June  23,  Judge  Merrill  feeling  convinced  that  the  consoli- 
dation of  the  two  papers  had  accomplished  a much  desired  end  — the  harmony 
and  good  will  of  the  two  opposing  factions  of  the  party — sold  out  his  interest 
to  the  active  partner  of  the  establishment,  Mr.  Bittner,  who  continued  as  the 
sole  proprietor  of  the  paper  until  November  14,  1887,  when  F.  W.  Stevens, 
who  had  been  connected  with  the  office  since  the  consolidation,  and  who  at  one 
time  was  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  Sandusky  Local,  formed  a co-partner- 
ship with  Mr.  Bittner  by  the  purchase  of  an  interest  in  the  paper,  which  ap- 
peared on  the  above  date,  under  the  proprietorship  of  Bittner  & Stevens,  and 
has  so  since  continued. 

THE  MILAN  ADVERTISER. 

From  the  statistical  information  furnished  by  Rowell’s  Directory  of  Ohio 
newspapers,  it  is  learned  that  the  Advertiser  is  a weekly  paper,  issued  each 
Saturday  in  size  30  by  44,  and  having  a circulation  of  over  five  hundred.  It 
appears  as  a fact,  but  not  upon  the  above  quoted  authority,  that  the  Milan 
Advertiser  is  issued  only  in  this  county,  the  type  and  press- work  being  per- 
formed at  Tiffin.  W.  B.  Starbird,  an  attorney  of  Milan,  is  the  resident  editor. 

A paper  of  this  same  name  was  founded  in  the  year  1869,  and  was  issued 
through  that  part  of  the  county  as  an  advertising  sheet,  and  without  expense 
to  its  readers.  In  the  year  following  it  became  a subscription  paper  at  one 
dollar  per  annum,  but  subsequently  the  price  was  raised  to  a dollar  and  fifty 
cents.  Several  changes  and  enlargements  were  made  in  the  size  of  the  paper 
to  keep  step  with  its  increasing  circulation.  Of  this  newspaper  the  present 
Advertiser  is  the  outgrowth. 

THE  HURON  REPORTER. 

In  the  year  1879  the  Reporter  made  its  first  appearance.  At  the  present 
day  it  appears  as  a weekly  (Thursday)  publication,  30  by  44  in  size,  with  a 
circulation  of  something  over  five  hundred  copies,  and  under  the  management 
of  D.  H.  Clock  as  editor  and  publisher, 

THE  SANDUSKY  TRIBUNE. 

On  the  30th  of  April,  1879,  the  first  issue  of  the  Daily  Tribune  made  its 
appearance  in  Sandusky,  under  the  editorial  control  of  C.  M.  Brown  & Co. 
Some  six  weeks  later  from  the  same  office  there  came  a weekly  edition,  and' 
added  to  that,  after  an  interval  of  about  two  months,  a tri-weekly  was  issued. 
But  the  enterprise  proved  unsuccessful  from  a business  point  of  view.  The  daily 
was  continued  for  about  a year,  and  suspended  in  February,  1880.  The  weekly 
and  tri-weekly  editions  were  maintained  until  the  year  1881,  when  they  dis- 
appeared from  the  sight  of  the  reading  public.  Brown  sold  the  enterprise  to 
Howe  & Rutledge,  and  it  was  under  the  latter  management  that  publication 
was  suspended. 


The  Bench  and  Bar. 


187 


THE  INDEPENDENT. 

The  Independent  succeeded  the  Tilbnne,  and  was  published  in  the  rooms 
occupied  by  its  predecessor.  Its  first  number  appeared  in  April,  1881,  and  its 
last  in  July  of  the  same  year.  It  was  edited  by  G.  W.  Rutlege,  one  of  the 
proprietors  of  the  defunct  T7'ib2ine.  The  Independent  was  a weekly  publica- 
tion. 

THE  SATURDAY  GAZETTE. 

The  Saturday  Gazette  is  the  youngest  occupant  of  the  journalistic  field  in 
Erie  county.  It  was  established  in  Sandusky  county,  in  October,  1886,  by  C. 
C.  Hand  and  W.  I.  Jackson,  but  the  latter  on  January  i,  1887,  became  sole  edi- 
tor and  owner.  It  was  the  aim  of  the  founders  to  establish  a paper  that  should 
be  free  from  political  bias,  and  become  useful  especially  as  a clean  family 
paper.  Among  the  special  features  of  the  Gazette  one  entire  page  is  devoted 
to  musical,  dramatic,  and  athletic  news  ; another  to  humorous  sketches  and 
choice  clippings  from  the  spicy  and  popular  writers  of  the  day. 

The  Gazette  seems  to  be  established  on  a sound  basis  and  determined  “ to 
stay,”  notwithstanding  the  misfortunes  that  have  overtaken  previously  founded 
weekly  journals  in  the  county. 

In  connection  with  the  press,  in  general,  of  the  county,  it  may  be  well 
enough  to  mention  the  Mercury,  a Sunday  paper  published  for  a very  brief 
time  in  Sandusky  by  J.  L.  Sweeny.  It  was  started  in  1879,  but  did  not  long 
continue — long  enough,  however.  And  in  this  same  connection  there  may  be 
made  mention  of  the  several  publications  of  the  socialists  of  Berlin  township, 
but,  fortunately,  their  end  was  timely,  as  they  were  conducive  of  no  good 
results,  nor  are  we  aware  that,  during  their  brief  but  eventful  career,  they  did 
any  special  injury  to  the  good  people  of  that  locality. 

The  socialistic  publications  were  the  Age  of  Freedom,  the  Social  Revolu- 
tionist, the  Good  Time  Coming,  the  New  Republic,  The  Optimist,  and  Kingdom 
of  Heaven,  The  Prmcipia,  or  Personality,  the  New  Campaign,  and  the  Toledo 
Sun,  the  last  named  having  been  removed  to  this  locality  in  1875. 


CHAPTER  XV. 

BENCH  AND  BAR. 

IT  was  many  years  after  the  organization  of  Ohio  before  the  northern  por- 
tion of  the  State  had  either  bench  or  bar,  and  for  a long  time  after  the  ter- 
ritorial government  had  ceased,  the  only  courts  known  were  the  Indian  coun- 


i88 


History  of  Erie  County. 


cil  and  the  court  martial,  while  the  bar  consisted  of  the  feathered  chief  and  the 
uniformed  commander. 

The  jurisprudence  of  the  State,  as  of  all  the  northern  territory  embraced  in 
the  Virginia  cession,  was  founded  -on  the  common  law  of  England,  modified 
and  construed  by  the  several  charters  of  King  James  I to  the  early  settlers  of 
Virginia,  and  by  the  ordinance  of  1787.  In  1793,  by  the  Territorial  Legisla 
ture,  a statute  was  adopted  from  Virginia  declaring  “ that  the  common  law  of  : 
England  and  all  statutes  made  in  aid  of  the  common  law  prior  to  the  fourth! 
year  of  James  I,  which  were  of  a general  nature,  should  be  a rule  of  decisions 
until  repealed.”  By  the  second  section  of  the  act  of  February  22,  1805,  thisj 
act  was  repealed,  but  by  the  first  section  of  the  act  was  re-enacted;  it  was ^ 
again  repealed  January  2,  1806.  So  it  may  safely  be  said  that  the  British  ' 
statutes  never  had  any  effect  in  Ohio  save  as  adopted  by  the  Legislature.  [l , 
Chase,  190,  512,  528.]  The  English  common  law,  however,  so  far  as  reason- 
able in  itself,  suitable  to  the  condition  and  business  of  our  people,  and  consist- j 
ent  with  the  letter  and  spirit  of  the  Federal  and  State  constitutions  and  stat- 
utes, ever  has  been  and  is  followed  by  our  courts  and  may  be  said  to  constitute , 
a part  of  the  common  law  of  Ohio.  [2  O.  S.  387.] 

After  the  organization  of  the  State  by  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  of 
1802,  the  written  law  of  Ohio  may  be  said  to  have  commenced,  but  the  prac- 
tice was  far  from  uniform,  and  it  was  not  until  1845,  when  the  able  work  ofi 
Joseph  R.  Swan,  whose  name  needs  no  title  to  the  bar  of  Ohio,  Practice  and\ 
Precedents,  was  published,  that  uniformity  began  to  prevail  with  either  bench 
or  bar.  Previous  to  that  time,  paraphrasing  from  the  preface  of  that  able  work, 
most  of  the  members  of  the  bar  and  bench,  whose  opinions  moulded  our  judi- 
cial system,  had  pursued  their  legal  studies  in  other  States  of  the  Union,  and  | 
brought  with  them  a high  respect  for  the  practice  and  decisions  of  the  courts 
where  they  were  educated.  Almost  all  the  States  of  the  Union  had  been  thus 
represented  at  our  bar  and  upon  our  bench,  and  had  produced  a very  great 
diversity  of  law  in  different  parts  of  the  State.  In  truth,  a local  common  law 
existed  to  some  extent  in  each  judicial  circuit.  In  one  the  English  common 
law  was  looked  to  as  the  only  pure  fountain  ; in  another  the  common  law  of 
England  was  modified  by  the  laws  of  New  York  ; in  another  the  common  law 
of  Massachusetts  ; in  another  of  Connecticut  ; in  another  of  Pennsylvania.  The 
statutes  of  the  State  indicated  the  same  heterogeneousness.  The  practice  act 
came  from  New  Jersey;  the  attachment  law  from  Pennsylvania;  the  adminis- 
tration law  from  Massachusetts,  and  the  non-imprisonment  act  from  New  York. 
This  state  of  things  sometimes  gave  rise  to  divisions  of  opinion  in  the  court, 
in  bank,  and  often  subjected  the  adjudications  to  severe  and  unjust  criticism. 

It  is  certainly  no  disparagement  to  the  many  able  jurists  who  aided  in  giv- 
ing to  Ohio  a uniform  and  perfect  system  of  jurisprudence,  to  say  that  to  Judge 
Swan  is  the  bench  and  bar  of  Ohio  most  indebted  for  the  desirable  consum- 


The  Bench  and  Bar. 


189 


matioa  ; and  his  work  at  once  became  the  law  of  practice  to  bench  and  bar 
throughout  the  State,  and  remained  so  until  the  enactment  of  the  code  of  civil 
procedure  in  1853,  after  the  adoption  of  the  Constitution  of  1851. 

The  common  law  as  to  crimes,  and  the  mode  of  procedure  in  criminal  cases, 
was  never  in  force  in  Ohio  — all  this  was  the  matter  of  legislative  enactments, 
[i  O.  132,  2 O.  S.  387.  100.  S.  287.] 

The  history  of  the  various  revisions  and  codifications  of  the  statutory  law 
and  modes  of  procedure  within  Ohio  is  interesting,  and  is  so  concisely  and  ac- 
curately stated  in  the  preface  to  the  first  addition  of  the  revised  statutes  made 
by  the  codifying  commission,  appointed  under  the  act  of  March  27,  1875,  and 
published  in  1880,  that  we  copy  literally  : 

“ The  first  revision  was  made  during  the  session  of  the  Legislature  held  at 
Chillicothe,  in  1804-5,  at  which  all  the  laws,  with  few  exceptions,  adopted  by 
the  governor  and  judges,  or  enacted  by  the  Legislature  under  the  territorial 
government  were  repealed.  That  revision  embraced  statutes  for  the  adminis- 
tration of  justice,  the  conveyance  of  property,  the  collection  of  the  revenue,  the 
organization  of  the  militia  and  the  punishment  of  crime,  and  other  statutes  pre- 
viously adopted  or  enacted  were  amended  and  re-enacted. 

“ With  these  statutes  for  a basis  other  legislatures  followed  the  example, 
and  accordingly,  the  laws  were  revised  at  the  session  of  1809-1810,  the  ses- 
sion of  1815-1816,  the  session  1823-1824  and  the  session  of  1830-1831,  each 
revision  being  an  improvement  on  that  which  preceded  it,  the  practice  and 
other  remedial  statutes  gradually  becoming  more  liberal  and  the  penal  enact- 
ments more  humane. 

“In  1835  the  statute  relatingto  felonies  was  again  revised  and  further  pro- 
vision was  made  to  simplify  the  practice,  and  in  1840  an  act  relating  to  the 
settlement  of  the  estates  of  deceased  persons,  based  on  the  statute  of  Massa- 
chusetts, was  prepared  by  Joseph  R.  Swan  and  enacted  by  the  General  Assem- 
bly. The  principal  part  of  it  has  remained  without  change  to  the  present  day. 
At  the  same  session  the  statutes  in  relation  to  wills,  elections  and  other  sub- 
jects, were  revised. 

“ Meanwhile  the  statutes  had  become  so  numerous  and  had  fallen  into  such 
confusion  that  a systematic  republication  of  the  laws  in  force  had  become  a 
necessity.  Fortunately  the  work  was  undertaken  by  one  competent  for  the 
task,  and  it  is  only  just  to  say  that  with  the  material  before  him,  and  in  the  ab- 
sence of  all  power  to  change  it,  perhaps  no  other  man  would  have  been  able  to 
produce  a collection  of  our  statutes  so  admirable  in  all  that  pertains  to  the 
work  of  an  editor,  as  Swan’s  Statutes  of  1 841.  In  1854-5,  in  i860  and  in  1868, 
Judge  Swan  performed  the  same  task  of  collecting  and  arranging  the  statutes 
in  force,  the  notes  to  the  edition  of  i860  having  been  prepared  by  Leander  J. 
Critchfield,  and  the  notes  to  the  edition  of  1868  by  Milton  Sayler.  While  these 
editions  of  the  statutes  have  now  become  comparatively  useless,  they  are  none 


190 


History  of  Erie  County. 


the  less  monuments  to  the  industn^  and  ability  of  the  gentlemen  who  were  en- 
gaged in  their  preparation. 

“ In  this  connection  it  will  not  be  out  of  place  to  notice  a collection  of  the 
statutes  of  a more  permanent  character.  In  1833—1835  (subsequently  Chief 
Justice)  Chase  prepared  an  edition  of  the  statutes.  It  included  the  territorial 
laws,  whether  adopted  by  the  governor  and  judges,  or  enacted  by  the  Territo- 
rial Legislatures  and  the  statutes  down  to  and  including  those  of  1833.  This 
embraced  seven  volumes  of  territorial  laws  and  thirty  volumes  of  the  statutes 
of  the  State,  and  the  whole  was  republished  in  chronological  order  in  three  vol- 
umes. The  work  was  continued  on  substantially  the  same  plan  by  Maskell  E. 
Curwen,  who  republished  in  four  volumes,  the  general  laws  from  1834  to  i860, 
inclusive.  Since  the  death  of  Mr.  Curwen,  the  work  has  been  continued  by  J. 
R.  Sayler,  who  has  republished,  in  four  volumes,  the  general  laws  from  1861  to 
1875,  inclusive. 

“ It  will  thus  be  seen  that  the  statutes  of  Chase,  Curwen  and  Sayler  — all 
admirably  edited  — are  a republication  of  all  the  general  laws  adopted  or  en- 
acted under  the  territorial  and  State  governments  from  1788  to  1875,  inclu- 
sive, in  the  order  of  the  original  publication.  While  only  a very  small  number 
of  the  statutes  which  these  volumes  contain  remains  in  force,  the  remarks  of 
Judge  Chase  with  respect  to  them,  in  his  first  volume  are  entirely  just.  ‘ Many 
questions  of  right  and  remedy,’  said  he,  "depend  upon  the  provisions  of  re- 
pealed statutes.  In  reference  to  such  questions  the  examination  of  the  whole 
series  of  laws  affecting  them  is  a matter  of  absolute  necessity.  In  addition  to 
this,  a knowledge  of  the  acts  repealed  is  often  essential  to  a correct  understand- 
ing of  the  law  in  force.  No  lawyer,  nor  intelligent  legislator  ought  to  be  sat- 
isfied with  knowing  what  the  law  is,  unless  he  also  knows  what  the  law  has 
been.” 

“ Recurring  to  the  subject  of  codification,  it  is  evident  that  it  had  engaged 
the  attention  of  the  people  to  some  extent,  previous  to  the  adoption  of  the 
present  constitution.  Provision  was  made  in  that  instrument  for  a commission; 
and  it  was  ordained  that  ‘ said  commissioners  shall  revise,  reform,  simplify,  and 
.abridge  the  practice,  pleadings,  forms,  and  proceedings  of  the  courts  of  record 
of  this  State  ; and  as  far  as  practicable  and  expedient  shall  provide  for  the 
■abolition  of  the  distinct  forms  of  actions  at  law  now  in  use,  and  for  the  admin- 
istration of  justice  by  a uniform  mode  of  proceeding,  without  reference  to  any 
distinction  between  law  and  equity.’ 

“ In  obedience  to  that  provision  an  act  was  passed  and  William  Kennon, 
William  S.  Groesbeck,  and  Daniel  O.  Morton  were  appointed  commissioners. 
They  confined  their  labors  to  the  subject  of  practice  in  civil  cases,  and  reported 
•what  was  known  as  the  code  of  civil  procedure,  to  the  fiftieth  General  Assem- 
bly, and  that  body  on  March  ii,  1853,  adopted  it Though 

somewhat  changed  in  language  and  arrangement,  the  principal  part  of  it  re- 
mains substantially  as  it  was  reported  by  those  commissioners. 


The  Bench  and  Bar. 


191 


“ With  the  growth  of  the  State  in  population  and  wealth,  the  annual  vol- 
umes of  the  general  laws  increased  in  size  until  the  statutes  of  a general  nature, 
in  force,  exceed  two  thousand  in  number.  The  subject  of  codification  then 
began  to  attract  attention  here  as  in  other  places.  In  1869  a bill  prepared  by 
Senators  Charles  H.  Scribner,  Daniel  B.  Linn,  and  Homer  Everett,  codifying 
the  statutes  in  relation  to  municipal  corporations,  became  a law,  as  did  also  a 
bill  embodying  a code  of  criminal  procedure,  which  had  been  prepared  by  Sen- 
ator Frank  H.  Hurd.  The  subject  was  further  agitated  and  finally,  in  1874, 
Representative  George  W.  Boyce,  of  Hamilton  county,  introduced  a bill  pro- 
viding for  such  codification.  Subsequently,  Senator  Lucian  C.  Jones,  of  Trum- 
bull, Trumbull  county,  introduced  a bill  on  the  same  subject,  which,  on  March 
27,  1875,  became  a law.  [72  v.  87].  The  following  are  its  leading  features; 

“ The  governor  was  required,  by  and  with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the 
Senate,  to  appoint  three  competent  commissioners  to  revise  and  consolidate  the 
general  statutes  of  the  State,  and  he  was  authorized  to  fill  any  vacancy  in  the 
commission. 

“ In  performing  the  duty  the  commissioners  were  required  to  bring  together 
all  the  statutes  and  parts  of  statutes  relating  to  the  same  matter,  omitting  re- 
dundant and  obsolete  enactments,  and  such  as  had  no  influence  on  existing 
rights  or  remedies,  and  making  alterations  to  reconcile  contradictions,  supply 
omissions,  and  amend  imperfections  in  the  original  acts,  so  as  to  reduce  the 
general  statutes  into  as  concise  and  comprehensive  a form  as  might  be  con- 
sistent with  clear  expression  of  the  will  of  the  General  Assembly,  rejecting  all 
equivocal  and  ambiguous  words  and  circuitous  and  tautological  phraseology. 

“ They  were  required  to  arrange  the  statutes  under  suitable  titles,  divisions, 
subdivisions,  chapters,  and  sections,  with  head  notes  briefly  expressive  of  the 
matter  contained  therein,  with  marginal  notes  of  the  contents  of  each  section, 
with  reference  to  the  original  act  from  which  it  was  compiled,  and  foot  notes  of 
the  decisions  of  the  Supreme  Court  upon  the  same ; and  they  were  required 
to  report  the  whole,  in  print,  to  the  general  assembly  for  its  adoption. 

“ On  the  day  of  the  passage  of  the  bill  Governor  Allen  appointed,  and  the 
Senate  unanimously  confirmed,  Michael  A.  Daugherty,  Luther  Day,  and  John 
W.  Okey  as  the  commissioners.  Commissions  were  issued  to  them  on  that 
day,  and  immediately  thereafter  they  entered  upon  their  duties.  Judge  Day 
continued  to  be  a member  of  the  commission  until  February  i,  1876,  when  he 
resigned,  having  been  appointed  a member  of  the  Supreme  Court  commission, 
and  John  S.  Brasee  was  appointed  by  Governor  Hayes  to  fill  the  vacancy, 
and  Judge  Okey  continued  to  be  a member  of  the  commission  until  November 
9.  1877,  when  he  resigned,  having  been  elected  a judge  of  the  Supreme  Court, 
and  George  B.  Okey  was  appointed  by  Governor  Young  to  fill  the  vacancy. 
No  other  changes  were  made  in  the  commission.” 

The  codified  or  revised  statutes  consist  of  four  parts.  The  first  part  (Polit- 


History  of  Erie  County. 


192 


ical)  contains  the  enactments  which  are  organic,  being  the  frame-work  and 
machinery  of  our  government ; the  second  part  (Civil)  relates  to  person  and 
property;  the  third  part  (Remedial)  includes  everything  connected  with  civil 
procedure  in  all  the  courts;  and  the  fourth  part  (Penal)  embraces  the  pro- 
visions relating  to  crimes,  criminal  procedure,  and  jails  and  the  penitentiary. 

Constitution  of  1802. — Under  the  Constitution  of  1802  the  judicial  power 
of  the  State,  both  as  to  matters  of  law  and  equity,  was  vested  in  a Supreme 
Court,  in  Court  of  Common  Pleas  for  each  county,  in  justices  of  the  peace,  and 
in  such  other  courts  as  the  Legislature  might  establish.  Under  this  latter  pro- 
vision the  Circuit  Courts  were  established. 

The  Supreme  Court  consisted  of  three  judges  — two  of  whom  formed  a 
quorum.  It  had  original  and  appellate  jurisdiction,  both  in  law  and  in  chan- 
cery, in  such  cases  as  the  Legislature  might  direct,  and  which  would  be  beyond 
the  province  of  this  chapter  to  enumerate.  The  Legislature  was  empowered 
to  add  another  judge  to  the  number  after  five  years,  and  in  that  event  the 
judges  were  authorized  to  divide  the  State  into  two  circuits  within  which  any 
two  could  hold  court. 

The  Courts  of  Common  Pleas  consisted  of  a president  and  two  associate 
judges.  The  State  was  required  by  law  to  be  divided  into  three  circuits  with 
a president  judge  for  each  circuit,  and  not  “more  than  three  nor  less  than  two” 
associate  judges  for  each  county.  Any  three  of  these  judges  constituted  a 
quorum  and  composed  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas,  and  had  common  law  and 
chancery  jurisdiction,  and  also  jurisdiction  of  all  probate  and  testamentary  mat 
ters  and  of  guardians  and  minors,  and  of  criminal  cases.  Clerks  were  appointed 
by  the  court  for  a term  of  seven  years.  Power  was  conferred  on  the  Legisla- 
ture to  increase  the  number  of  circuits  and  of  the  president  judges  after  the 
expiration  of  five  years.  The  Supreme  Court  was  required  to  be  held  once  a 
year  in  each  county. 

All  judges  were  appointed  by  a joint  ballot  of  both  houses  of  the  General 
Assembly,  and  held  office  for  the  term  of  seven  years,  “if  so  long  they  behaved 
well.” 

Justices  of  the  peace  were  elected  in  each  township  and  held  office  for  three 
years.  Their  “powers  and  duties”  were  “regulated  and  defined  by  law.” 

THE  BENCH  OF  THE  COUNTY. 

By  the  act  that  completed  the  civil  organization  of  Erie  county  it  was  pro- 
vided that  the  first  Court  of  Common  Pleas  should  be  held  on  the  second  Mon- 
day in  December,  1838,  yet  there  is  a record  of  the  holding  of  a court  in  April 
prior  to  that  time.  There  appears  not  to  have  been  present  any  president 
judge,  and  the  proceedings  were  conducted  by  Moses  Larwell,  Nathan  Strong, 
and  Plarvey  Lowler,  the  associate  justices.  These  proceedings,  however,  were 
brief,  no  cases  being  tried. 


The  Bench  and  Bar. 


193 


During  the  time  that  Erie  county  was  attached  to  Huron  it  appears  that 
Judge  David  Higgins  was  upon  the  bench  of  the  Common  Pleas  Court.  He 
was  succeeded  by  Judge  Ozias  Bowen,  of  Marion  county,  who  presided  for  a 
number  of  years,  and  until  he  was  replaced  by  Judge  Myron  H.  Tilden,  of 
Toledo,  but  formerly  of  Norwalk. 

Next  in  the  succession  came  Judge  Ebenezer  B.  Sadler,  of  Sandusky  City, 
who  went  upon  the  bench  in  1847,  so  continued  until  the  adoption  of  the 
new  constitution  by  which  he  was  legislated  out  of  office. 

The  above  named  comprise  all  the  common  pleas  judges  that  presided  over 
that  court  in  this  county  prior  to  the  constitution  of  1852.  Judge  Sadler  was 
the  first  president  upon  the  bench  that  was  a resident  of  Erie  county,  and  the 
only  such  prior  to  the  new  constitution,  but  in  after  years  this  county  was  as 
well  represented  upon  the  bench  of  the  courts  as  any  in  the  district,  excepting, 
perhaps,  Lucas  county. 

After  the  adoption  of  the  new  constitution  Erie  county  was  placed  in  the 
first  subdivision  of  the  fourth  common  pleas  district,  the  other  counties  being 
Huron,  Sandusky,  Ottawa,  and  Lucas.  The  first  president  judge  in  this  sub- 
division was  Lucius  Otis,  then  of  Eremont  but  now  of  the  city  of  Chicago. 
Judge  Otis  served  one  term  of  five  years,  and  was  succeeded  by  Judge  Sebas- 
tian F.  Taylor,  a prominent  lawyer  of  Erie  county.  He  served  two  terms  of 
five  years  each,  and  was  himself  succeeded  by  Walter  F.  Stone,  of  Sandusky. 
The  constitution  provided  for  the  selection  of  an  additional  law  judge  to  be 
chosen  whenever  the  business  of  the  sub-division  should  warrant  it.  It  was 
during  Judge  Otis’s  term  of  office  that  this  provision  was  carried  into  effect  by 
the  selection  of  Judge  John  Fitch,  of  Toledo,  in  1854.  Other  additional  law 
judges  were  from  time  to  time  appointed,  among  them  Samuel  T.  Wooster,  of 
Norwalk,  and  John  L.  Green,  of  Fremont.  The  latter  is  still  judge  in  the  dis- 
trict. 

Judge  Stone  continued  on  the  bench  as  president  judge  for  some  years, 
when  he  was  advanced  to  the  Supreme  Court  bench.  He  was  succeeded  by 
William  G.  Lane,  of  Sandusky,  but,  on  account  of  failing  health  the  latter  was 
compelled  to  retire,  whereupon  Cooper  K.  Watson,  of  Sandusky,  followed  him. 
Judge  Watson  died  in  office,  and  John  Mackey  was  appointed  his  successor. 
By  appointment  and  two  subsequent  elections.  Judge  Mackey  held  this  office 
for  nearly  seven  years.  Next  in  the  line  of  succession  came  the  present  incum- 
bent, Judge  J.  L.  De  Witt,  of  Sandusky,  who  assumed  the  office  in  Februar}-, 
1887. 

The  first  sub-division  of  the  Fourth  District  remains  now  as  originally 
formed,  and  the  courts  therein  are  presided  over  by  five  common  pleas  judgesj 
three  in  Toledo  and  two  in  the  other  counties  comprising  the  subdivision. 
These  judges  are  as  follows:  Louis  H.  Pike,  David  H.  Commager,  and  Reuben 
C.  Lemmon,  of  Toledo;  John  L.  Green,  of  Fremont,  and  J.  L.  De  Witt,  of 
Sandusky. 


194 


Hisi'ory  of  Erie  County. 


THE  OLD  ERIE  COUNTY  BAR. 

Elsewhere  in  this  work  will  be  found  a detail  of  the  events  that  made  per- 
fect the  organization  of  this  county,  and  it  is  only  the  province  of  this  particu- 
lar portion  of  this  chapter  to  refer  to  and  mention,  in  some  manner,  those  per- 
sons who  were  identified  with  the  practice  at  the  bar  of  the  courts,  and  who  were 
residents  of  the  county.  To  be  sure  there  were  the  inevitable  “circuit  riders,’’ 
lawyers  who  lived  in  other  counties,  but  who  were  always  in  attendance  upon 
every  court,  and  who  controlled  a fair  share  of  the  business  thereof  This  was 
not  through  any  weakness  of  the  resident  attorneys,  but  rather  in  verification  of 
the  old  proverb,  “ a prophet  is  not  without  honor  save  in  his  own  country.’’ 
These  circuit  riders  were  for  many  years  in  attendance  upon  every  court  and  in 
every  locality.  They  managed  to  get  a certain  amount  of  the  “catch  practice,” 
most  generally  in  the  criminal  branch,  and  were  sometimes  called  into  a case 
by  the  attorney  of  record,  and  served  in  the  capacity  of  associate  counsel.  In 
this  manner  they  could  pick  up  enough  business  to  pay  expenses,  and  some- 
times a little  more.  But  the  circuit  rider  was  almost  a necessity;  not,  how- 
ever, in  the  light  of  the  adage  that  “ necessity  knows  no  law,’’  as  they  numbered 
among  them  some  of  the  brighest  trial  lawyers  of  the  times. 

At  this  period  of  which  we  write,  the  early  days  of  the  county,  there  were 
but  few,  if  any,  resident  practicing  attorneys  of  much  prominence  except  the 
firms  of  Parish  & Sadler  (Francis  D.  Parish  and  Ebenezer  B.  Sadler),  and 
Beecher  & Campbell  (Lucas  S.  Beecher  and  John  F.  Campbell),  all  of  Sandusky 
City;  also  Ebenezer  Andrews  and  Philip  R.  Hopkins  of  Milan.  Elentheros 
Cooke  had  been  a prominent  attorney  of  Sandusky,  and  a pioneer  of  the  pro- 
fession ; but  at  the  time  of  which  we  write  was  practically  retired  from  active 
practice  to  engage  in  other  pursuits.  He  was  an  able  man  and  lawyer,  and 
possessed  of  unusual  oratorical  power.  He  drifted  into  the  sea  of  politics,  and 
represented  the  Fourteenth  District  in  the  Twenty-second  Congress.  He  was, 
moreover,  one  of  the  most  prominent  men,  in  every  step  looking  to  the  ad- 
vancement and  welfare  of  the  county,  and  contributed  generously  of  his  means 
and  advice  to  every  worthy  enterprise.  Hence  his  popularity. 

William  H.  Hunter,  more  commonly  known  as  “Colonel”  Hunter,  was  nom- 
inally a lawyer,  but  more  of  a politician.  In  1835  he  was  collector  of  customs 
at  this  port,  and  in  1836  was  elected  to  Congress. 

John  Wheeler  is  also  remembered  as  a lawyer,  though  he  was  content  to 
rest  his  professional  career  on  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace,  which  he  held 
for  a number  of  years. 

Of  these  old  pioneers  of  the  profession  but  two  are  now  living,  Hon.  E.  B- 
Sadler  and  John  Campbell,  the  latter,  however,  is  not  a resident  of  the  county. 
He  took  a somewhat  unusual  course  for  a lawyer,  in  that  he  afterward  became 
a minister  of  the  gospel,  and  is  now  understood  to  fill  the  most  honorable  office 
of  bishop  of  the  Lutheran  Church  in  Virginia. 


The  Bench  and  Bar. 


195 


Francis  Drake  Parish  was  a man  of  Puritanical  stripe.  He  was  honest,  con- 
scientious, faithful,  and  zealous  in  his  profession  and  in  every  good  work.  He 
possessed  a moral  firmness  that  could  not  be  excelled  ; a man  of  good  acquire- 
ments and  legal  abilities;  a man  who  hated  iniquity  and  despised  meanness;  a 
strong  religionist,  a temperance  tetotaler,  and  a strong  abolitionist  when  that 
outspoken  sentiment  meant  personal  and  professional  unpopularity.  Mr.  Par- 
ish had  the  courage  to  avow  his  sentiments  in  this  regard  even  in  the  face  of  an 
excited  and  howling  mob. 

This  man  was  a native  of  New  York  State,  born  in  the  year  1796.  When 
twenty- four  years  old  he  came  to  Columbus,  O.,  where  he  read  law,  and  where, 
in  1822,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  In  the  same  year  he  came  to  Sandusky 
City  and  commenced  practice,  which  he  continued  until  the  year  1852  when  he 
retired  from  the  hard  work  of  the  profession  on  account  of  a bronchial  affec- 
tion. In  1875  he  left  Erie  county  and  removed  to  Lorain  county,  where  he 
died  a short  time  ago. 

Lucas  Selkirk  Beecher  was  born  in  New  Haven  county.  Conn.,  on  the  3 ist  of 
March,  1798.  At  the  age  of  about  thirteen  years  he  was  maimed  by  the  loss  of 
a leg.  When  about  eighteen  years  old,  with  his  parents  he  became  a resident  of 
Genesee  county,  N.  Y.  The  early  education  of  Mr.  Beecher  was  received  at 
the  common  schools  and  at  the  village  academy.  After  coming  to  reside  in 
Genesee  county  he  taught  the  village  school.  Later  he  entered  the  office  of 
Hopkins  and  Beecher  at  Canaseraga,  where  he  studied  the  law  until  the  year 
1824,  when  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  after  which  he  began  the  practice  at 
Williamsport,  Pa.  Two  years  later  in  the  year  1828,  Mr.  Beecher  came  to  San- 
dusky, where  he  formed  a law  partnership  with  Hon,  Elentheros  Cooke. 

No  sooner  had  our  subject  become  fairly  established  in  professional  busi- 
ness at  this  place  than  a terrible  misfortune  befel  him  ; he  became  totally 
blind.  After  a time  under  the  invitation  of  kind  friends  he  went  to  the  City  of 
New  York  for  treatment,  hoping  that  his  eyesight  might  be  restored,  which,  in 
a measure,  was  accomplished — sufficiently  to  allow  him  to  resume  his  practice 
and  read  and  write  a little. 

Returning  after  some  months  to  Sandusky  Mr.  Beecher  formed  a copart- 
nership with  John  F.  Campbell,  who  also  subsequently  became  totally  blind, 
and  was  obliged  to  retire  from  the  profession.  Mr.  Beecher  then  associated 
himself  with  Pitt  Cooke,  and  subsequently  Cuyler  Leonard,  and  finally  in  1853 
with  his  son,  John  T.  Beecher,  which  latter  firm  continued  until  the  death  of 
its  senior  member  in  the  year  1882. 

Disabled  as  he  was,  when  just  entering  upon  the  threshold  of  successful 
practice,  nevertheless,  he  rose  to  a height  which  enabled  him  to  easily  maintain 
his  position  as  a leader  in  this  most  difficult  of  all  professions.  We  take  pride 
in  rendering  this  tribute  of  regard  to  the  memory  of  a man  so  deservedly  hon- 
ored by  the  profession  as  an  example  of  the  success  which  can  be  achieved  by 


196 


History  of  Erie  County. 


an  earnest  man,  full  of  a great  purpose,  striving  against  a fate  which  usually  be- 
numbs the  faculties  and  palsies  the  energies  of  its  victims. 

John  F.  Campbell  the  law  partner  of  Lucas  S.  Beecher,  is  remembered  as 
being  a man  of  light  complexion,  young,  smart,  active,  facetious,  witty  and  pos- 
sessed of  a keen  sense  of  the  ludicrous.  About  the  year  1840  he  had  an  at- 
tack of  sore  eyes  that  unfitted  him  for  professional  work,  and  in  fact  rendered 
him  partially  blind  for  a time  at  least.  He  quit  the  practice  of  law  and  went 
to  Pennsylvania.  After  a time  his  eyesight  was  restored,  and  he  studied  for 
and  entered  the  ministry  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  subsequently  became  a 
resident  of  the  State  of  Virginia.  Still  later  he  became  a bishop  of  the  church. 

He  seems  to  have  met  with  decided  success  in  his  new  calling;  but  those 
that  knew  him  well  as  a lawyer  say  that  he  was  the  last  man  they  ever  dreamed 
would  finally  become  a clergyman.  He  evidently  followed  the  command  to 
“multiply  and  replenish  the  earth,”  for  when  last  heard  from  his  family  con- 
prised  a wife  and  nine  children. 

Ebenezer  Andrews  of  Milan,  was  a plain,  sensible,  unassuming  man,  and  a 
fair  and  honest  lawyer.  He  was  probate  judge  of  the  county  from  1852  to  1855. 
He  died  many  years  ago. 

John  N.  Sloane  entered  upon  the  practice  of  law  in  1840.  His  regular  oc- 
cupation, however,  was  that  of  merchant.  He  died  September  24,  1881. 

Hon.  Ebenezer  Lane,  unquestionably  the  most  distinguished  and  most  hon- 
ored of  the  many  gentlemen  of  the  legal  profession  that  have  practiced  at  the 
bar  of  the  courts  of  this  county,  became  a resident  of  Sandusky  in  the  year 
1842,  two  years  after  the  civil  organization  of  the  county  was  made  complete.  ' 

Judge  Lane  was  born  in  Connecticut,  in  the  year  1793.  He  was  educated 
at  the  University  of  Cambridge,  and  afterward  read  law  with  his  uncle  Judge 
Matthew  Griswold,  of  Lyme,  Conn.  He  commenced  the  practice  of  law  in  the 
year  1814,  at  Norwich,  Conn.,  but  in  1817  came  to  the  Western  Reserve  dur- 
ing the  same  year.  In  1819  he  moved  to  Norwalk,  the  county  seat  of  Huron 
county,  having  previously  been  appointed  prosecuting  attorney  for  that  county. 
At  Columbia  in  1822  he  was  admitted  to  practice  in  the  United  States  Circuit  ■ 
Court.  Soon  after  he  was  appointed  Common  Pleas  Judge  of  the  Second  Cir- 
cuit, and  continued  in  office  six  years,  when  he  was  appointed  judge  of  the  Su- 
preme Court  of  the  State,  sitting  first  in  that  capacity  in  1830.  He  was  reap- 
pointed in  1837,  but  resigned  his  commission  eight  years  later. 

It  was  during  his  life  upon  the  bench  that  Judge  Lane  became  a resident  of 
Sandusky  City.  After  thirteen  years  of  residence  here  he  moved  to  Chicago, 
having  accepted  the  appointment  as  counsel  and  resident  director  of  the  Cen- 
tral Railroad  of  Illinois,  an  office  that  was  ably  filled  by  him  for  nearly  fourteen 
years.  After  having  severed  his  connection  with  the  railroad  company  Judge 
Lane  made  an  extended  tour  of  Europe,  returning  to  this  country  in  April, 
i860.  He  lived  but  six  years  longer,  and  died  on  the  12th  of  June,  1866. 


The  Bench  and  Bar. 


197 


In  1850  Judge  Lane  received  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Laws  from  Harvard 
University.  In  1856  he  was  elected  a member  of  the  New  England  His- 
torical and  Genealogical  Society,  also  he  was  a member  of  the  New  York 
Historical  Society,  the  Ohio  Historical  Society  and  the  Chicago  Historical 
Society. 

Another  of  the  pioneers  of  the  legal  profession  in  Erie  county  was  Philip  B. 
Hopkins,  of  Milan.  He  was,  at  the  time  of  the  county’s  organization,  fully 
up  to,  if  not  past  the  middle  age  of  life.  His  practice  was  by  no  means 
confined  to  Milan,  as  he  was  frequently  at  Huron,  and  also  in  the  counties 
adjoining. 

Counselor  Hopkins  was  a clear- minded,  shrewd  and  practical  lawyer,  and 
possessed,  moreover,  an  almost  inexhaustible  fund  of  natural  humor.  His  witti- 
cisms were  never  forced,  but  seemed  to  spring  from  his  lips  involuntarily,  and 
none  seemed  more  surprised  at  their  sound  and  effect  than  he.  An  amusing 
anecdote  will  clearly  show  what  manner  of  man  he  was. 

One  day  at  the  dinner-table  in  the  Mansion  House  at  Sandusky,  were  gath- 
ered a number  of  legal  lights,  and  among  them  the  irrepressible  Hopkins.  Some 
allusion  was  made  to  a certain  lawyer  from  a distant  county  not  at  all  remark- 
able for  his  legal  learning,  and  Joseph  M.  Root,  another  prominent  lawyer  of 
this  county,  asked  Major  Hopkins  if  he  knew  how  this  man  came  to  be  a law- 
yer ? “No,”  said  Hopkins,  “I  don’t.”  “Well,”  says  Root,  “he  was  a sort  of 
peddler  in  a one-horse  wagon,  and  carried  around  with  him  Swan’s  Treatise, 
and  so  caught  the  law  just  as  a person  would  catch  the  itch  or  measles.” 
“Well,”  answered  the  Major,  “it  never  broke  out  on  him  much,  and  they  say 
it  is  worse  when  it  strikes  in.” 

One  day  Hopkins  and  Mr.  Andrews  were  trying  a case  before  Judge  Sad- 
ler, Hopkins  for  the  plaintiff,  and  Andrews  on  the  defense.  In  presenting  the 
testimony  Hopkins  constantly  asked  leading  questions,  which  Andrews  object- 
ed to ; but  as  the  former  did  not  seem  to  get  along  very  well  without,  he  was 
allowed  to  proceed  ; but  when  Andrews  called  his  first  witness  he  very  properly 
asked  him  a leading  question,  directing  his  attention  to  the  subject  matter  in 
controversy,  to  which  Hopkins  objected.  What  is  your  objection  ? It  is  lead- 
ing. The  court  remarked  to  him  pleasantly,  that  he  thought  he  was  the  last 
man  to  object  to  leading  questions.  He  replied,  “I  am  the  last  man,  I just 
did  it.” 

Joseph  M.  Root  is  also  remembered  as  one  of  the  early  lawyers  of  Erie 
county.  He  came  from  New  York  State  and  read  with  William  H.  Hunter, 
and  then  opened  an  office  for  practice.  Afterward  he  located  at  Norwalk,  and 
trom  there  was  elected  to  Congress,  first  in  1845,  was  twice  thereafter  re- 
elected, the  last  time  while  residing  in  this  county,  to  which  he  had  returned. 
This  was  in  1849.  He  practiced  here  a number  of  years  after  his  term  of  office 
expired  but  is  now  dead. 


26 


History  of  Erie  County. 


198 


William  H.  Hunter  was  a somewhat  prominent  figure  in  the  profes- 
sion and  he  too  represented  the  district  in  Congress  during  the  year  1837- 
1839. 

Justin  H.  Tyler  will  also  be  remembered  by  the  old  residents  of  Huron 
township  especially.  He  was  a Massachusetts  Yankee,  but  came  to  this  State 
from  New  York.  He  was  located  at  Huron  early  in  the  forties  but  left  in  a few 
years  and  became  a resident  of  Henry  county  where  he  now  lives. 

Rush  R.  Sloane  was  born  in  Sandusky.  He  read  law  with  F.  D.  Parish, 
and  was  admitted  at  Mansfield,  Ohio,  in  1849.  He  retired  from  practice  to 
assume  the  duties  of  the  office  of  probate  judge,  to  which  he  was  elected  in 
1857.  He  was  re-elected  in  i860,  but  resigned  in  April,  1861,  to  accept  the 
appointment  from  President  Lincoln,  as  general  agent  of  the  post-office  de- 
partment and  located  with  headquarters  at  Chicago. 

Beside  these  who  have  been  mentioned  in  the  above  sketches,  there  are  a 
few  others  who  were  members  of  the  old  bar  and  who  are  members  of  the  pres- 
ent bar  of  the  county,  in  which  latter  connection  notice  of  them  will  be  found. 
And  it  is  possible  that  in  the  recollection  of  these  pioneers  of  the  profession, 
the  names  of  some  may,  through  inadvertence,  have  been  omitted,  and  it  may 
be  true  too,  that  some  of  the  itinerant  characters  may  have  been  entirely  over- 
looked. There  is,  in  every  profession,  and  the  legal  is  not  exempt  from  it, 
some  evanescent  characters,  some  who  have  branched  off  into  other  pursuits, 
some  who  perhaps  may  have  fallen  by  the  wayside,  and  to  the  profession  have 
become  lost.  But  as  the  years  came  and  went,  the  county  grew  more  popu- 
lous and  of  course  the  ranks  became  swelled  in  numbers,  and  among  them  may 
be  found  the  names  of  men  well  known  throughout  the  entire  county.  In  the 
year  1855,  seventeen  years  after  the  organization  of  the  county,  it  is  found  that 
the  profession,  in  the  city  of  Sandusky,  was  represented  in  the  legal  profession 
about  as  follows ; Samuel  Minor,  who  afterward  went  to  Los  Angeles,  Cal. ; 
O.  C.  McLouth,  who  was  clerk  of  the  courts  from  1870  to  1875,  and  prior  to 
that  was  prosecuting  attorney  from  1856  to  i860;  John  Mackey,  a mention  of 
whom  will  be  found  among  the  members  of  the  present  bar  ; Counselors  Mc- 
Louth and  Mackey  were  law  partners  in  18855.  Lane,  Stone  and  Lane  were 
partners,  the  firm  being  composed  of  Hon.  Ebenezer  Lane,  Walter  F.  Stone 
and  William  G.  Lane.  Concerning  Judge  Ebenezer  Lane  mention  has  already 
been  made.  Walter  F.  Stone,  like  the  senior  partner  of  the  firm,  became  judge 
of  the  Common  Pleas  and  also  judge  of  the  Supreme  Court.  He  died  in  Cali- 
fornia. William  G.  Lane  was  the  son  of  Ebenezer  Lane.  In  1843  he  was 
graduated  from  Yale  College,  after  which  he  attended  the  Harvard  Law  School. 
He  further  prosecuted  his  legal  study  under  the  instruction  of  the  best  Ger- 
man professors,  at  Berlin,  after  which  he  returned  to  this  country  and  became 
professionally  associated  with  his  father,  who,  during  the  son’s  absence,  had 
been  a resident  of  Sandusky.  In  1873  Mr.  Lane  became  judge  of  the  Com- 


The  Bench  and  Bar. 


199 


mon  Pleas  for  the  fourth  judicial  district.  Judge  Lane  died  at  Sandusky  on 
the  28th  day  of  October,  1878. 

Alonzo  W.  Hendry,  better  known  as  Judge  Hendry,  from  the  fact  of  his 
having  been,  from  1863  to  1870,  the  probate  judge  of  the  county,  was  born  in 
Erie  county,  N.  Y.,  and  came  to  Lorain  county  in  1834.  He  was  admitted  to 
the  bar  in  1842  and  came  to  Sandusky  in  1843.  He  is  now  virtually  retired 
from  practice.  At  a period  earlier  than  that  mentioned  Mr.  Hendry  was  prom- 
inently before  the  people  of  the  county,  as  he  was  from  1848  until  1852,  the 
prosecuting  attorney  of  the  county.  Besides  his  political  holdings  Judge 
Hendry  has  been  for  many  years  a prominent  figure  in  the  affairs  of  the 
city. 

George  Reber  is  remembered  as  a good  trial  lawyer,  and  although  he  seems 
not  to  have  been  conspicuous  as  an  office  holder,  he  nevertheless  enjoyed  a 
fair  share  of  the  legal  practice  and  was  connected  with  many  of  the  leading 
cases.  He  is  now  dead. 

John  J.  Finch  has  been  a member  of  the  legal  profession  for  many  years 
but  the  greater  part  of  his  time  has  been  devoted  to  other  pursuits.  At  the 
present  time  he  holds  the  responsible  position  of  collector  of  customs  for  the 
port  of  Sandusky. 

William  Tilden  had,  at  the  time  of  which  we  speak,  an  office  at  the  corner 
of  Market  street  and  Columbus  avenue,  where  he  practiced  for  some  time.  He 
afterward  moved  to  Cincinnati  and  is  now  deceased. 

Lawrence  Wier  was  another  of  the  old  bar,  and  had  an  office  at  No.  66 
Railroad  street. 

Another  of  the  old  firms  of  the  city  was  that  of  Converse,  Giddings  & Bige- 
low. Only  one  of  these  partners,  J.  G.  Bigelow,  is  now  known  to  the  profes- 
sion in  the  county,  and  he  is  retired  from  its  active,  arduous  work. 

John  G.  Miller  had  an  office  on  the  same  floor  as  is  now  occupied  by  the 
city  fathers.  He  is  not  now  living. 

The  firm  of  Camp  & Leonard  was  composed  of  John  G.  Camp,  jr.,  a son  of 
Major  Camp,  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  town,  and  Cuyler  Leonard.  Their 
office  was  located  at  No.  128  Water  street.  Neither  partner  of  this  firm  is  now 
living  in  the  county. 

There  were  others,  of  course,  who  were  in  active  practice  at  the  time, 
1855,  all  are  mentioned  in  some  manner  in  this  chapter.  A majority 
are  joined  with  “the  great  majority”  while  a few  are  yet  in  practice.  These 
latter  will  be  found  mentioned  in  the  sketches  of  the  members  of  the  present 
bar. 

SKETCHES  OF  MEMBERS  OF  THE  PRESENT  BAR. 

Hon.  E.  B.  Sadler.^  Judge  Sadler  certainly  stands  to  day,  the  senior  mem- 


Since  deceased. 


200 


History  of  Erie  County. 


ber  of  the  Erie  county  bar,  his  connection  therewith  having  covered  a period 
of  more  than  a half  century. 

Ebenezer  Brown  Sadler  was  born  in  the  town  of  Grafton,  State  of  Massa- 
chusetts, on  the  i6th  of  November,  1808.  When  he  was  five  years  old  his  pa- 
rents moved  to  New  Hampshire,  where  they  remained  only  two  years,  and 
then  went  to  Geneva,  N.  Y.,  traveling  the  entire  distance  in  sleighs.  After  a 
year’s  residence  at  Geneva  the  family  again  moved,  this  time  to  a town  in  Erie 
county,  N.  Y.,  fifteen  miles  east  of  Buffalo.  Three  years  later  they  moved  to 
Lima,  Livingston  county. 

At  the  age  of  eighteen  years  young  Sadler  bought  his  “ time  ” of  his  father 
and  started  out  to  make  his  own  way  in  life.  During  the  summer  months  he 
worked  as  he  could  find  employment  and  the  winter  found  him  at  school.  This 
continued  until  he  was  qualified  for  teaching,  which  occupation  he  then  followed, 
devoting  his  leisure  time,  however,  to  the  study  of  the  law  with  Hon.  John 
Dickson,  of  West  Bloomfield,  N.  Y.,  then  member  of  Congress  from  Ontario 
county.  In  this  way  he  was  engaged  some  three  or  four  years,  when,  in  May, 
1835,  he  started  west. 

For  some  time  Mr.  Sadler  traveled  about,  visiting  various  localities,  but 
finally  settled  down  at  Sandusky  city.  He  entered  the  law  office  of  Francis  D. 
Parish,  where  he  further  prosecuted  his  legal  study  until  the  month  of  July,  1836, 
at  which  time  he  was  admitted  to  practice.  A partnership  was  then  formed 
with  Mr.  Parish,  which  relation  was  maintained  until  the  year  1847,  when  our 
subject  was  appointed  judge  of  the  Common  Pleas  Court  for  the  circuit  com- 
prising the  counties  of  Huron,  Erie,  Sandusky,  Ottawa,  Lucas,  Seneca,  Wood 
and  Henry.  By  the  adoption  of  the  new  constitution  of  1852,  Judge  Sadler 
was  legislated  out  of  office.  He  then  returned  to  his  profession  and  so  con- 
tinued until  his  appointment  as  postmaster  at  Sandusky  city,  in  which  capac- 
ity he  served  about  two  years,  but  was  then  removed  on  account  of  the  fact 
that  he  would  not  lend  himself  and  his  official  position  to  certain  political 
schemes,  and  A.  C.  Van  Tine  was  nominated  as  his  successor. 

In  1867  Judge  Sadler  was  nominated  and  elected  State  Senator,  serving 
in  the  Upper  House  of  the  Legislature  two  years.  After  his  term  expired  he 
returned  to  professional  work.  In  1875  he  formed  a law  partnership  with 
his  son,  Charles  W.  Sadler,  which  firm  relation  has  ever  since  been  main- 
tained. 

Homer  Goodwin.  This  well  known  member  of  the  Erie  county  bar  is  a 
native  of  Ohio,  born  on  the  15  th  day  of  October,  1819.  His  father  was  a phy- 
sician of  Burton,  Geauga  county,  but  resided  during  the  youth  of  our  subject, 
on  a farm,  and  here  Homer  passed  the  days  of  boyhood  and  youth.  He  re- 
ceived an  academic  education,  and  in  1840  entered  the  Western  Reserve  Col- 
lege, then  in  Summit  county,  where  he  pursued  a regular  classical  course  of 
study  and  was  graduated  in  July,  1844,  receiving  the  the  degrees  of  A.  B. 


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201 


and  A.  M.  He  then  read  the  law  under  the  instruction  of  Judge  Peter  Hitch- 
cock, a well  known  and  able  lawyer  of  Geauga  county,  but  during  his  legal 
studies  Mr.  Good-vyin  was,  for  a time,  engaged  in  teaching  school.  After  two 
years  at  Columbus,  O.,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  This  was  in  1846.  He 
at  once  commenced  practice  at  Burton,  but  in  June  of  the  following  year, 
1847,  came  to  Sandusky  and  became  a member  of  the  Erie  county  bar.  Dur- 
ing his  forty-two  years  of  practice  in  this  county  Mr.  Goodwin  has  been 
connected  with  many  of  the  most  important  cases  tried  therein. 

Hon.  John  Mackey.  Judge  Mackey  was  born  in  Warren  county.  New 
Jersey,  on  the  7th  of  January,  1818,  and  became  a resident  of  Milan  township, 
to  which  place  his  parents  and  family  moved  in  the  year  1837.  Our  subject 
was  educated  in  the  common  schools  and  the  academy  at  Milan,  and  com- 
menced, in  1843,  the  study  of  law  with  Lucas  S.  Beecher,  of  Sandusky,  still 
devoting,  however,  a portion  of  his  time  to  the  school-room  and  to  farm  work. 
At  Fremont,  in  the  year  1846,  he  was  admitted  to  practice  law  by  the  Su- 
preme Court  on  circuit.  After  his  admission  to  the  bar  and  before  he  com- 
menced practice,  Mr.  Mackey  engaged  in  an  enterprise  wholly  outside  the 
profession.  He,  with  others,  established  a daily  and  weekly  newspaper,  known 
as  the  Sandjisky  Mirror.  This  was  the  first  daily  paper  published  in  Erie 
county.  Mr.  Mackey’s  connection  with  the  Mirror  was  continued  up  to  the 
latter  part  of  the  year  1849,  at  which  time  he  opened  an  office  for  the  general 
practice  of  the  law.  His  first  partner  was  O.  C.  McLouth,  but  later  years 
found  him  professionally  associated  with  Hon.  Joseph  M.  Root,  and  afterwards 
with  Homer  Goodwin,  esq. 

From  the  year  1852  to  1856  Mr.  Mackey  held  the  office  of  prosecuting 
attorney  of  the  county.  In  the  spring  of  1880  he  was  appointed  judge  of  the 
Common  Pleas  Court  to  fill  the  vacancy  caused  by  the  death  of  Cooper  K. 
Watson,  and  at  the  next  general  election  he  was  elected  to  fill  Judge  Watson’s 
unexpired  term.  He  was,  upon  the  expiration  of  that  term,  re-elected 
for  a full  term  of  five  years.  After  his  last  term  upon  the  bench  had  expired 
Judge  Mackey  resumed  his  practice,  to  which  his  time  has  since  been  de- 
voted. 

Horatio  Wildman  was  a grandson  of  Zalmon  Wildman,  who  is  well  remem- 
bered as  having  been  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  town  of  Portland,  afterward 
Sandusky,  and  of  those  proprietors  he  was  the  largest  owner.  Horatio  Wild- 
man was  a native  of  Connecticut,  and  was  born  at  Danbury  on  the  lOth  of 
April,  1828.  His  parents  were  Frederick  S.  and  Julia  Wildman,  and  of  their 
five  children,  Horatio  was  the  oldest.  At  the  age  of  twenty  years  young 
Wildman  came  to  Sandusky,  at  which  place  his  father  had  an  extensive  land 
interest,  and  here  the  young  man  believed  was  a good  opening  for  business 
and  professional  engagements.  Prior  to  his  coming  here  he  had  graduated 
from  Yale  College,  and  had  also  read  law  with  Charles  Hawley,  of  Stamford, 


202 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Conn.  On  locating  at  the  county  seat  of  Erie  county  Mr.  Wildman  read  law 
with  Erancis  D.  Parish  for  about  one  year,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  at 
Mansfield  September  17,  1849. 

During  the  thirty-nine  years  of  Mr.  Wildman’s  professional  life  in  San- 
dusky city  he  has  not  been  without  some  political  ambition.  In  1851  he  was 
elected  mayor  of  the  city;  from  1856  to  1859  he  was  a member  of  the  board 
of  education,  and  from  1870  to  1879  he  filled  the  position  of  city  solicitor.  It 
was  during  the  latter  period  that  the  most  important  local  improvements  were 
made,  and  the  duties  of  his  office  were  indeed  onerous. 

Jacob  A.  Camp.  Mr.  Camp  was  born  at  Buffalo,  Erie  county,  N.  Y.,  on 
the  20th  of  July,  1823,  and  came  to  Sandusky  at  the  age  of  eleven  years. 
His  father  was  Major  John  G.  Camp,  than  whom,  in  connection  with  the  early 
land  transactions  of  the  vicinity,  no  man  bore  a more  active  part.  Jacob  A. 
Camp  was  graduated  from  Kenyon  College,  at  Gambler,  after  a regular  classi- 
cal course,  in  the  year  1847.  1848  he  entered  Harvard  Law  School  and 

remained  there  two  terms,  after  which  he  read  law  in  the  office  of  Reber  & 
Camp,  at  Sandusky,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1850  or  1851.  He  prac- 
ticed until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  of  1861-65,  when  he  was  made  pay- 
master and  so  continued  in  the  service  of  the  government  until  November, 
1865,  when  he  returned  to  his  professional  work  at  Sandusky.  About  four 
years  ago  Mr.  Camp  retired  from  active  practice,  still  retaining,  however,  an 
office  in  the  city. 

Jabez  G.  Bigelow  has  been  a member  of  the  Erie  county  bar  since  the  year 
1852.  He  was  a student  in  the  office  of  L.  S.  Beecher  for  two  years  prior  to 
his  admission  to  practice. 

Mr.  Bigelow  was  born  in  New  Lebanon,  N.  Y.,  on  the  7th  of  March,  1822.. 
His  father  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  and  the  family,  during  the  childhood 
of  our  subject,  emigrated  from  the  Empire  State  to  Michigan,  but  died  after  a 
residence  in  the  latter  State  of  a few  years.  Young  Bigelow  then  started  out  p 
to  make  his  own  way  in  life.  He  worked  on  a farm  and  attended  school 
when  an  opportunity  offered.  In  1844  he  entered  Oberlin  College  and  re- ^ 
mained  through  his  junior  year,  after  which  he  came  to  Sandusky  city  and 
commenced  a course  of  law  study  in  the  office  of  L.  S.  Beecher.  In  1852  he 
was  admitted  to  practice  and  at  once  opened  an  office  in  the  city,  where  he- 
has  since  made  a residence.  Mr.  Bigelow  was  appointed  the  first  revenue 
assessor  of  this  district,  about,  or  soon  after  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  and 
served  in  that  capacity  until  the  war  closed.  He  has  been  no  aspirant  for 
political  preferment  although  at  one  time  he  was  a member  of  the  city  council. 
Of  late  years  he  has  retired  from  the  active  work  of  the  profession. 

Arthur  Phinney  was  born  in  the  Pine  Tree  State,  Maine,  at  Gorham,  on  the 
28th  of  March,  1837.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  took  a preparatory  course 
at  Andover,  Mass.,  for  one  year,  after  which  he  entered  Dartmouth  College 


The  Bench  and  Bar. 


203 


and  remained  there  one  year.  He  then  left  and  entered  Yale  College  for  a 
regular  collegiate  course,  being  received,  on  account  of  his  advanced  standing, 
into  the  sophomore  class.  From  Yale  Mr.  Phinney  was  graduated  with  the 
class  of  ’64,  after  which  he  entered  the  scientific  department  of  the  sanitary 
commission,  under  Prof  B.  A.  Gould,  and  was  engaged  in  the  recruiting  de- 
partment for  the  navy  in  New  York  city,  but  one  year  later  was  transferred  to 
Washington  and  Alexandria,  where  he  remained  until  late  in  the  summer  of 
1865.  In  August  of  the  last  named  year  he  assumed  charge  of  the  Chester 
Academy,  Orange  county,  N.  Y.,  succeeding  Prof  Edward  Orton,  the  geolo- 
gist, now  of  Ohio,  but  who  was  former  principal  of  the  academy.  In  the  fall 
of  1867  Mr.  Phinney  came  to  Sandusky  to  take  charge  as  principal  of  the 
High  School,  which  position  he  held  until  the  spring  of  1870,  when  he  re- 
signed. He  then  became  a student  at  law  in  the  office  of  Homer  Goodwin, 
esq.,  where  he  remained  one  year,  after  which  he  entered  the  law  department 
of  the  University  of  Michigan,  at  Ann  Arbor,  but  was  not  graduated  from  that 
institution.  At  Columbus,  on  the  3d  of  December,  1872,  he  was  admitted  to 
practice. 

The  next  year  he  formed  a law  partnership  with  Judge  S.  F.  Taylor,  of 
Sandusky,  and  so  remained  associated  until  the  death  of  Mr.  Taylor  in  1882. 
In  1884  the  present  law  firm  of  Phinney  & Curran  was  formed. 

Samuel  C.  Wheeler  was  born  in  Fairfield  county,  this  State,  on  the  i6th  of 
September,  1828.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  commenced  alone  to  fight  the  bat- 
tle of  life,  and  being  dependent  for  a livelihood  upon  what  he  could  earn,  his 
early  education  was  necessarily  limited.  He  learned  the  trade  of  a saddler 
and  worked  at  it  for  some  years.  In  1853  he  came  to  Sandusky  and,  follow- 
ing the  advice  of  A.  W.  Hendry,  became  a law  student  in  the  office  of  that 
gentleman.  After  a course  of  study  of  three  years  duration  he  was,  in  the 
year  i860,  admitted  to  practice. 

On  the  3d  of  June,  1861,  Mr.  Wheeler  enlisted  in  Company  E,  of  the 
Seventh  Ohio  Infantry,  and  served  with  that  regiment  until  at  the  battle  at 
Port  Republic,  Va.,  on  the  9th  of  June,  1862,  he  was  wounded.  He  then  re- 
turned to  Sandusky,  but  was  not  discharged  from  the  service  until  March  26, 
1863.  Some  years  later  he  again  resumed  practice  and  has  so  continued  to 
the  present  time. 

Lewis  H.  Goodwin.  Major  Goodwin  was  born  in  Burton,  Geauga  county, 
O.,  on  the  29th  of  December,  1833.  He  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  the 
county,  and  at  the  age  of  sixteen  entered  the  Western  Reserve  College  at 
Hudson,  but  at  the  end  of  his  sophomore  year  the  college  was  broken  up  on 
account  of  a difficulty  between  the  president  and  faculty.  He  then  taught 
school  in  Geauga  county  for  some  months,  after  which  he  entered  the  junior 
class  of  Marietta  College,  from  which  institution  he  was  graduated  in  1854, 
receiving  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts. 


204 


History  of  Erie  County. 


After  graduation  Mr.  Goodwin  came  to  Sandusky  and  became  a law  stu- 
dent in  the  office  of  his  brother,  Homer  Goodwin,  esq.,  where  he  remained 
until  April,  1856,  when  he  was  admitted  to  practice.  He  then  went  to  Wabash, 
Ind.,  where  he  practiced  law  for  something  like  sixteen  years,  and  until  the 
outbreak  of  the  war. 

In  September,  1861,  Mr.  Goodwin  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  B of 
the  Forty-seventh  Indiana  Infantry,  but  while  in  camp  and  before  going  to 
the  front  he  was  elected  to  the  captaincy  of  the  company.  He  served  in  this 
capacity  until  October  following,  when  he  was  advanced  to  the  rank  of  major. 
At  the  battle  of  Champion’s  Hill,  May  16,  1863,  Major  Goodwin  was  wounded, 
but  did  not  retire  from  the  service. 

In  the  winter  of  1863,  his  ranking  officers  being  temporarily  absent.  Major 
Goodwin  veteranized  the  regiment,  and  this  was  among  the  very  first  of  the 
regiments  engaged  in  the  service  that  were  made  veterans.  In  the  month  of 
December,  1864,  our  subject  was  mustered  out  of  service,  after  which  he  re- 
turned to  Wabash  and  resumed  the  practice  of  law,  which  he  continued  until 
1874,  at  which  time,  on  account  of  the  fact  that  the  climate  disagreed  with  his 
family’s  health,  he  removed  to  Sandusky  and  formed  a law  partnership  with 
his  brother,  Homer  Goodwin,  esq.,  of  that  city.  In  1886  Linn  W.  Hull  came 
into  the  firm,  which  is  now  styled  Goodwin,  Goodwin  & Hull. 

Frederick  W.  Cogswell.  The  subject  of  this  brief  sketch  was  a native  of 
the  “Nutmeg”  State  of  Connecticut,  and  was  born  at  Woodbury,  Litchfield 
county.  His  early  education  was  received  in  the  common  schools  and  the 
academy,  after  which,  in  1843,  he  entered  Yale  College  for  the  full  course,  and 
was  graduated  therefrom  with  the  class  of  1847,  this  notwithstanding  the 
fact  that  during  this  term  he  was  prevented  by  sickness  from  prosecuting  his 
studies  one  full  year. 

In  1848  Mr.  Cogswell  became  a law  student  in  the  office  of  Hon.  Gideon 
Hall,  of  Winsted,  Conn.,  and  so  remained  about  one  year,  when  he  was  com- 
pelled by  ill-health  to  retire.  He  then  came  to  Cleveland,  O.,  for  medical 
treatment  at  the  water-cure  in  that  city.  After  about  two  years,  his  health 
being  restored,  Mr.  Cogswell  came  to  Sandusky  and  became  a student  in  the 
office  of  Beecher  & Leonard,  and  afterward  with  Homer  Goodwin,  esq.  At 
Norwalk,  in  the  fall  of  1852,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  He  soon  opened  an 
office  in  Sandusky  and  practiced  continuously  until  the  year  1864,  when  he  en- 
listed in  Company  B of  the  One  Hundred  and  Forty-fifth  Ohio  Infantry.  This 
was  a hundred-day  regiment,  and  with  it  our  subject  served  until  the  term  of 
enlistment  expired,  holding  during  the  term  a commission  as  second  lieu- 
tenant. 

During  his  years  of  practice  in  Erie  county  Mr.  Cogswell  has  not  been 
without  some  political  holdings.  For  several  years  he  held  the  office  of  city 
clerk;  in  1 860  he  was  elected  prosecuting  attorney  for  the  county  and  held 


The  Bench  and  Bar, 


205 


that  ofifice  until  1873,  and  it  was  during  his  incumbency  of  this  office  that  he 
entered  the  United  States  army  service,  leaving  the  work  of  his  office  to  be 
performed  by  a pro  tan.  appointee.  For  a number  of  years  Mr.  Cogswell  has 
held  the  position  of  United  States  commissioner  ; also,  for  many  years  he  was 
one  of  the  cemetery  trustees. 

Aside  from  his  professional  work  he  has  dealt  somewhat  in  real  estate,  and 
is  otherwise  interested  in  the  Kelley’s  Island  Wine  Company,  and  in  the  ice 
business  at  Sandusky. 

Hon.  E.  M.  Colver.  Judge  Colver  was  born  in  the  Empire  State,  but 
while  yet  young  his  parents  moved  to  Ohio  and  took  up  their  residence  at 
Norwalk,  the  county  seat  of  Huron  county.  Here  our  subject  received  his 
early  education — at  the  common  schools  and  academy.  In  the  year  1858 
he  entered  the  law  department  of  the  Cincinnati  College  and  was  graduated  in 
1859.  He  had  read  law  under  the  instruction  of  Hon.  Caleb  B.  Smith,  a 
member  of  Mr.  Lincoln’s  cabinet  during  his  first  administration.  In  April, 
1859,  Mr.  Colver  became  a member  of  the  legal  fraternity,  and  soon  thereafter 
located  for  practice  at  Perrysburg,  Wood  county. 

On  the  2d  of  September,  1861,  he  was  mustered  into  the  service  as  first 
lieutenant  of  Company  B of  the  Third  Ohio  Cavalry.  Erom  the  rank  of  lieu- 
tenant he  was,  in  October,  1862,  promoted  to  captain  of  Company  K,  and  as 
such  was  in  command  of  the  Third  Battalion.  In  December,  1863,  vet- 
eranized with  the  regiment  while  at  Pulaski,  Tenn.  He  resigned  in  November, 
1864,  and  came  to  Sandusky  city  for  the  purpose  of  recruiting  a cavalry  regi- 
ment under  orders  from  the  war  department.  Others  were  engaged  with 
Captain  Colver  in  this  work,  and  it  was  but  a short  time  before  they  had  en- 
listed a regiment  of  cavalry  thirteen  hundred  strong.  Captain  Colver  did  not 
again  enter  the  service,  but  opened  a law  office  in  Sandusky  city,  where  he 
has  ever  since  resided. 

In  1868  he  was  elected  city  solicitor  and  held  that  position  two  years.  In 
1869  he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  probate  judge  of  the  county,  taking  his 
seat  in  February,  1870.  He  was  twice  re-elected  and  served  in  all  three  terms 
of  three  years  each.  Upon  the  expiration  of  his  last  term  Judge  Colver  formed 
a law  partnership  with  J.  L.  De  Witt,  which  was  continued  until  the  last  named 
person  was  elected  mayor  of  the  city.  A new  partnership  was  then  formed 
with  Philip  C.  Schenkel,  under  the  name  of  Colver  & Schenkel,  but  subse- 
quently Edmund  B.  King  became  one  of  the  firm  and  the  style  was  then 
changed  to  Colver,  Schenkel  & King.  Mr.  Schenkel  died  in  1886,  since  which 
time  the  remaining  partners  have  been  associated  professionally,  and  are  now 
recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  law  firms  of  the  city  and  county. 

Omar  Bailey  was  born  in  Vermont,  the  Green  Mountain  State,  on  the  i8th 
day  of  December,  1834.  When  less  than  a year  old  his  parents  moved  to 
Ohio,  and  became  residents  of  Lorain  count}^  Omar  attended  the  common 
27 


206 


History  of  Erie  County. 


schools  of  the  locality  in  which  his  parents  lived,  and  when  of  sufficient  age  he 
entered  Oberlin  College,  where  he  remained  two  years,  but  did  not  graduate 
from  that  institution.  His  early  law  studies  were  prosecuted  in  the  office  of 
Messrs.  Plum  & Plum,  where  he  read  for  more  than  two  years.  He  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  bar  at  Columbus  on  the  14th  of  December,  1863. 

Mr.  Bailey  practiced  law  for  a few  years  in  Lorain  county,  and  in  the  fall 
of  1868  went  to  Iowa,  where  he  remained  three  years.  On  returning  to  Olho 
he  opened  an  office  at  Norwalk,  Huron  county,  and  lived  and  practiced  at  that 
place  until  the  month  of  September,  1863,  at  which  time  he  came  to  Sandusky. 

His  practice  is  general,  but  if  there  is  any  class  of  cases  for  which  he  has  a 
preference,  it  is  in  that  branch  of  the  profession  usually  called  criminal  practice. 

John  T.  Beecher,  son  of  Lucas  S.  Beecher,  was  born  in  Sandusky  on  the 
23d  of  July,  1831.  His  early  education  was  obtained  in  the  schools  of  his  na- 
tive town,  after  which  he  attended  the  academy  at  Mt.  Vernon,  O.,  and  still 
later,  for  a time,  Kenyon  College,  at  Gambler,  Knox  county.  His  study  of 
the  law  commenced  almost  at  the  same  time  with  his  education,  but  it  was  not 
until  he  left  Kenyon  College  that  he  became  a regular  law  student  in  the  office 
of  his  father.  He  was  admitted  to  the  bar  on  the  i ith  of  October,  1853,  and  | 
immediately  became  interested  in  his  father’s  practice,  an  association  that  con- 
tinued until  the  death  of  the  latter,  some  few  years  ago. 

In  1883  Mr.  Beecher  formed  a law  partnership  with  Hon.  Thomas  P.  Linne- 
frock,  of  Lremont,  O.,  which  relation  has  ever  since  been  maintained.  During 
the  years  1879  and  1880  Mr.  Beecher  filled  the  office  of  city  solicitor  of  San- 
dusky. 

Ulysses  T.  Curran.  By  far  the  greater  of  the  years  of  this  man,  since  the  i 
days  of  youth,  have  been  devoted  to  the  school-room,  either  in  the  capacity 
of  student  or  teacher,  and  it  was  not  until  the  year  1884  that  he  beceme  an 
active  member  of  the  legal  profession,  although  he  was  admitted  to  practice  in 
1872. 

Mr.  Curran  was  born  at  Harrisburg,  the  capital  of  the  Keystone  State,  on 
the  7th  day  March,  1834.  His  education  was  obtained  at  the  Miami  Univer- 
sity, at  Oxford  in  this  State,  his  parents  and  family  having  become  residents, 
of  Brown  county  in  1840.  He  was  graduated  from  this  institution  in  1856, 
and  then  received  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts. 

Lor  the  three  years  next  succeeding  his  graduation  Mr.  Curran  was  en- 
gaged as  assistant  superintendent  of  public  schools  at  Ripley,  in  Brown  county^ 
and  at  the  same  time  engaged  in  teaching.  He  then  became  principal  of  the 
academy  at  Harford,  Ohio  county,  Ky.,  and  remained  there  until  the  outbreak  , 
of  the  war,  when,  from  the  fact  that  he  was  not  in  sympathy  with  the  great  mass 
of  the  people  of  that  State,  he  was  compelled  to  leave,  and  leave  quickly  too. 
Lrom  there  he  moved  to  La  Layette,  Ind.,  where  he  opened  a select  school, 
but  this  was  not  a'successful  enterprise.  During  his  residence  there  Mr.  Cur- 


The  Bench  and  Bar. 


207 


ran  was  constantly  watched,  as  he  was  known  to  have  come  from  Kentucky. 
False  reports  were  circulated  concerning  him,  and  he  was,  for  a long  time,  be- 
lieved to  be  an  emissary  of  the  secessionists,  but  before  leaving  the  place  peo- 
ple became  fully  satisfied  of  his  loyalty  and  integrity.  After  residing  at  La 
Fayette  for  about  a year  Mr.  Curran  returned  to  Ohio  and  became  superintend- 
ent of  the  public  schools  of  Middletown,  where  he  remained  for  three  years, 
but  then  went  to  Glendale  and  became  principal  of  the  academy  at  that  place. 
Again  after  another  three  years  had  elapsed  he  established  what  proved  to  be 
a very  successful  school  at  Cincinnati,  for  the  preparation  of  young  men  for 
Flarvard  and  Yale  Colleges. 

It  was  during  his  residence  at  Cincinnati  that  Mr.  Curran  read  law  under 
the  direction  of  Major  L.  M.  Hosea,  a leading  attorney  of  that  city.  This  study 
was  supplemented  by  a course  in  the  law  department  of  the  Cincinnati  Univer- 
sity, after  which,  in  1872,  he  was  admitted  to  practice  in  the  courts  of  the  State. 
Soon  after  this  he  came  to  Sandusky  and  accepted  the  position  of  superintend- 
ent of  the  public  schools,  which  he  held  for  eight  years,  but  on  account  of  the 
adoption  of  certain  books  to  be  used  in  the  schools,  a heated  and  bitter  con- 
troversy was  created,  during  which  our  subject  resigned  his  position.  In  1844 
the  law  partnership  of  Plinney  & Curran  was  formed. 

Horatio  N.  Shipman  was  born  in  the  town  of  Essex,  Chittenden  county, 
Vt.,  on  the  3d  of  June,  1829.  When  he  was  less  than  four  years  of  age  his 
parents  left  Vermont  and  came  to  Trumbull  county,  O. 

The  early  education  of  young  Shipman  was  obtained  at  the  district  schools 
of  the  vicinity  in  which  his  parents  lived,  and  on  account  of  the  need  of  his  ser- 
vice on  the  farm,  his  study  was  limited  to  a small  part  of  the  year.  At  the 
age  of  twenty-five  he  commenced  reading  law  with  Charles  A.  Harring,  of 
Trumbull  county,  but  he  was  soon  obliged  to  withdraw  from  the  office  as  he 
had  not  sufficient  means  to  maintain  himself  He  then  returned  to  farm  work 
and  devoted  his  leisure  time  to  the  study  of  Blackstone,  Kent  and  Greenley, 
having  purchased  the  books  for  the  purpose  of  qualifying  himself  for  the  legal 
profession.  In  August,  1854,  he  came  to  Berlinville,  Erie  county,  and  en- 
gaged in  teaching  school  fora  number  of  terms,  but  in  the  fall  of  1857  he  went 
to  Norwalk,  where  he  became  a student  in  the  office  of  T.  R.  Strong.  In  June, 
1 857,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  and  located  for  practice  at  Milan,  in  this  county. 

In  the  fall  of  1861  Mr.  Shipman  recruited  Company  C,  of  the  Fifty- fifth 
Ohio  Infantry,  and  was  made  its  captain.  He  served  for  about  two  }"ears. 
With  the  exception  of  this  time  he  has  been  in  constant  practice  at  Milan. 

Hon.  James  L.  De  Witt,  one  of  the  present  judges  of  the  Common  Pleas 
Court  of  this  subdivision,  was  born  in  Perkins  township,  in  this  county,  on  the 
20th  of  September,  1848.  He  was  educated  at  the  district  schools  of  Perkins, 
and  at  the  age  of  nineteen  became  a student  at  the  Buckeye  Commercial  Col- 
lege, at  Sandusky,  where  he  remained  one  winter.  At  twenty  he  attended 


208 


History  of  Erie  County. 


“ Job  Fish’s  School”  at  Berlin  Heights,  in  this  county,  where  he  remained  some 
time.  He  then  taught  school  in  the  county  for  five  or  six  years,  but  between 
terms  attended  Oberlin  College.  While  teaching  he  devoted  his  leisure  to 
reading  elementary  law  works.  He  read  law  regularly  with  Hon.  John  Mackey 
and  with  Homer  Goodwin,  esq.,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  at  Sandusky,  in 
March,  1873,  but  devoted  more  time  to  teaching  school  than  to  the  practice 
until  the  year  1875.  The  next  year  Mr.  De  Witt  moved  to  Sandusky,  and 
thenceforth  continued  his  practice  until  the  spring  of  1883,  at  which  time  he 
was  elected  mayor  of  the  city.  In  this  office  he  served  two  terms.  During 
his  second  candidacy  no  nomination  was  made  against  him.  In  the  fall  of 
1886  our  subject  became  the  candidate  of  his  party  ( Democratic)  for  the  of- 
fice of  judge  of  the  Common  Pleas.  He  was  elected  and  assumed  his  duties 
as  such  in  February,  1887. 

Charles  Webb  Sadler  was  born  in  Sandusky,  August  27,  1848.  After  an 
early  education  at  the  Sandusky  High  School,  he,  in  1865,  entered  Kenyon 
College,  and  after  a four  years’  course  was  graduated  thereform  in  1869.  He 
then  read  law  in  the  office  of  his  father,  Hon.  E.  B.  Sadler,  of  Sandusky,  but 
supplemented  his  legal  study  with  a year’s  attendance  at  the  Columbia  Faw 
School  of  New  York  city.  In  1875  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  and  immedi- 
ately commenced  practice  at  Sandusky  city,  in  partnership  with  his  father. 

Cyrus  B.  Winters,  the  present  prosecuting  attorney  for  Erie  county,  became 
a resident  lawyer  of  Sandusky  in  1881,  and  in  the  fall  of  that  same  year  was 
elected  to  the  office  he  now  holds.  His  first  vote  in  the  county  was  cast  at  the 
polls  of  the  election  by  which  he  was  chosen  to  that  office.  His  successor  will 
be  elected  in  November,  1888. 

Mr.  Winters  was  born  in  Sandusky  county  on  the  5 th  of  July,  1849.  Aside 
from  a common  school  education  he  was  for  some  time  at  the  Western  Reserve 
Normal  School,  at  Milan,  but  was  not  graduated.  He  then  read  law  with  A. 
B.  Putman,  commencing  in  1873,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1876.  From 
this  time  until  about  1880,  he  was  deputy  clerk  of  the  courts  and  deputy  sher- 
iff of  Sandusky  county,  but  at  the  time  named  he  went  to  Eaton  Rapids,  Mich., 
where  he  practiced  about  one  year.  In  1881  Mr.  Winters  came  to  Sandusky 
city,  and  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  was  elected  public  prosecutor. 

Edmund  B.  King  became  a resident  lawyer  of  Sandusky  in  the  year  1875, 
but  his  admission  to  practice  dates  two  years  earlier.  He  is  now  prominently 
connected  with  the  local  military  organization  of  the  city,  being  the  command- 
ant of  the  Sandusky  Guards. 

Mr.  King  was  born  at  Montzelle,  Medina  county,  O.,  on  the  4th  of  July, 
1850.  He  was  brought  up  on  a farm,  at  work  and  attending  school  in  season, 
until  he  reached  the  age  of  twenty.  He  attended  Oberlin  College  one  year 
and  also  Baldwin  University,  at  Berea,  for  two  years. 

From  1871  to  1873  Mr.  King  read  law  with  George  Knapp,  also  Messrs. 


The  Bench  and  Bar. 


209 


Wickham  & Wildman,  of  Norwalk,  but  during  these  years  his  time  was  in  part 
occupied  in  teaching  school.  In  August,  1873,  at  Elyria,  Lorain  county,  he 
was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  was  elected  prosecut- 
ing attorney  of  the  county  of  Medina,  but  before  the  expiration  of  his  term  of 
office  he  resigned  and  came  to  Sandusky  City.  Here  he  formed  a law  part- 
nership with  W.  W.  Bowen,  esq.,  with  whom  he  was  associated  about  two 
years,  after  which  he  became  the  junior  partner  of  the  firm  of  Taylor,  Phinney 
& King.  Three  years  later  the  firm  of  King  & Sloane  was  formed,  and  con- 
tinued five  years.  After  practicing  alone  for  one  year,  Mr.  King  became  one 
of  the  firm  of  Colver,  Schenkel  & King.  Mr.  Schenkel  died  in  1886,  and  the 
firm  then  became  Colver  & King. 

Charles  H.  Cramer  was  born  in  Seneca  county,  O.  He  attended  school 
at  Whitehall,  in  that  county,  and  afterwards  entered  the  college  at  Tiffin  for 
one  year,  but  did  not  graduate.  He  was  admitted  to  practice  at  Mansfield,  O., 
and  became  a resident  of  Sandusky  in  1881,  in  which  city  he  has  since  resided 
and  practiced  the  law. 

Walter  W.  Bowen  was  born  at  Akron,  in  this  State,  in  September,  1849. 
He  was  educated  at  Oberlin  College  and  the  Baldwin  University  ; read  law  in 
the  office  of  Messrs  Walker  & Bailey,  of  Norwalk,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar 
at  Elyria,  Lorain  county,  in  1873.  The  next  year,  1874,  he  came  to  practice 
in  Sandusky. 

In  1876  Mr.  Bowen  was  elected  as  prosecuting  attorney  of  Erie  county, 
and  filled  that  office  two  years  ; and  again,  from  July,  1880,  to  January,  1881,. 
he  held  the  same  position.  In  the  last  named  year  he  was  elected  to  the  office 
of  city  solicitor,  and  re-elected  at  the  expiration  of  his  first  term. 

Grayson  Mills  was  born  in  the  city  of  Sandusky.  He  was  educated  at 
Kenyon  College,  at  Gambler,  and  graduated  from  the  Columbia  Law  College, 
of  New  York  City,  in  the  year  1876.  Eor  about  two  years  he  practiced  at 
Cincinnati,  but  came  to  Sandusky  in  1878. 

From  1881  to  1883  Mr.  Mills  filled  the  office  of  prosecuting  attorney  of 
this  county,  and  since  that  time  has  been  engaged  in  the  general  practice. 

John  P.  Stein.  Mr.  Stein  was  born  in  Milan  township  of  this  county,  in 
the  year  1858.  He  was  educated  at  the  Milan  Normal  School,  and  came  to 
Sandusky  and  entered  the  office  of  J.  W.  Tilly,  as  a student  at  law.  This 
course  was  supplemented  by  further  study  in  the  law  department  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Michigan,  at  Ann  Arbor,  after  which,  in  1881,  he  was  admitted  to 
the  bar.  Two  years  later  he  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace,  the  duties  of 
which  office  were  performed  in  connection  with  his  professional  work. 

George  C.  Beis,  the  present  city  solicitor,  of  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Lucas 
county  on  the  12th  of  September,  1861.  His  early  education  was  received  in 
the  common  and  high  schools  of  his  native  county,  after  which  he  became  a 
law  student  in  the  office  of  Scribner,  Hurd  & Scribner,  of  Toledo.  He  after- 


210 


History  of  Erie  County. 


ward  attended  the  University  of  Michigan,  and  was  graduated  with  the  class 
of  1883.  In  the  same  year  he  came  to  Sandusky  and  opened  an  office  for 
practice.  In  the  spring  of  1885  Mr.  Beis  was  elected  city  solicitor,  and  re- 
elected in  1887. 

Linn  W.  Hull,  the  junior  partner  of  the  law  firm  of  Goodwin,  Goodwin  & 
Hull,  is  a native  of  this  county,  born  in  Perkins  township  April  9,  1856.  He 
was  educated  at  Oberlin  and  Union  Colleges  and  at  Cornell  University,  but 
was  not  graduated  from  either  of  these  institutions.  He  took  a course  at  the 
law  school  at  Cincinnati,  ahd  was  graduated  in  1883  and  admitted  to  practice. 
Prior  to  that  time  he  had  read  law  with  Taylor  & Finney,  also  Homer  and 
Lewis  H.  Goodwin,  of  Sandusky  City.  In  1886  Mr.  Hull  became  a partner  in 
the  present  firm. 

Fred  Reinheimer  was  born  in  Sandusky  in  1843.  During  the  war  he  en- 
listed in  the  Eighth  Infantry  and  still  later  in  the  Third  Cavalry.  He  read  law 
in  the  office  of  J.  G.  Bigelow,  and  was  admitted  to  practice  in  1873,  since  which 
time  he  has  practiced  in  Sandusky. 

Hewson  L.  Peeke  was  born  at  South  Bend,  Ind.,  April  20,  1861.  He 
graduated  from  the  Chicago  High  School  in  1878,  after  which  he  entered  Wil- 
liams College,  and  was  graduated  therefrom  in  1882.  He  then  read  law  with 
Tagert  & Cutting,  of  Chicago,  for  one  year,  after  which  he  went  to  Dakota 
and  practiced  law  for  a time.  In  1883  he  returned  east  and  read  law  with 
Homer  Goodwin,  esq.,  of  Sandusky,  and  was  admitted  to  practice  in  January, 
1885.  He  located  at  Sandusky. 

Mr.  Peeke  is  a strong  Prohibitionist.  He  was  the  candidate  of  the  Prohi- 
bitionists for  common  pleas  judge  in  1886,  and  again  the  candidate  of  the  same 
party  for  circuit  judge  in  the  fall  of  1887. 

William  A.  Childs  was  born  in  this  State  November  2,  1857  ; read  law  in 
the  office  of  Hon.  Allen  M.  Knox,  of  Conneaut,  after  which  he  entered  the 
Albany  Law  School,  at  Albany,  N.  Y.,  and  was  graduated  in  February,  1880. 
During  the  same  month  he  was  admitted  to  practice  in  Ohio.  For  a time  he 
practiced  at  Conneaut  and  came  to  Erie  county,  locating  at  Vermillion,  in  1882. 
He  has  twice  been  elected  justice  of  the  peace,  and  also  served  two  years  as 
mayor  of  Vermillion. 

W.  B.  Starbird,  the  present  associate  editor  of  the  Milan  Advertise^',  was 
born  in  New  York  State.  He  commenced  the  study  of  the  law  at  the  age  of 
nineteen  years,  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  at  the  age  of  twenty-four.  • He 
commenced  practice  in  1882,  but  in  connection  with  it,  has  for  the  last  three 
years  held  the  position  of  associate  editor  of  the  Advertiser. 

Among  the  members  of  the  Erie  county  bar,  there  may  be  mentioned  the 
names  of  others  who  have  been  in  active  practice  during  the  few  years  last 
past,  but  whose  efforts  are  now  directed  in  other  channels  of  trade  or  profes- 
sion : Thomas  M.  Sloane,  Gottlieb  Stroebel,  Benjamin  F.  Lee,  Charles  L.  Hub- 


The  Medical  Profession. 


21  I 


bard,  Rush  R.  Sloane,  Lester  Hubbard,  C.  C.  Bittner,  H.  S.  Kellogg,  Herman 
Ohly,  now  in  an  insane  asylum  ; and  possibly  a few  others  whose  names  can- 
not now  be  recalled. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

THE  MEDICAL  PROFESSION. 

INTRODUCTORY  observations. ^ “ When  we  consider  the  importance  and 

elevated  character  of  the  science  of  medicine  — its  object,  the  preservation 
of  the  health  and  lives,  and  the  healing  of  diseases,  and  the  amelioration  of  the 
physical  and  mental  sufferings  of  our  fellow  human  beings — its  extent  embrac- 
ing a knowledge  of  all  science — it  is  evident  that  medical  education  should 
engage  the  earnest  attention  of  the  entire  medical  profession.  The  advances 
made  in  all  the  branches  of  knowledge,  and  especially  in  the  science  of  medi- 
cine during  the  past  century,  have  exceeded  in  extent  and  value  those  oU all 
past  ages  ; and  it  is  no  longer  possible  to  compress  its  vast  domain  within  the 
narrow  limits  of  ‘ seven  Professorships.''  The  present  age  owes  its  wonderful 
progress  to  experimental  a7id  scie7itific  research. 

“ Evolution  and  development  are  the  talismanic  watchwords  of  the  nine- 
teenth century,  and  the  doctrine  is  being  accepted  that  things  in  the  world  do 
grow,  and  are  not  made;  it  is  no  longer  generally  accepted  as  a matter  of 
religious  faith  that  the  universe  was  created  by  supernatural  power,  for  many 
of  our  deepest  thinkers,  men  of  the  most  profound  understanding,  believe  that 
it  has  been  gradually  unfolded  by  the  action  of  natural  causes.  But,  not  wish- 
ing to  be  accused  of  heresy,  it  may  be  stated  that,  whether  the  theory  be 
according  to  Darwin  or  Hackel  or  Spencer,  or  some  other  philosopher,  the 
law  will  be  the  same  in  any  case,  and  away  back,  behind  ‘protoplasm,’  ‘ger- 
minal matter,’  and  ‘cellular  germ'  there  exists  abundant  proof  of  a ‘ First 
Great  Cause,’  of  an  ‘ Infinite  wisdom,’  for  the  depth  of  which,  language  has  no 
expression.  A great  flood  of  light  on  this  subject  is  now  pouring  forth  on 
the  world,  but  its  acceptation  as  a convincing  truth  rests  in  a great  measure 
wholly  with  the  individual.” 

‘’‘The  world,”  says  Goethe,  ‘‘  is  not  so  framed  that  it  can  keep  quiet.”  All 
the  natural  energies  are  brought  into  full  force  by  the  spirit  of  enterprise,  by 
the  spirit  of  progress.  The  telegraph  wires  wipe  out  all  territorial  boundaries, 
and  railways  penetrate  the  utmost  confines  of  the  earth,  and  by  them  States 
and  territories  are  bound  fast  together  in  one  web. 


From  selected  sketches.  “ Qid  facit  per  alium,  facit  per  se.’’ 


212 


History  of  Erie  County. 


“The  Bible,”  says  Gail  Hamilton,  “is  full  of  excellent  precepts,  and  the 
world  is  full  of  bad  examples.  If  a man  smite  us  on  the  right  cheek,  we  — 
knock  him  down.  If  a man  sues  us  at  law,  we  stand  suit,  and  if  he  would  bor- 
row of  us  we  promptly  turn  away,  unless  he  can  give  ample  security.” 

Science  and  enterprise  have  spanned  the  continent  with  electric  wires, 
cabled  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  given  us  the  measurements  of  revolving  planets, 
spread  forth  the  canvas  to  the  gale,  and  made  the  trackless  ocean  a highway 
through  the  world.  By  the  use  of  scientific  and  cunningly  devised  instru- 
ments bleak  skies  and  rude  winds  are  foreseen,  and  the  navigator  places  him 
in  safety.  The  electric  light  has  displaced  gas  as  effectually  as  the  latter  did 
the  “ tallow  dip,”  and  is  established  upon  a secure  commercial  basis.  School- 
houses,  churches,  newspapers,  and  books  open  up  to  the  poorest  the  lights 
and  opportunities  of  knowledge. 

The  wealth  of  nations  increases  and  we  see  all  the  arts  of  life  approaching 
nearer  and  nearer  perfection.  In  science,  art  and  literature  each  succeeding 
generation  is  wiser  than  its  predecessor.  The  mistakes  of  past  experience 
serve  as  beacon-lights  to  warn  us  off  the  rocks  of  error  and  lead  us  to  the  port 
of  truth. 

The  great  and  wide  advancement  in  the  different  branches  of  medical 
science  within  the  last  generation  is  as  much  a marvel  as  the  progress  made  in 
any  other  of  the  arts  and  sciences.  The  poorest  laborer  can  now  obtain  ad- 
vice and  medicine  far  superior  to  that  which  royalty  could  command  one  or 
two  centuries  ago. 

“ The  advance  in  medical  knowledge  within  one’s  memory,”  says  Sir  James 
Paget,  “ is  amazing,  whether  reckoned  in  the  wonders  of  science  not  yet  ap- 
plied, or  in  practical  results,  in  the  general  lengthening  of  life,  or,  which  is 
still  better,  in  the  prevention  and  decrease  of  pain  and  misery,  and  in  the  in- 
crease of  working  power. 

“The  dawning  of  medical  science,  which  now  sheds  its-light  through  the 
world,  began  with  Hippocrates  nearly  twenty-three  hundred  years  ago,  and 
he  first  treated  of  medicine  with  anything  like  sound  or  rational  principles. 
He  wrote  extensively,  much  of  which  has  been  translated,  and  serves  as  a 
foundation  for  the  succeeding  literature  of  the  profession.  He  relied  chiefly 
upon  the  healing  powers  of  nature,  his  remedies,  being  exceedingly  simple. 
He  taught  that  ‘ the  people  ’ ought  not  to  load  themselves  with  excrements, 
or  keep  them  in  too  long;  and  for  this  reason  he  prescribed  ‘ meats  proper  for 
loosening  the  belly,’  and  if  these  failed  he  directed  the  use  of  the  clysters. 

“Three  hundred  years  before  Christ,  Erasistratus  invented  and  used  the 
catheter,  introduced  the  tourniquet,  and  produced  an  instrument  for  lithotriptic 
operations.  Celsus  flourished  A.  D.  50  to  120  as  the  greatest  of  Roman  sur- 
geons. 

“Through  the  centuries  from  the  beginning  of  the  Christian  era  down  to 


The  Medical  Profession. 


213 


the  time  of  the  discovery  of  the  circulation  of  the  blood  by  Harvey,  1619, 
medicine  shed  but  a glimmering  light  in  the  midst  of  the  darkness  then  en- 
shrouding the  world,  and  the  greatest  strides  in  the  advancement  of  the  vari- 
ous branches  of  medical  science  have  been  made  in  the  last  one  hundred 
years,  and  most  of  them  may  be  placed  to  the  credit  of  the  last  half  century. 

“ Physiologists  no  longer  believe  with  Paracelsus  in  the  sixteenth  century, 
that  the  planets  have  a direct  controlling  action  upon  the  body,  the  sun  upon 
the  heart,  and  the  moon  upon  the  brain ; nor  do  they  now  believe  that  the 
vital  spirits  are  prepared  in  the  brain  by  distillation  ; nor  do  they  admit  that 
the  chyle  effervesces  in  the  heart  under  the  influence  of  salt  and  sulphur,  which 
take  fire  together  and  produce  the  vital  flame.  On  the  contrary  modern  physi- 
ology teaches  that  the  phenomena  of  the  living  body  are  the  result  of  physical 
and  chemical  changes ; the  temperature  of  the  blood  is  ascertained  by  the 
thermometer,  and  the  different  fluids  and  gases  of  the  body  are  analyzed  by 
the  chemist,  giving  to  each  its  own  properties  and  function. 

“ While  the  eighteenth  century  witnessed  greater  advancement  in  the  de- 
partment of  medical  science  than  any  or  all  its  predecessors,  the  crowning 
achievements  seem  to  have  been  reserved  for  the  nineteenth  — the  present 
century.  Among  the  thousands  of  elements  that  comprise  this  century’s 
advance  in  medical  science  mention  will  be  made  of  but  one,  and  that  among 
the  first  discoveries,  i.  e.,  the  use  of  anesthetics,  which  benumb  the  nerves  of 
sensation,  and  produce  a profound,  but  transient  state  of  insensibility,  in 
which  the  most  formidable  operation  may  be  performed  while  the  patient  sleeps 
and  dreams  of  home  and  happy  hours,  and  the  physician  is  left  to  the  pleasing 
reflection  that  he  is  causing  no  pain  or  suffering.” 

But  it  appears  that  as  rapid  as  has  been  this  advance  during  the  last  hun- 
dred years,  so,  correspondingly,  have  there  developed  new  forms  and  phases 
of  disease  to  baffle  the  skill  of  the  most  eminent  physicians  and  scientists  in 
the  land  ; and  while  diseases  malarious  in  their  character,  have  for  a time  de- 
fied the  attempts  to  overcome  them,  they  have,  nevertheless,  been  subdued 
and  conquered.  Medical  skill  has  proved  equal  to  every  emergency. 

There  is,  to-day,  known  to  botanists  over  one  hundred  and  fort)^  thousand 
plants,  a large  proportion  of  which  are  being  constantly  added  to  the  already 
appalling  list  of  new  remedies.  Many  of  these  new  drugs  possess  little,  if  any 
virtue,  save  as  their  sale  adds  to  the  exchequer  of  some  enterprising  pharma- 
cist. A drug  house  of  this  State  recently  issued  a circular,  in  which  they  ad- 
vertised 33  syrups,  42  elixirs,  93  solid  extracts,  150  sugar-coated  pills,  236 
tinctures,  245  roots,  barks,  herbs,  seeds  and  flowers,  322  fluid  extracts  and  348 
general  drugs  and  chemicals. 

“ The  ancients  were  not  so  well  supplied  with  drugs.  It  was  the  custom 
among  the  Babylonians  to  expose  the  sick  to  the  view  of  passengers,  in  order 
to  learn  of  them  whether  they  had  been  afflicted  with  a like  distemper,  and 
28 


214 


History  of  Erie  County. 


by  what  remedies  they  had  been  cured.  It  was  also  the  custom  of  those  days  | 
for  all  persons  who  had  been  sick,  and  were  cured,  to  put  up  a tablet  in  the 
temple  of  Esculapius,  wherein  they  gave  an  account  of  the  remedies  that  had 
restored  them  to  health.  Prior  to  the  time  of  Hippocrates  all  medicine  was  in 
the  hands  of  priests,  and  was  associated  with  numerous  superstitions,  such  as 
sympathetic  ointments  applied  to  the  weapon  with  which  a wound  was  made, 
incantations,  charms,  amulets,  the  royal  touch  for  the  cure  of  scrofula,  human 
or  horse  flesh  for  the  cure  of  epilepsy,  convulsions  treated  with  human  brains. 

“ While  all  this  credulous  superstition  of  early  ages,  born  of  ignorance,  ex- 
isted to  a vastly  large  extent,  it  has  not  been  fully  wiped  out  by  the  generally 
advanced  education  of  the  present  day.  The  latest  appeal  to  the  credulity  of 
the  masses  of  the  people  is  an  invention  to  relieve  the  unfortunate  sick,  and  is 
known  as  ‘ the  Faith  Cure.’  The  persons  seeking  to  popularize  this  means 
of  cure  are  either  deceived  themselves,  or  are  deceiving  others.  Upon  this 
point  says  a popular  writer:  If  the  disease  be  an  incurable  one,  all  the  prayers 
in  the  world  will  not  cure  it.  Filth  brings  fever  ; prayer  cannot  interpose. 

“There  is  probably  no  department  of  medicine  at  the  present  time  more 
promising  of  good  results  than  is  sanitary  science.  While  physiology  and 
pathology  are  making  known  to  us  the  functions  of  the  human  body,  and  the 
nature  and  cause  of  disease,  sanitary  science  is  steadily  teaching  how  the 
causes  of  disease  may  be  removed  or  avoided,  and  health  thereby  secured. 
This  knowledge  is  of  the  greatest  practical  importance  to  all,  and  especially  to 
the  people  of  this  county  where,  upon  not  less  than  four  occasions,  have  there 
been  visitations  of  the  dreaded  cholera,  and,  save  upon  the  first  of  these,  swept 
the  inhabitants  away  like  chaff  before  the  wind.  But  the  probabilities  of  a 
future  cholera  epidemic  are  very  materially  lessened  by  the  greatly  improved 
sanitary  condition  of  Sandusky  in  the  introduction  of  a complete  system  of 
trunk  and  lateral  sewers,  and  the  provision  of  an  excellent  water  supply,  by 
which  the  use  of  the  old  wells  was  discarded,  and  the  sewage  matter  carried 
by  force  of  the  water  to  points  beyond  the  possibility  of  injury. 

“ Progress  during  the  coming  one  hundred  years,  if  only  equal  to  that  of 
the  past,  will  more  than  have  accomplished  great  ryorks  in  the  advancement  of 
sanitary  science ; but  the  accomplishment  of  this  work  calls,  not  only  for  the 
labor  of  the  physician,  but  for  the  intelligent  co-operation  of  the  people.  The 
physician  cannot  do  it  alone.  If  anything  really  great  is  to  be  done  in  the  way 
of  sanitary  improvement,  and  of  preventing  disease  and  death,  it  must  be  done 
largely  by  the  people  themselves.  This  implies  that  they  must  be  instructed 
in  sanitary  matters.  They  must  be  taught  what  unsanitary  conditions  favor 
the  origin  of  disease,  how  disease  is  spread,  and  the  means  of  its  prevention. 

If  it  is  true  that  that  knowledge  is  of  greatest  value  to  us  which  teaches  the 
means  of  ‘ self  preservation,’  then  the  importance  of  a wide  spread  knowledge 
of  how  to  prevent  disease  and  premature  death  cannot  be  overestimated.” 


The  Medical  Profession. 


215 


The  older  residents  of  this  county  well  remember  the  cholera  scourge  of 
the  years  of  1849,  1852,  and  lastly  in  1859,  and  there  may  be  still  living  a few 
that  can  recall  the  first  visitation  in  1832.  But  then  the  county  had  not  ac- 
quired a sufficient  population  to  make  felt  the  ravages  of  this  disease  in  its 
greatest  severity ; nor  was  there  then  a sufficient  accumulation  of  filth  in 
Avhich  the  germs  of  the  disease  could  breed  and  develop.  But  during  the  years 
1849,  1852  and  1854  the  scourge  was  indeed  terrible,  and  hundreds  of  per- 
sons fell  victims  to  its  ravenous  greed.  The  medical  force  of  the  county  at 
that  time  was  small,  only  in  proportion  to  the  population,  and  those  here  had 
little  knowledge  of  the  disease  or  of  the  means  of  its  cure  and  prevention. 

Of  the  early  members  of  the  medical  profession  of  Erie  county  only  a tra- 
ditional record  exists.  It  is  one  of  those  classes  of  occupations  that  record  but 
little  of  their  own  history  except  as  shown  by  local  societies  formed  at  different 
times,  and  in  this  county  there  appears  to  have  been  none  organized  prior  to 
the  year  1850. 

The  great  body  of  medical  practitioners  in  Erie  county  may  be  divided  into 
two  classes,  and  known  commonly  as  Allopathic  and  Homeopathic.  The  name 
of  the  former,  however,  is  rarely  applied  by  its  representatives  to  themselves, 
they  claiming  to  be  “regular”  physicians,  and  considering  all  others  as  the  cre- 
ation of  a digression  from  the  true  and  correct  principles  of  medicine  and  prac- 
tice. The  name  Allopath  is  one  applied  by  Homeopathists  to  the  “ regulars  ” 
to  distinguish  them  from  their  own  body.  In  this  chapter  space  is  devoted  to 
each  of  these  branches  of  the  profession. 

Among  the  medical  practitioners  of  Erie  county  there  have,  perhaps,  been 
none  that  attained  a standing  of  special  eminence  in  the  profession,  but  there 
have  been,  and  are  now  to  be  found  in  the  ranks,  men  of  understanding,  men 
of  science,  men  of  great  mental  and  moral  worth  and  integrity,  whose  influence 
has  been  so  salutary  and  all-pervading  that  the  whole  profession  seems  to  have 
caught  something  of  its  spirit,  and  maintained  a freedom  from  all  unworthy 
methods,  such  as  can  be  found  in  but  few  communities. 

SOME  PIONEER  PHYSICIANS. 

Reliable  information  concerning  the  names  of  the  pioneers  of  the  medical 
profession  in  all  parts  of  Erie,  or  what  afterward  became  Erie  county  is  indeed 
meagre,  and  in  the  following  mention  it  is  more  than  possible  that  some  names 
are  lacking.  But  from  facts  gleaned  from  all  sources  we  are  enabled  to  furnish 
the  names  of  several  who  were  identified  Avith  the  profession  at  a very  early  day. 

The  pioneer  in  the  tOAvn  of  Sandusky  was,  unquestionably.  Dr.  George  An- 
derson, Avho  came  to  this  place  from  New  York  State,  and  continued  in  prac- 
tice for  several  years.  Dr.  Anderson  died  during  the  first  cholera  epidemic. 
Dr.  John  W.  Russell  came  to  the  town  in  the  spring  of  1828,  and  left  in  the 
fall  folloAving.  Another  pioneer  in  the  profession  Avas  Dr.  Jeremiah  S.  Coch- 


2i6 


History  of  Erie  County. 


ran,  who  came  to  Sandusky  in  1832,  just  at  the  time  of  the  first  cholera  out- 
break, and  rendered  efficient  service  during  its  continuance.  He  died  in  July, 
1845.  Elwood  Stanley  came  here  during  the  cholera  epidemic  of  1849,. 

and  rendered  efficient  service  during  that  and  the  subsequent  cholera  periods. 

Waitsell  Hastings  commenced  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Oxford  town- 
ship as  early  as  181 1,  but  he  afterward  moved  to  Parkerstown,  a hamlet  of  Gro- 
ton township,  where  he  died.  Dr.  Strong  succeeded  Dr.  Hastings  in  Oxford,, 
and  was,  in  turn,  himself  succeeded  by  Dr.  Carpenter.  The  latter  subsequently 
moved  west,  and  Dr.  George  Carpenter  took  his  place.  Dr.  Isaac  Rogers,  a 
Botanical  physician,  also  practiced  in  Oxford.  At  Huron  Dr.  Ansolem  Guth- 
rie located  in  1813,  but  after  four  years  removed  to  Canada.  Dr.  McCrea,  a 
former  resident  of  New  Jersey,  practiced  in  Huron  township  at  a very  early 
day.  Dr.  Charles  H.  Leggett  came  here  in  1830,  and  practiced  at  the  village 
about  two  years.  He  was  drowned  in  the  Huron  River  in  1832.  Dr.  George 
S.  Haskins  settled  at  Huron  in  1832,  and  Dr.  Joseph  Caldwell  in  1833. 

The  first  physician  of  Berlin  township  was  Dr.  George  S.  Baker,  who  locat- 
ed here  in  1822.  Dr.  Xenophon  Phillips,  Dr.  Guthrie,  Dr.  Harkness,  Dr.  Fay, 
Dr.  Daniel  Butler,  also  David  Butler, — the  latter  a “root  and  herb”  physician 
— practiced  here,  but  all  were  not  resident  practitioners.  Among  others  of 
later  years  were  Professor  L.  B.  Hill  and  Dr.  George  S.  Hill.  In  Margaretta, 
Dr.  Hartshorne  established  at  Venice  as  early  as  1817;  Dr.  Samuel  Carpenter 
at  Castalia  in  1824,  and  at  the  same  place  Dr.  M.  J.  Morseman  came  in  1836- 
Drs.  James  F.  Wilson,  R.  C.  Luce  and  J.  D.  McKim  were  also  quite  early  phy- 
sicians of  Margaretta.  Dr.  Strong  seems  to  have  been  the  pioneer  of  the  pro- 
fession in  Vermillion.  Dr.  A.  E.  Merrill,  formerly  probate  judge  of  the  county, 
and  F.  C.  McConnelly  were  settlers  of  a later  day. 

Dr.  George  Hastings  applied  the  healing  art  to  the  people  of  Groton  town- 
ship as  early  as  1810.  He  died  in  1864.  In  Perkins  Dr.  Richard  P.  Christo- 
pher performed  a like  service  commencing  in  1815,  and  in  Milan  were  Drs. 
Goodwin  and  Guthrie. 

THE  MEDICAL  SOCIETIES. 

The  first  steps  looking  to  the  organization  of  a medical  society  were  taken 
while  the  lands  embraced  by  Erie  county  were  included  within  the  territorial 
limits  of  Huron,  and  at  a time  when  the  idea  of  establishing  such  a county  as 
Erie  was  unconceived.  On  the  loth  of  April,  1824,  an  order  was  promulgated 
by  the  press  (the  old  Clarion),  which  being  copied  herein  will  fully  explain 
itself. 

“ Medical  Notice. — Pursuant  to  an  act  to  incorporate  medical  societies 
for  the  purpose  of  regulating  the  practice  of  physic  and  surgery  in  this  State, 
I hereby  notify  the  medical  gentlemen,  resident  in  the  counties  of  Richland, 
Huron,  Lorain,  Sandusky  and  Seneca,  that  a meeting  will  be  holden  at  Nor- 
walk, the  last  Tuesday  of  May  next,  at  10  o’clock  A.  M.,  for  the  purpose  of  or- 


The  Medical  Profession. 


217 


ganizing  a medical  society  agreeable  to  said  act.  It  is  expected  that  there  will 
be  a general  attendance  of  physicians  of  this  district,  as  the  eleventh  section  of 
the  act  provides  that  no  person,  other  than  members  of  one  of  the  medical  so- 
cieties in  this  State,  shall  be  permitted  to  practice  physic  or  surgery  after  the 
ist  of  July  next.  Daniel  Tilden. 

"Norwalk,  April  10,  1824.” 

The  Clario7i,  in  its  issue  of  June  2d  following,  contains  the  following  report 
relative  to  the  proceedings  had  in  pursuance  of  the  above  notice: 

"Communication.  — Agreeable  to  the  act  on  the  25th  instant,  came  on 
at  Norwalk  the  first  meeting  of  the  Fourteenth  Medical  Society  in  this  State. 
The  meeting  was  full,  and  upon  the  whole  we  were  much  pleased  with  the  re- 
spectable display  of  parchment.  At  three  o’clock  the  gentlemen  proceeded  to 
organize  by  choosing  Dr.  Tilden,  of  Norwalk,  president;  Dr.  Anderson,  of  San- 
dusky, vice-president;  Dr.  Mantor,  of  Elyria,  secretary;  Dr.  Fay,  of  Milan,, 
treasurer;  Dr.  Lucas,  of  Uniontown,  Dr.  C.  G.  Miller,  of  Mansfield,  Dr.  Baker, 
of  Florence,  Dr.  Sanders,  of  Peru,  Dr.  Strong,  of  Bloomingville,  censors. 

Officers  for  1825. — Dr.  Nathan  H.  Mantor,  president;  Dr.  John  B.  Johnson, 
vice-president;  Dr.  Amos  B.  Harris,  secretary ; Dr.  Lyman  Fay,  treasurer;  Dr. 
George  G.  Baker,  Dr.  Moses  C.  Sanders,  Dr.  Daniel  Tilden,  Dr.  Eli  Dresback 
and  Dr.  Charles  E.  Ford,  censors. 

Officers  for  1826. — Dr.  Moses  C.  Sanders,  president;  Dr.  George  Ander- 
son, vice-president;  Dr.  Amos  B.  Harris,  secretary;  Dr.  Lyman  Fay,  treasu- 
rer; Drs.  George  G.  Baker,  Daniel  Tilden,  Nathan  H.  Mantor,  Daniel  Brain- 
ard,  junior,  and  Joel  Luther,  censors. 

Officers  for  1827. — Dr.  Allen  G.  Miller,  president;  Dr.  George  G.  Baker,, 
vice-president;  Dr.  A.  B.  Harris,  secretary;  Dr.  Lyman  Fay,  treasurer;  Drs. 
George  G.  Baker,  William  F.  Kittredge,  Moses  C.  Sanders,  Daniel  Tilden  and 
Eli  Dresback,  censors. 

Officers  for  1828. — Dr.  George  G.  Baker,  president;  Dr.  Moses  C.  Sanders, 
vice-president;  Dr.  Amos  B.  Harris,  secretary;  Dr.  Lyman  Fay,  treasurer;  Drs. 
William  F.  Kittredge,  Allen  G.  Miller,  Eber  W.  Hubbard,  Moses  C.  Sanders  and 
Daniel  Tilden,  censors. 

Officers  for  1829. — Dr.  Moses  C.  Sanders,  president;  Dr.  Daniel  Tilden,. 
vice-president;  Dr.  Amos  B.  Harris,  secretary;  Dr.  Lyman  Fay,  treasurer;. 
Drs.  George  G.  Baker,  Nathan  H.  Mantor,  William  F.  Kittredge,  William  W. 
Nugent  and  Henry  Kuhn,  censors. 

At  a meeting  of  the  society  held  in  1830,  a resolution  was  adopted  approv- 
ing of  the  efforts  then  being  made  for  the  suppression  of  intemperance.  During^ 
the  year  Dr.  George  Anderson  was  the  president,  but  no  further  mention  of 
the  proceedings  of  this  society  are  found,  and  it  is  probable  that  the  organiza- 
tion was  not  maintained  much  later  than  the  year  1830. 

In  1828  the  practicing  physicians  of  Huron  county  were  as  follows ; George 


2I8 


History  of  p:rie  County. 


G.  Baker,  Daniel  Tilden,  M.  C.  Sanders,  George  Anderson.  Lyman  Fay,  Will- 
iam F.  Kittredge,  William  W.  Nugent,  Amos  B.  Harris,  H.  M.  Clark,  Joseph 
Pearce,  Andrew  McMillen,  Richard  P.  Christophers,  Samuel  Stephens,  Charles 
Smith,  Samuel  B.  Carpenter,  W.  Merriman,  Lemuel  Powers  and  A.  H.  Brown; 
and  inasmuch  as  this  county  was  embraced  within  Huron  at  that  time,  the  phy- 
sicians above  named,  or  part  of  them  at  least,  resided  within  what  afterward 
became  Erie  county. 

ERIE  COUNTY  MEDICAL  SOCIETY. 

The  Erie  County  Medical  Society  was  the  outgrowth  of  a meeting  of  physi- 
cians held  at  Sandusky  on  the  6th  of  April,  1850,  at  the  office  of  Dr.  E.  S.  Lane. 
Of  this  meeting  Dr.  Daniel  Tilden  was  chosen  chairman,  and  Dr.  E.  Lauder- 
dale, secretary.  This  gathering  was  wholly  informal  and  the  main  business 
transacted  was  the  declaration  of  intention  to  organize  the  society,  and  the  ap- 
pointment of  a committee  on  constitution  and  by-laws,  as  follows  : Drs.  E.  S. 
Lane,  Robert  R.  McMeens,  C.  Cochran  and  E.  Lauderdale,  of  Sandusky  ; Dr. 
Galpin,  of  Milan  ; Dr.  Caldwell,  of  Huron,  and  Dr.  Wilson,  of  Castalia. 

The  constitution  and  by-laws  were  adopted  and  the  society  organized  on 
the  13th  of  April,  1850.  The  first  officers  were  Dr.  Daniel  Tilden,  president ; 
Dr.  E.  S.  Lane,  secretary.  The  original  members  of  the  society  were  Doctors 
Daniel  Tilden,  sr.,  Aaron  Austin,  E.  S.  Lane,  Robert  R.  McMeens,  E.  Laud- 
erdale, and  Charles  Cochran. 

P'rom  that  time  the  society  received  acquisitions  in  membership  and  was 
productive  of  much  good,  both  to  the  members  and  the  people  of  the  count)r 
It  would  be  difficult,  if  not  absolutely  impossible,  to  state  the  numerical  strength 
of  the  society  at  any  time  after  its  full  organization.  As  new  names  were  ad- 
ded the  persons  respectively  signed  the  “articles  of  faith”  of  the  society,  and 
from  the  roll  thus  formed  we  are  enabled  to  furnish  the  names  of  members  in 
the  order  of  seniority  in  the  society.  In  addition  to  those  whose  names  are 
given  above  the  following  appear  to  have  been,  at  some  time,  received  into 
membership  : Daniel  Tilden,  jr.,  Moses  C.  Hoyt,  Samuel  B.  Carpenter,  jr.,  John 
A.  Blanchard,  Henry  J.  Donahoe,  James  Hitchcock,  H.  S.  Parmenter,  Henry 
D.  Mann,  James  F.  Wilson,  George  W.  Carpender,  Joel  Morse,  — . Horwitz, 
A.  H.  Agard,  Joseph  Caldwell,  James  D.  McKim,  Philip  Graefe,  J.  E.  Wood- 
bridge,  A.  H.  Rankin,  A.  J.  Gawne,  Elwood  Stanley,  W.  Graefe,  Leopold  Pape, 
Charles  T.  D.  Gibson,  Carl  Heiter,  T.  S.  Field,  R.  C.  Luce,  F.  C.  McConnelly, 
Samuel  H.  Bassinger,  Michael  A.  Hughes,  P.  H.  Clements.  J.  T.  Cushing, 
George  S.  Haskins,  William  Storey,  T.  M.  Cook,  William  R.  Page,  G.  W. 
Decker,  M.  J.  Love,  Rev.  Samuel  Marks,  A.  Szendery,  Alta  F.  Cook,  Charles 
Graefe,  A.  C.  Friend,  W.  D.  Wilson,  L.  S.  Szendery,  R.  L.  McNees,  W.  J.  Esch. 

The  society  continued  in  a prosperous  condition  for  something  over  ten 
years,  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  and  thenceforth  it  seems  to  have  suf- 
fered with  the  general  disintegration,  not  only  of  societies,  but  of  parties  and 


The  Medical  Profession. 


219 


all  manner  of  civil  associations.  From  1861  to  1870  but  few  meetings  were 
held  and  no  proceedings  were  entered  on  the  records  of  the  society.  In  1870 
the  society  was  again  brought  together,  mainly  to  take  some  appropriate  action 
upon  the  occasion  of  the  death  of  Dr.  Tilden,  which  occurred  during  that  year, 
but  since  1861  the  society  has  never  been  as  strong  as  at  and  prior  to  that  time. 
It  now  numbers  not  to  exceed  a dozen  active,  working  members.  Its 
present  officers  are  as  follows : Dr.  William  Graefe,  president ; Dr.  Elwood 
Stanley,  first  vice-president ; Dr.  W.  J.  Esch,  second  vice-president ; Dr.  Al- 
ta F.  Cook,  secretary  and  treasurer.  According  to  the  record  of  medical  so- 
cieties of  the  State  for  the  year  1887,  the  following  persons,  physicians,  are 
members  of  the  Erie  County  Society  : T.  M.  Cook,  Alta  F.  Cook,  William  J. 
Esch,  William  Graefe,  Charles  Graefe,  Ralph  W.  Nees,  Alvis  Szendery,  Louis 
Szendery,  Elwood  Stanley,  Carl  Tuttle. 

THE  BAY  CITY  MEDICAL  SOCIETY. 

This  organization,  the  junior  of  its  class  in  the  county,  was  formed  in  the 
spring  of  1878,  and  was  made  up  in  part  of  members  of  the  older  society  just 
before  mentioned.  During  the  ten  years  of  its  existence  the  Bay  City  Med- 
ical Society  has  never  been  strong  in  point  of  membership,  and  it  numbers  now 
but  eight  members,  as  follows  : Henry  J.  Donahoe,  A.  J.  Gawne,  E.  J.  Good- 
sell,  Carl  Heiter,  M.  J.  Love,  F.  C.  McConnelly,  William  Storey,  and  L.  Szen- 
dery, Its  officers  are  A.  J.  Gawne,  president ; F.  C.  McConnelly,  vice-presi- 
dent; E.  J.  Goodsell,  secretary  and  treasurer. 

HOMEOPATHY. 

It  is  a trite  saying  that  the  improvements,  inventions  and  discoveries  of  the 
last  fifty  years  exceed  both  in  number  and  importance  all  that  had  been  ac- 
complished for  many  centuries  before.  Admitting  this  to  be  true,  it  may  be 
said  that  in  no  department  of  human  knowledge  have  greater  advances  been 
made  than  in  medicine. 

To  affirm  that  all  the  different  theories  on  the  subject  of  the  best  methods 
of  treating  disease  are  alike  valuable,  would  betray  ignorance,  if  nothing  worse; 
to  deny  that  each  or  any  of  the  theories  had,  in  at  least  a limited  degree,  some 
practical  value,  would  not  only  convict  the  individual  of  ignorance,  but  be  an 
assumption  of  wisdom  that  only  bigots  would  claim,  and  even  credulity  could 
hardly  admit. 

Among  the  systems  or  theories  on  the  subject  of  curing  the  sick  that  have 
received  recognition  and  practical  application  in  this  country  within  the  last 
fifty  years,  is  that  known  as  homeopathy.  An  enthusiastic  believer  in  the  law 
of  cure  expressed  in  the  legend  “ Siinilia  Similibus  Curantur”  once  undertook 
to  enforce  the  truth  and  value  of  this  system,  by  asserting  that  the  law  on  which 
it  rested  proceeded  directly  from  the  throne  of  God.  A “ doubting  Thomas  ” 


220 


History  of  Erie  County. 


to  whom  the  remark  was  addressed,  replied  that  the  endorsement  of  a patent 
by  the  Almighty  was  considered  sufficient,  but  as  there  is  a very  gener- 

ally accepted  opinion  among  the  best  informed  people  that  about  all  the  laws 
that  govern  this  world,  or  effect  its  inhabitants,  proceed  from  the  same  source, 
there  does  not  seem  to  be  any  peailiar  importance  conferred  upon  the  system, 
in  virtue  of  its  origin. 

That  the  law  of  cure  expressed  by  the  above  legend,  when  honestly  and 
absolutely  followed,  will  cure  disease,  restore  the  sick  to  health,  is  a fact  as  well 
attested  as  any  statement  resting  on  human  testimony,  and  is  capable  of  dem- 
onstration on  precisely  the  lines  of  argument  and  proof  whether  pathological 
or  dynamic,  that  apply  to  all  other  restorative  methods,  or  medical  dogmas 
of  the  age.  The  history  of  the  introduction  of  homeopathy  into  this  city,  and 
the  experience  of  the  pioneers  of  the  practice,  are  not  peculiar  or  specially  note- 
worthy, unless  it  be  in  the  fact  that  its  advent  was  welcomed  by  a few  influen- 
tial friends  and  supporters  who,  after  forty  years  of  experience,  are  still 
numbered  among  the  patrons  of  the  system  whose  birth  and  baptism  they 
helped  to  celebrate.  Thirty-four  years  ago  Sandusky  had  one  homeopathic 
physician;  now  there  are  six.  Then  there  were  seven  thousand  inhabitants ; 
now  we  have  twenty-three  thousand.  The  entire  yearly  receipts  of  the  busi- 
ness of  the  only  homeopathic  physician  in  Sandusky,  in  1854,  was  a little  less 
than  $3,000.  Several  of  those  here  to-day  will  largely  exceed  that  amount  in 
1888.  The  homeopathic  physicians  of  this  city  are  doing  more  business  in 
proportion  to  their  numbers,  than  the  “ old  school.”  They  have  now,  and  have 
always  had  a relatively  large  clientage  among  the  wealthy  and  best  people  of 
the  city.  The  homeopathic  physicians  of  the  city  compare  favorably  with  those 
of  any  city  of  the  same  population  ; not  only  is  the  comparison  favorable  so 
far  as  their  own  school  is  concerned,  but  in  comparison  with  any  other  school. 
The  homeopathic  physicians  in  the  other  parts  of  the  county  would  suffer  no 
loss  by  a similar  comparison,  either  with  their  brethren  in  the  city,  or  with  their 
competitors  of  other  systems  of  practice.  Since  1847  fifteen  homeopathic  phy- 
sicians have  settled  in  this  city  (Sandusky),  of  whom  six  reside  here  now,  and 
are  engaged  in  active  practice.  The  same  number  have  at  different  times  lo- 
cated in  other  parts  of  the  county  ; each  of  the  following  villages  having  at  one 
time  or  other  had  one  or  more  homeopathic  physicians  : Berlin,  Castalia,  Hu- 
ron, Kelly’s  Island,  Put-in  Bay,  Milan  and  Vermillion.  Of  those  who  have  set- 
tled in  the  city  at  different  times,  to  the  present  date,  February,  1888,  only  six 
are  here  now.  Of  the  whole  number,  all  are  still  living  but  two.  Dr.  Henry 
Wigand,  who  died  about  1870,  in  Dayton,  O.,  and  Dr.  D.  T.  Kramer,  who 
died  in  Kansas  two  or  three  years  ago.  The  following  are  the  names  of  the, 
different  physicians  and  the  order  of  their  location  in  Sandusky  : Henry  Wigand 
R.  Caulkins,  D.  T.  Kramer,  C.  Hastings,  I.  B.  Massey,  J.  D.  Buck,  L.  L.  Leg-  ; 
gett,  E.  Gillard,  G.  A.  Gordon,  C.  E.  Stroud,  S.  A.  Henderson,  D.  Gillard,  Dr. 
Newton,  Wm.  Gaylord,  James  Gillard.  5 


The  Medical  Profession. 


221 


The  first  homeopathic  physician  to  settle  and  practice  in  Erie  county,  O., 
was  Dr.  Henry  VVigand.  He  was  a German  by  birth  ; a man  of  robust  and 
commanding  physique,  pleasing  manners,  scholarly  attainments,  and  very  suc- 
cessful in  his  profession.  He  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1847,  remained 
here  until  after  the  cholera  of  1849,  when  he  removed  to  Dayton,  in  this  State. 
He  published  a work  on  practice  in  1856,  which  had  a limited  sale,  but  has 
been  out  of  print  for  many  years.  Dr.  Wigand  came  to  this  city  from  Bos- 
ton. He  was  not  only  the  first  homeopathic  physician  to  settle  in  this  county, 
but  he  represented  that  system  in  its  most  distinctive  characteristics. 

The  next  physician  of  this  school  of  practice  to  locate  in  Sandusky  was 
Dr.  R.  Caulkins,  who  came  in  1848.  He  remained  here  in  practice  until  1850, 
when  he  left  and  returned  again  about  1862  or  ’63.  From  here  he  finally 
moved  to  Toledo,  and  after  a few  years  spent  in  that  city,  went  to  New  York 
State.  He  is  now  in  charge  as  physician  of  one  of  the  hospitals  in  Buffalo,  N. 
Y.  Dr.  Caulkins  is  a man  of  pure  life,  devoted  to  his  profession;  very  religious 
in  his  nature  ; honest  in  his  opinions  and  thoroughly  independent  in  asserting 
them,  and  urged  by  his  impulsive  temperament  he  at  times  expressed  himself 
with  a vehemence  and  personality  that  reached  the  very  verge  of  social  pro- 
priety. 

The  next  representative  of  homeopathy  in  this  city  was  Dr.  D.  T.  Kramer. 
He  came  here  from  New  York  State.  He  graduated  from  the  Homeopathic 
College  in  Philadelphia  about  1848  and  located  here  the  same  year.  Dr.  Kra- 
mer was  a man  of  sterling  character,  and  commanded  the  respect  of  all  who 
knew  him.  He  devoted  himself  and  his  utmost  skill  to  the  best  interests  of 
his  patients.  He  believed  most  thoroughly  in  the  law  expressed  in  the  legend 
“ Similia  shnilibus  ctirantnr,"  and  as  those  who  knew  him  best  can  testify, 
whatever  professional  success  he  attained  was  the  result  of  a faithful  applica- 
tion of  the  teachings  of  the  founder  of  the  system  he  had  adopted.  Home- 
opathy suffered  no  loss  at  Dr.  Kramer’s  hands;  on  the  contrary,  it  grew  in  influ- 
ence, and  its  patrons  increased  in  numbers.  A man  of  modest  and  unaffected 
address,  and  possessing  but  little  personal  magnetism,  his  success  and  popularity 
were  never  factitious,  but  the  reward  of  true  manhood  and  real  merit.  Dr. 
Kramer  moved  with  his  family  to  Kansas  in  1874,  where  he  died  in  1884.  It 
is  with  sincere  pleasure  that  the  author  of  this  simple  tribute  to  Dr.  Kramer’s 
memory  embraces  this  unexpected  opportunity  to  bear  testimony  to  some  of 
the  many  virtues  of  a man  of  so  few  faults. 

About  1852  a Dr.  Hastings  came  to  this  city,  and  remained  a year  or  two 
and  from  here  went  to  Detroit.  He  never  obtained  much  practice,  and  had 
only  a limited  acquaintance,  even  among  the  patrons  of  homeopathy.  Of  his 
subsequent  history  the  writer  has  no  information. 

In  May,  1854,  Dr.  I.  B.  Massey  came  with  his  family  to  Sandusky  from 
Jefferson  county,  N.  Y.  At  that  time  Dr.  Kramer  was  the  only  homeopathic 

29 


222 


History  of  Erie  County. 


physician  in  the  city ; those  before  mentioned  as  having  been  here,  had  all 
left.  The  first  year  of  his  residence  in  this  city  was  at  the  old  “ Townsend 
House,”  kept  at  that  time  by  R.  D.  McDonald.  In  April,  1855,  he  formed  a 
copartnership  with  Dr.  Kramer,  which  continued  for  three  years ; their  office 
being  most  of  the  time  at  Dr.  Kramer’s  house,  the  present  residence  of  Dr, 
John  A.  Graham.  Dr.  Massey  graduated  from  the  medical  department  of 
New  York  University  in  April,  1846.  The  venerable  Dr.  Valentine  Mott  was 
president  of  the  faculty,  and  professor  of  surgery.  Dr.  Massey  was  in  active 
practice  as  an  allopathic  physician  from  the  time  of  his  graduation  until  he 
came  to  Sandusky ; he  had,  however,  for  two  or  three  years  previous  to  his 
coming  west,  been  investigating  the  claims  of  homeopathy,  and  devoted  most  of 
the  year  of  his  residence  here  before  commencing  practice  with  Dr.  Kramer,  in 
that  gentleman’s  office,  familiarizing  himself  with  the  matei'ia  medica  and  the- 
rapeutics of  the  system  which  he  had  decided  to  adopt,  and  in  which  practice 
he  is  still  engaged,  having  practiced  thirty-four  years  as  a homeopathist  in 
Sandusky,  and  eight  years  as  an  allopathist  in  New  York.  He  is  therefore 
the  senior  in  actual  age  — having  been  born  January  17,  1821  — as  well  as  in 
years  of  practice,  of  all  the  homeopathic  physicians  of  Erie  county.  Dr.  Mas- 
sey had  for  many  years  a large  and  lucrative  practice,  extending  not  only  over 
Sandusky  city,  but  more  or  less  into  the  different  townships  of  the  county. 
He  was  from  1861  to  1871  physician  to  the  county  infirmary,  a term  of  ten 
consecutive  years.  He  was  also  for  several  years  a member  of  the  board  of 
health,  and  a portion  of  the  time  health  officer  of  the  city.  Admonished  by 
increasing  years  and  the  growing  infirmities  incident  to  long  exposure  in  the 
duties  of  a “ doctor’s  life,”  that  the  call  from  labor  to  ‘‘  rest  and  refreshment” 
had  sounded,  the  doctor  is  endeavoring  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  an  active  profes- 
sional career,  among  those  who  remain  of  friends,  patrons,  and  acquaintances, 
extending  over  a period  of  thirty-four  years  — more  than  a “ generation  of 
time.” 

Dr.  L.  L.  Leggett,  son  of  General  Leggett,  of  Cleveland,  located  here  about 
1870,  and  remained  a year  or  so,  when  he  relinquished  his  profession  and  en- 
gaged with  his  father  in  the  patent  law  business.  Dr.  Leggett  has  the  quali- 
fications that  will  make  him  succeed  in  whatever  he  undertakes.  The  loss  of 
such  men  to  the  profession  is  a misfortune  to  it  and  the  public. 

The  next  recruit  to  the  ranks  of  homeopathic  physicians  in  Sandusky  was 
Dr.  J.  D.  Buck.  He  was  born  in  Lredonia,  N.  Y.  State,  November  20,  1838. 
He  studied  medicine  and  graduated  at  Cleveland  Homeopathic  College  in  the 
spring  of  1864;  commenced  practice  at  Battle  Creek,  Mich.  ; moved  to  San- 
dusky in  the  spring  of  1865,  forming  a copartnership  with  Dr. ^D.  T.  Kramer. 
In  the  fall  of  i866he  was  appointed  to  the  chair  of  physiology  in  Cleveland  Ho- 
meopathic College  which  position  he  filled  until  he  removed  to  Cincinnati  in  the 
fall  of  1871,  where  he  helped  to  organize,  in  1872,  the  Pulte  Medical  College  of 


The  Medical  Profession. 


223 


that  city.  Dr.  Buck  was  for  the  first  eight  or  nine  years  professor  of  physiology 
and  registrar  of  the  faculty.  Since  that  time  he  has  been  dean  and  professor 
of  theory  and  practice  and  clinical  professor  of  throat  and  lung  diseases.  He 
was  president  of  the  State  Homeopathic  Medical  Society  in  1876.  Dr.  Buck 
has  a large  and  lucrative  practice  at  Cincinnati,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  men 
of  the  homeopathic  school  of  the  State.  A man  of  pleasing  address,  robust 
health,  extremely  social  and  attractive  in  his  intercourse  with  his  patients,  and 
the  public  ; studious  by  nature  ; gifted  with  strong  mental  powers,  he  is  an 
honor  to  the  profession  and  would  be  an  ornament  to  any  society  where  his 
lot  might  be  cast. 

Dr.  Geo.  A.  Gordon  succeeded  to  the  practice  of  Dr.  J.  Buck  in  1871,  on 
the  removal  of  that  gentleman  to  Cincinnati,  O.  Dr.  Gordon  was  born  in 
Washington  county.  Pa.,  in  1841.  He  followed  farming  until  the  spring  of 
1864,  when  he  enlisted  as  a soldier  in  the  Union  army  and  remained  until  the 
close  of  the  Rebellion.  He  graduated  from  Iberia  College,  O.,  in  1867,  when 
he  began  reading  medicine  with  R.  B.  Rush,  M.  D.,  of  Salem,  O.  He  gradu- 
ated from  Cleveland  Homeopathic  College  in  February,  1867,  and  settled  in 
Sandusky  the  following  June,  where  he  is  still  actively  engaged  in  his  profes- 
sion. The  doctor  is  one  of  our  most  popular  and  successful  physicians.  He 
has  few  superiors  as  a prescriber. 

Dr.  Edwin  Gillard  was  born  at  Venice,  Erie  county,  O.,  in  1845  1 attended 
the  High  School  in  this  city;  and  Oberlin  College  ; served  in  the  145th  Ohio 
Volunteer  Infantry,  usually  known  as  the  One  Hundred  Day  troops.  Re- 
turning to  civil  life  he  engaged  in  teaching  school  for  five  years  and  then  en- 
tered Dr.  J.  D.  Buck’s  office  as  a medical  student,  beginning  practice  at  Belle- 
vue in  1870.  In  1871  he  became  a partner  of  Dr.  I.  B.  Massey,  and  attended 
the  Cleveland  Homeopathic  College  where  he  graduated  the  following  year. 
In  1882  he  established  the  sanitarium  at  his  present  location  No.  927  Wash- 
ington street.  Dr.  Gillard  is  favorably  known  as  a practitioner  of  skill,  and 
occupies  a front  rank  among  the  physicians  of  the  city.  As  a student  or  prac- 
titioner, nature  has  endowed  him  with  a degree  of  industry,  perseverance  and 
pluck,  that  when  supplemented  by  adequate  professional  knowledge  always 
constitutes  an  energy  that  thrives  by  opposition  ; and  while  accident  or  supe- 
rior force  may  hinder  or  delay,  they  seldom  utterly  defeat. 

Dr.  Gillard  was  coroner  of  Erie  county  for  one  term,  and  is  a prominent 
member  of  several  secret  societies. 

Dr.  Clarence  Eugene  Stroud  was  born  in  Bloomfield,  Ontario  county,  N. 
Y.,  January  14,  1847  ! educated  at  Palmyra,  N.  Y.,  and  entered  his  fath- 
er’s dental  office  in  Sandusky,  in  1865,  where  he  remained  as  student  or  part- 
ner until  1871.  Then  he  entered  the  homeopathic  medical  department  of  Mich- 
igan University  and  remained  one  year,  when  he  entered  the  Detroit  Home- 
opathic College,  graduating  in  1872.  His  first  location  in  practice  after  grad- 


224 


History  of  Erie  County. 


uating,  was  at  Wyandotte,  Mich.,  where  he  remained  one  year.  In  the  spring 
of  1873  he  came  to  Sandusky,  O.  He  was  for  a number  of  years  a member 
of  the  board  of  health  of  Sandusky,  and  was,  during  the  entire  period,  its  effi- 
cient secretary. 

Dr.  Stroud  is  a practical  dentist  and  holds  the  degree  of  doctor  of  dental 
surgery  from  the  Wisconsin  Dental  College,  issued  in  1881.  His  father  and 
only  brother  are  among  the  most  prominent  practitioners  of  dentistry  in  the 
county.  Dr.  Stroud’s  industry  and  constant  devotion  to  his  profession,  have 
achieved  for  him  a measure  of  success,  that  is  the  best  certificate  of  capacity  that 
a doctor  can  desire,  or  community  bestow. 

Dr.  Sarah  A.  Henderson  is  a native  of  Burlington,  Vt.  She  studied  med- 
icine  in  Cleveland  under  Dr.  Boynton,  who  was  a member  of  the  Cleveland 
Homeopathic  College  faculty,  from  which  institution  she  graduated  and  prac- 
ticed on  Kelly’s  Island  four  years,  removing  to  Sandusky  in  1877.  She  is  a 
member  of  the  American  Institute,  the  leading  society  of  this  school  of  medi- 
cine. Dr.  Henderson  and  her  friends  have  reason  to  be  well  satisfied  with  her 
social  and  professional  status  wherever  she  is  known.  She  has  demonstrated 
not  only  her  individual  fitness  for  the  duties  of  the  physician,  but  shown  that 
the  “ Lords  of  Creation”  have  not  inherited  or  acquired  all  the  skill  or  knowl- 
edge of  the  art  of  curing  the  sick. 

The  intuitions,  quick  perception,  and  critical  observation  of  woman  amounts 
to  an  instinct  in  estimating  human  character  and  conduct,  and  is  equally  well 
adapted  to  the  interpretation  of  the  subjective  symptoms  that  are  often  all  the 
basis  there  is  on  which  to  form  an  opinion  or  diagnosis  of  disease. 

A physician  who  has  not  had  occasion  to  confess  that  he  has  often  been 
astonished  and  confounded  by  the  interpretation  of  symptoms  and  the  location 
of  disease  by  women  entirely  ignorant  of  all  the  special  knowledge  on  the  sub- 
ject that  doctors  are  supposed  to  possess,  has  had  a rare  experience  — one  that 
would  expose  him  to  a criticism  scarcely  less  disparaging  than  was  made  by  Dr. 
John  Hunter,  of  a young  surgeon  of  London,  who  was  boasting  in  the  famous 
surgeon’s  presence  that  he  had  never  lost  a case  of  lithotomy:  “Well,”  said 
Hunter,  “ I presume  the  same  cipher  would  represent  your  successful  cases.” 
That  the  conditions  for  making  useful  doctors  depend  more  on  the  amount  and 
quality  of  the  brain,  than  the  variety  of  the  gender,  will  do  very  well  as  a ques- 
tion of  discussion  for  a country  debating  society,  but  is  hardly  creditable  to 
medical  colleges  of  the  present  day. 

Dr.  Warren  Newton,  at  present  at  Ligonier,  Ind.,  was  born  and  raised  in 
Ottowa  county  ; studied  medicine  with  David  Gillard,  at  Port  Clinton  ; grad- 
uated at  Homeopathic  Hospital  College,  Cleveland,  about  1882.  He  settled  in 
Huron,  this  county,  and  after  practicing  there  a year  or  two,  came  to  San- 
dusky, where  he  remained  less  than  a year.  Having  an  offer  of  a copartner- 
ship with  a physician  at  Ligonier,  he  accepted  in  1885,  and  is  now  engaged  in 


The  Medical  Profession. 


225 


a large  and  growing  practice  at  that  place.  The  doctor  is  unusually  well 
posted  in  materia  medica,  a factor  of  supreme  importance  in  qualifying  one  for 
a prompt  and  successful  prescriber.  He  stood  high  as  a student  and  maintains 
an  equally  high  relative  position  among  practitioners. 

Dr.  David  Gillard  was  born  at  Venice,  O.,  July  30,  1852;  studied  medi- 
cine with  his  brother,  E.  Gillard,  and  graduated  at  Cleveland  Homeopathic 
College  in  1877,  and  began  the  practice  of  medicine  at  Port  Clinton;  moved  to 
Sandusky  in  the  spring  of  1882,  and  moved  back  to  Port  Clinton  the  same  year; 
again  moved  to  Sandusky  in  July,  1885,  and  formed  a copartnership  with  his 
brother,  Dr.  E.  Gillard,  but  dissolved  partnership  and  returned  to  Port  Clinton 
in  the  autumn  of  1886,  where  he  is  now  located.  The  doctor  left  a fine  prac- 
tice at  Port  Clinton  when  he  came  to  Sandusky  in  1885,  which  involved  so 
large  an  amount  of  country  business  that  he  hoped  to  improve  his  practice,  at 
least  in  this  respect.  A year  or  two  convinced  him  that  having  too  much 
country  practice  could  be  endured  quite  as  cheerfully,  and  more  profitably, 
than  having  too  little.  The  doctor  has  re-entered  his  old  field,  and  has  cause 
to  be  gratified  with  the  renewed  expressions  of  confidence  manifested  by  the 
public  in  his  skill  and  uniform  success. 

Dr.  John  Mathews  studied  medicine  with  Dr.  E.  Gillard;  graduated  and 
commenced  practice  at  Castalia,  and  for  a while  with  Dr.  Gillard,  in  Sandusky. 
He  went  to  California,  where  he  died  a year  or  two  ago. 

Dr.  William  Gaylord  began  the  study  of  medicine  in  February,  1878,  with 
Dr.  J.  D.  Buck,  of  Cincinnati,  as  his  preceptor.  He  was  a locomotive  engi- 
neer, running  night  express  between  Cincinnati  and  Richmond,  Ind.,  and 
continued  in  this  employment  during  his  study  and  college  course,  until  he 
graduated  in  the  spring  of  1883,  the  Pulte  Medical  College,  Cincinnati,  O. 
The  following  summer  he  was  made  lecturer  on  history  and  microscopy  and 
resident  physician  in  charge  of  the  college  dispensary ; the  following  year  he 
was  made  professor  of  chemistry  and  toxicology,  which  positions  he  held  until 
locating  in  Sandusky  in  1885. 

While  in  some  respects  Dr.  Gaylord’s  medical  education  was  obtained 
under  disadvantages,  yet  there  were  other  favorable  conditions  that  more  than 
compensated  for  the  necessity  of  devoting  so  large  a portion  of  the  ordinar}^ 
hours  of  rest  to  providing  the  means  of  support  while  preparing  himself  for  the 
profession  he  had  adopted.  He  had  the  advantage  of  a large  amount  of  clin- 
ical experience  in  the  office  of  his  preceptor,  as  well  as  the  college  and  hos- 
pital clinics  of  any  of  the  professors  he  chose  to  attend,  and  these  privileges 
in  an  office  like  his  preceptor’s,  who  was  at  that  time  a professor,  and  dean  of 
the  medical  college,  afforded  him  superior  opportunities  for  witnessing  and 
assisting  in  a large  and  varied  amount  of  medical  and  surgical  practice.  Dr. 
Gaylord  is  the  latest  addition  to  the  homeopathic  fraternity  of  the  city,  and  is 
as  liberally  equipped  with  the  essentials  of  professional  success  as  any  who  have 
preceded  him. 


226 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Among  the  homeopathic  physicians  of  Erie  county  Dr.  B.  F.  Hill,  whose 
home  when  in  the  county  was  at  Berlin  Heights,  was  in  his  day  a prominent 
member  of  the  fraternity. 

Dr.  Hill  was  born  December  i8,  1813,  in  Tioga  county.  Pa.  Came  to  Hu- 
ron (now  Erie)  county,  O.,  when  a mere  boy,  and  engaged  in  farming;  began 
his  education  in  the  log  school-houses  of  those  times  ; finally  taught  school  for 
several  winters;  studied  law  at  Norwalk  with  Cortland  Latimer,  during  the 
years  1839-40.  Owing  to  impaired  health  he  was  induced  to  turn  his  attention 
to  medicine,  and  graduated  in  the  Eclectic  Medical  College,  Cincinnati,  Octo- 
ber I,  1843.  He  was  demonstrator  and  assistant  professor  of  anatomy,  and 
finally  appointed  to  a full  professorship  of  anatomy,  which  he  held  until  1852, 
when  he  was  appointed  professor  of  surgery  in  the  Cleveland  Homeopathic 
Hospital  College,  in  which  institution  he  remained  as  professor  until  i860.  En- 
gagements of  a business  nature  compelled  him  to  spend  a few  years  in  Michi- 
gan, where  he  was  elected  in  i860  to  the  Legislature  of  that  State. 

His  report  on  the  establishment  of  a homeopathic  medical  department  in  the 
University  of  Michigan  is  justly  celebrated,  and  accomplished  the  purpose  for 
which  it  was  written.  In  the  spring  of  1863  he  was  appointed  by  President 
Lincoln  consul  to  Nicaraugua.  While  engaged  in  the  medical  profession,  dur- 
ing the  years  1852  and  1853,  he  built  the  “Water  Cure”  at  Berlin  Heights; 
in  the  meantime  wrote  several  books,  among  which  was  “ Hill’s  Homeopathic 
Healing  Art,”  also  “Hill’s  Epitome  of  the  Homeopathic  Healing  Art,”  eleven 
revised  editions  of  which  have  been  published.  He  was  representative  in  the 
Ohio  Legislature  from  Erie  county  during  the  sessions  of  1867,  1868,  1869  and 
1870.  Dr.  Hill  died  at  Marysville,  Cal.,  May  13,  1871,  aged  fifty-seven  years. 
The  doctor  was  in  many  respects  a remarkable  man.  Notwithstanding  he  was 
cut  off  when  but  little  past  middle  age,  he  had  accomplished  more  than  the  ma- 
jority of  men  under  similar  circumstances  will  ever  achieve,  no  matter  to  what 
age  they  are  spared.  The  record  of  his  labors  is  the  best  monument  to  his 
memory  that  even  filial  affection  could  erect. 

Dr.  George  S.  Hill  is  a brother  of  the  late  B.  F.  Hill.  He  lived  at  Berlin 
Heights,  and  was  a very  successful  practitioner.  He  moved  into  the  southeast- 
ern part  of  the  State  many  years  ago.  As  it  was  omitted  in  the  biography  of 
B.  F.  Hill,  it  may  be  mentioned  here  that  he  (B.  F.  H.)  was  the  author  of  “The- 
American  Eclectic  Practice  of  Surgery,”  and  the  “Homeopathic  Practice  of 
Surgery,”  both  works  of  real  practical  merit. 

Dr.  Morley  of  Huron,  was  born  December  17,  i860.  Studied  medicine  with 
Dr.  C.  S.  Morley,  at  Pontiac,  Mich.  Graduated  at  Cleveland  Homeopathic 
College  in  1884.  At  once  located  in  Huron,  where  he  is  meeting  with  flatter- 
ing success.  Dr.  Morley  gives  promise  of  becoming  one  of  the  leading  physi- 
cians of  the  county. 

Dr.  Bond  of  Vermillion,  is  an  ahinimis  of  Detroit  Homeopathic  College,  re- 


The  Medical  Profession. 


227 


ceiving  his  degree  in  1873.  He  is  esteemed  by  his  patrons  and  acquaintances 
for  his  many  excellent  qualities  of  head  and  heart. 

Miss  Spalding,  a graduate  of  Cleveland  Homeopathic  College,  practiced 
medicine  a number  of  years  on  Kelley’s  Island,  previous  to  1873.  Miss  Spald- 
ing moved  to  Kansas  with  the  family  of  Captain  W.  A.  Webb,  and  remains 
there  at  this  date  (1888).  Dr.  Sarah  A.  Henderson  succeeded  her  on  Kelley’s 
Island.  Not  having  Dr.  Spalding’s  address  the  writer  has  not  been  able  to  ob- 
tain any  further  items  in  connection  with  her  professional  history. 

Drs.  McConly,  Ailing,  Catlin,  Simmons  and  Sweazy,  are  names  familiar  to  the 
people  of  Milan,  the  last  two  being  engaged  there  now,  and  the  others  at  differ- 
ent times  in  the  past.  Of  the  first  three  the  writer  can  speak  but  from  a lim- 
ited acquaintance,  enough  however  to  convince  him  of  their  ability  and  success 
in  the  profession.  The  two  occupying  the  field  at  present  are  in  good  practice, 
which,  in  an  intelligent  community,  is  a sufficient  endorsement  of  professional 
merit. 

It  is  due  to  the  writer  to  say  that  the  preparation  of  this  article  was  un- 
sought, and  attempted  with  much  hesitancy,  mainly  for  the  reason  that  his 
acquaintance  with  the  profession  outside  the  City  of  Sandusky  has  necessarily 
been  comparatively  limited,  and  therefore  the  little  time  at  his  command  in 
which  to  obtain  detailed  and  correct  information  of  the  different  physicians  who 
have  at  one  time  or  another  practiced  in  the  county,  made  it  impossible  to  do 
exact  justice  to  those  whose  acquaintance  he  had  been  so  unfortunate  as  not  to 
have  made.  That  there  are  those  about  whom  no  reference  has  been  made,  or 
if  so,  simply  to  mention  their  names,  is  no  evidence  or  test  of  their  comparative 
influence  or  ability  in  the  fraternity;  but  because  I had  not,  and  under  the  cir- 
cumstances could  not,  be  more  thorough  or  critical  in  alluding  to  them.  Of 
those  of  whom  more  has  been  said,  still  more  flattering  mention  might  have 
been  made,  but  as  the  purpose  was  barely  to  refer  to  a few  of  the  characteris- 
tics of  each,  if  my  estimate  of  their  mental  and  professional  status  is  fairly  cor- 
rect and  just,  my  purpose  is  obtained;  more  than  this  I had  no  right  to  expect. 
Fraternally,  I.  B.  Massey. 


228 


History  of  Erie  County. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


THE  GERMAN  ELEMENT  OF  ERIE  COUNTY.* 


WRITTEN  history  of  this  country,  as  well  as  any  part  thereof,  would'be 


incomplete  without  devoting  an  appropriate  space  to  the  Gennadi  Element, 
that  in  years  gone  by  helped  materially  to  develop  its  resources  and  is  still 
aiding  in  a humble  way  to  shape  its  future  destiny  for  good  or  evil  in  a social, 
moral,  and  political  way. 

A political  history,  strictly  speaking,  cannot  be  claimed  for  the  German 
element  in  America,  and  yet  in  the  conglomeration  of  the  diverse  elements 
constituting  this  Union  has  it  played  such  a potent  factor,  that  its  peculiar 
traits  and  characteristics  as  a nation  call  for  a special  recognition.  The  tenacity 
in  keeping  up  and  preserving  the  old  mother  tongue  in  song  and  speech  and 
the  rigid  observance  of  religious  ceremonies  and  holy  days  as  of  old,  are  most  ’ 


Retrospecting,  we  find  German  emigration  in  its  earliest  infancy  forced.  ' 
Refugees  in  its  proper  meaning  were  the  small  number  of  pioneers  that  crossed 
the  ocean  a century  or  more  ago.  They  were  stripped  of  all  earthly  posses- 
sions, and  yet  are  thankful  in  their  pious  devotion,  that  God  did  spare  their 
bare  lives,  a repetition  of  so-called  Christian  tolerance  so  well  illustrated  in  his- 
tory in  the  persecution  and  expulsion  of  the  Salzburger  and  Mora'C'ian  sects. 
Without  a home,  a country  of  their  own,  or  any  protection,  an  easy  and  read}'’ 
prey  for  the  sharks  of  Holland  and  England,  they  had  only  one  desire — to  sever  | 
completely  the  ties  of  former  bondage  and  oppression. 

It  cannot  be  said  that  the  first  immigrants  bettered  their  condition  materi- 
ally in  their  new  home  ; they  entered  a servitude  bordering  closely  on  slavery, 
but  notwithstanding  all  this  they  felt  contented,  their  final  efforts  culminated 
in  the  acquisition  of  a home  and  a few  spare  acres  of  land  to  provide  them- 
selves and  families  with  the  necessaries  of  life.  It  may  sound  harsh  and  offen- 
sive to  the  national  pride  of  to-day,  and  yet  it  is  an  indisputable  fact,  that 
Germany  furnished  for  a long  time  the  English  colonies  not  only  with  bought 
up  and  conscript  soldiers  — Hessians — but  almost  entirely  with  the  rude  hands 
for  manual  labor. 

The  German  colonists  of  the  eighteenth  century  became  the  coolies  of  this 
country.  The  star  of  glory  at  one  time  so  bright  in  the  old  home  dictating 
the  pol  cy  of  all  other  nations,  had  lost  its  lustre  and  its  power.  The  bloody 
wars,  following  the  Reformation  and  the  Thirty  Years  War  in  special,  had  sapped 
and  taken  the  life  blood  of  this  nation,  and  had  destroyed  its  power,  progress, 
and  energy  for  more  than  one  generation.  Devastation  was  over  all ; the  I 
noble  guilds  that  in  years  of  former  prosperity  were  so  actively  engaged  in  the  | 


marked. 


By  Dr.  E.  Von  Schulenburg,  Sandusky,  Ohio. 


The  German  Element. 


229 


erection  of  the  beautiful  structures,  that  by  their  lavish  adoration  of  sculpture 
and  exquisite  masonry  call  loud  for  praise  from  the  connoisseur  of  to-day. 
Their  work  was  finished ; the  peasant  had  neither  horses  nor  oxen  to  cultivate 
his  land,  nor  even  the  seed  for  sowing;  the  highways  had  become  impassable 
in  the  many  years  of  ceaseless  war,  and  the  potentates  and  rulers  of  the  smal^ 
parcels  of  land  were  remorseless  and  deaf  to  the  appeals  of  their  subjects  as 
long  as  the  taxes  were  promptly  paid  in  order  to  keep  up  their  own  luxurious 
life.  They  styled  themselves  rulers  “by  the  grace  of  God,”  and  the  kingdom 
or  duchy  had  become  their  personal  property.  Only  one  way  was  left  open 
to  escape  all  this  misery — emigration  — the  peasant  and  burgher  alike  had 
become  so  powerless  and  enervated,  that  to  make  front  against  their  common 
oppressor  was  entirely  out  of  the  question.  Flight  then  in  the  dark  hours  of 
the  night,  flight  to  safely  reach  the  frontier.  The  first  German®  emigrants 
gave  up  their  fatherland  without  pain  or  tears,  they  had  so  completely  lost 
confidence  in  themselves  and  the  old  home  regime,  that  they  blindly  and  hope- 
fully accepted  the  inducements  held  out  by  foreign  countries. 

The  German  emigration  did  in  course  of  time  assume  larger  proportions 
and  directed  itself  mainly  to  the  shores  of  this  country.  Germany'so  much  in 
need  of  hands  to  commence  the  work  of  national  reconstruction,  througrh  a 
false  policy,  gave  to  America  a good  share  of  its  best  productive  power,  but 
received  only  as  a just  retaliation  French  manners  and  vices,  French  luxuries, 
and  an  army  of  adventurers. 

The  impetus  of  German  emigration  in  its  infancy  may  with  a certain  amount 
of  correctness  chronologically  be  given  in  the  following  order:  Religious  op- 
pression and  persecutions  (Moravians,  Mennonites,  and  Futherans),  famine  and 
pestilence,  over-population  in  certain  districts,  inability  to  make  a living  and  a 
desire  for  a better  existence.  There  has  been  a great  deal  of  nonsensical  talk 
in  misinformed  or  prejudiced  papers  and  books  about  an  inborn  proclivity  of 
the  Germans  to  change  their  domicile  on  the  slightest  pretext,  but  the  perti- 
nent question  may  be  excusable,  will  any  one  give  up  a home  and  sever  forever 
all  family  ties,  if  even  a shadow  of  happiness  is  left  to  share  in  the  old  beloved 
home  ? The  expectations  of  the  German  settlers  became  realized  in  a meas- 
ure. Fertile  acres  by  the  millions,  the  primitive  wilderness,  waiting  only  for 
the  strong  arm  of  the  pale  faced  Teuton  to  carve  out  a home  of  his  own  choice, 
and  as  a God  sent  blessing,  liberty  in  religion  and  in  speech  and  equality  be- 
fore a common  tribunal  of  law.  Verily,  our  forefathers  had  a trying  time  of  it, 
but  they  were  neither  afraid  nor  ashamed  to  work,  and  hardened  by  many 
exposures  and  surrounded  by  the  contrasting  perils  of  the  frontier  life,  did  they 
live  out  their  expectancy  of  three  score  and  ten,  and  long  enough  to  harvest, 
in  many  instances,  the  fruits  of  their  own  honest  and  energetic  work.  In  a 
short  time,  thanks  to  their  inborn  saving  trait,  they  became  freeholders  and 
prosperous  on  a piece  of  land  that  seemed  inadequate  to  [support  their  Dutch 
30 


230 


History  of  Erie  County. 


or  English  neighbors.  Peasants,  common  laborers,  servants,  and  disappointed 
merchants  made  up  the  bulk  of  the  German  emigration  at  the  beginning  of  the 
present  century,  but  none  of  them  truthfully  expressed  the  true  inwardness,  the 
character  and  genius  of  their  nation  ; they  represented  it  to  a certain  extent  by 
their  independence,  by  a multitude  of  dialects  and  everyday  habits,  and  yet 
they  were  destined  in  their  physical  and  moral  healthfulness  and  strength  to 
become  a most  valuable  factor.  An  amalgamation  of  the  different  elements  of 
this  country  by  means  of  intermarriage  and  closer  social  intercourse  was  nec- 
essary to  transfuse  new  blood,  new  life  and  vigor  into  this  country. 

Endurance,  perseverance,  a limited  greed  for  earthly  possessions  were  then 
as  they  are  now,  marked  traits  of  the  Germans  ; their  aspirations  were  for  a 
home  of  their  own,  and  in  this  respect  they  differed  greatly  from  the  true 
Yankee,  who  is  ever  ready  and  willing  to  sacrifice  almost  anything  provided  it 
brings  a mercenary  gain  or  is  a bargain.  For  the  first  time  then  in  his  life  is 
the  German  put  on  his  own  feet,  no  red  tape,  no  barriers,  no  passport  or 
policeman  at  every  move  or  step,  the  rigidly  enforced  etiquette  of  the  old 
home  has  become  a dead  letter.  For  the  first  time  in  his  life  a free  man 
amongst  a multitude  of  freeholders,  welcome,  but  obliged  to  depend  from  now  ' 
on  upon  his  own  judgment,  energy,  and  strong  arms  for  all  the  necessaries  of 
life.  The  proverbial  “help  yourself”  becomes  the  true  guiding  angel  from  this 
day  on,  on  which  his  foot  touches  the  soil  of  this  free  country.  He  passes  the 
first  years  of  probation  hard  and  ceaselessly  working  day  after  day,  and  by  and 
by  the  language  of  the  foreign  country,  so  similar  to  the  sounds  of  home,  is  ,, 
mastered  and  with  it  his  interest  in  common  as  well  as  national  questions  be-  f 
comes  aroused  ; the  poor  despised  German  feels  proud  to  be  placed  on  a level 
with  the  rest,  and  deposits  his  first  ballot  as  a true  and  loyal  citizen,  well  know- 
ing its  importance,  and  year  by  year  does  he  learn  better  to  understand  and 
to  appreciate  the  numerous  blessings  everybody  is  welcome  to  in  this  country, 
provided  he  is  willing  to  live  up  to  its  laws.  The  leaders  of  the  Anarchistic 
and  Socialistic  movement  seem  utterly  to  forget,  that  not  more  than  a century  ,, 
ago  the  routine  work  of  a happy  and  well  contented  laborer  in  the  old  honie  * 
ceased  only  with  the  looming  up  of  the  stars,  that  it  was  impossible  for  him 
ever  to  better  his  condition  in  life  and  to  give  to  his  children  such  an  excellenc 
education  as  is  furnished  in  this  country,  even  to  the  most  humble  subject  as 
free  as  the  air  we  breathe.  We  have  no  serfs,  thanks  to  God!  No  slaves  any 
more  ! In  this  country  all  work  in  the  different  branches  of  industry,  and  al- 
though keenly  competed  gives  to  all,  excepting  a spendthrift,  more  than  one 
chance  to  get  well  enough  along  in  life  ; and  it  is  an  indisputable  fact  that  the 
much  cursed  and  maligned  monopolist  started  out  in  life  as  impecunious  as  the 
so-called  and  big-mouthed  reformer,  the  only  perceptible  difference  being  that  " 
the  one  knew  how  to  save  his  earnings  and  properly  invest  them,  the  other 
only  how  to  squander.  Many  instances  may  be  cited  of  German  immigrants 


The  German  Element. 


231 


that  landed  on  the  shores  of  this  country  almost  penniless  and  in  years  of  hard 
labor  did  they  earn  a competency,  but  it  was  their  enterprise,  fair  dealing  and 
hard  work  that  made  them  such,  and  a score  or  more  of  German  families  could 
be  named  in  this  little  county  of  Erie  that  in  a short  time  have  been  elevated 
from  obscurity  and  poverty  to  richness.  May  they  deservedly  enjoy  it  to 
their  heart’s  content ! Wealth  brings  comfort  and  comfort  brings  ease,  but 
many  would  gladly  have  given  up  a good  share  of  their  wealth  had  they  only 
learned  in  their  younger  days  the  art  of  how  to  properly  enjoy  it.  As  a rule 
the  wealthier  classes  of  Germans  in  Erie  county  have  been  instrumental  in 
building  up  its  branches  of  industries,  formerly  unknown  or  at  least  much 
neglected,  such  as  the  wine,  grape,  and  the  fish  business.  In  these  branches 
of  trade  many  thousands  of  hands  are  employed  in  the  busiest  seasons. 

The  American  continent  was,  excepting  its  geographical  location,  as 
unknown  to  the  first  German  settlers  as  to  the  crew  that  embarked  under 
Columbus  on  August  3,  1492,  at  Palos  in  the  fragile  ships.  The  Germans 
had  no  object  in  view;  they  did  not  come  to  perfect  any  idealistic  ideas, 
neither  did  they  have  any  outlined  work  ; they  presented  rough,  unhewn 
blocks,  that  should  fit  themselves  after  repeated  dressing  and  become  a useful 
material  in  building  up  a great  nation.  Please  glance  over  American  history : 
Go  back  to  the  war  preceding  the  Declaration  of  Independence — go  back  to 
1812,  and  the  bloody  war  of  secession — and  the  names  of  loyal  German- 
American  citizens  will  be  found  in  great  numbers,  and  many  of  them  in  the 
front  ranks,  who  were  as  willing  as  the  rest  to  sacrifice  their  blood  and  lives 
for  the  preservation  of  the  Union  and  of  peace  ! Two  generations  had  to  go 
down  into  their  graves  before  an  amalgamation  of  the  German,  and  the  inborn 
clement  could  be  consummated  from  that  day  on,  though  the  German  offspring 
became  a true  American  citizen,  not  only  in  name,  but  in  body  and  soul. 

With  great  pleasure  do  I recall  the  happy  days  of  my  youth,-  when  I was 
brooding  over  the  tales  and  legends,  so  masterly  written  by  Grimm  and  Musaus, 
of  the  sunken  countries  and  cities — of  Vineta,  on  the  Baltic  Sea.  Tradition 
says,  that  on  a bright  night,  when  the  waters  are  calm,  the  towers  of  this 
sunken  city  were  plainly  seen  at  the  bottom  of  the  sea  and  the  tolling  of  the 
bells  could  be  distinctly  heard  in  the  stillness  of  the  night.  Many  of  the  old 
settlements  of  the  first  German  pioneers  are  buried  alike ; tradition,  entries 
in  the  old  family  Bible  or  church  record,  dilapidated  and  broken  up  slabs  in 
the  remote  corners  of  a neglected  church  or  grave-yard,  tell  in  a faint  way  the 
story  of  a century  or  more  ago.  It  was  with  the  utmost  reverence  that  the 
writer  of  this  chapter  opened  two  years  ago  the  old  time-worn  chest  which 
the  great-grandfather  of  his  children  had  willed  to  him  as  a small  token  of  his 
love.  Old  books  dating  back  to  the  time  when  their  ancestors  came  to  the 
shore  of  America  as  refugees,  nearly  two  hundred  years  ago — old,  but  priceless 
books — an  almost  complete  list  of  works  first  printed  in  America  in  the  be- 
loved mother  tongue,  by  Sauer,  of  Germantown,  Pa. 


232 


History  of  Erie  County. 


German  emigration  assumed  the  most  gigantic  proportions  in  the  middle 
of  the  present  century.  As  it  will  undoubtedly  interest  the  general  reader,  an 
authentical  list,  taken  from  the  record  of  the  Statistical  Bureau  at  Washinerton. 


is  given  below 


1820,  German  emigrants 968 

1821,  “ 383 

1822,  " “ 148 

1823,  “ “ 183 

1824,  “ “ 230 

1825,  “ “ 450 

1826,  “ “ 51 1 

1827,  “ “ 432 

1828,  “ “ 1,851 

1829,  “ “ 597 

1830,  “ “ 1,976 

1S31,  “ “ 2,413 

1832,  “ “ 10,194 

1833,  “ 6,988 

1834,  " “ 17,686 

1835,  “ “ 8,311 

1836,  “ 20,707 

1837,  “ “ 23,740 

1838,  “ ■“  II, 683 

1839,  “ “ 21,028 

1840,  •'  “ 29,704 

1841,  “ “ 15,291 

1842,  “ " 20,370 

1843-  “ “ 14441 

1844,  “ “ 20,731 

1845,  ‘‘  “ 34,355 

1846,  “ “ 57,561 

1847,  “ •'  74,281 

1848,  “ ■ “ 58,465 

1849,  “ " 60,233 

1850,  “ “ 63,182 

1851,  “ “ 88,196 

1852,  “ “ 145,918 


1853,  German  emigrants 141,946 


1854,  •'  “ 215,009  j 

1855,  “ “ 71,918  I 

1856,  “ “ 71,028  [1 

1857,  “ “ 91,781  j 

1858,  “ “ 45,310  i 

1859,  “ ■'  41,784  I 

1860,  “ “ 54,491 

1861,  “ “ 31,661 

1862,  “ “ 27,529 

1863,  “ “ 33,162 

1864,  “ “ 67,276  II 

1865,  “ “ 83,424  11 

1866,  “ " 115,892  \ 

1867,  “ “ 133,426  I 

1868,  ■■  “ 123,070  l! 

1869,  “ “ 124,788  I' 

1870,  “ “ 91,779  !j 

1871,  “ “ 107,201 

1872,  “ “ 155,595  ll 

1873,  “ “ 133,141 

1874,  “ “ 56,927 

1875,  “ “ 36,565 

1876,  •*  “ 31,323 

1877,  “ “ 27,417 

1878,  “ “ 31.958  i 

1879,  “ “ 43,531 

1880,  “ “ 134,040 

1881,  '■  “ 249,572  jj 

1882,  “ “ 250,630  jl 

1883,  “ “ 180,812  l! 


Total  in  sixty-four  years 3,817,195 


This  list  will  speak  for  itself  Conclusions  may  be  drawn  by  every  one 
that  is  familiar  with  the  history  of  his  nation. 

The  ravens  of  Kueff  Hteuser  desert  their  former  habitation  ; Barbarossa 
sleeps  now  in  peace — once  more  a solid  and  an  undivided  empire  in  strength 
and  power  as  of  old.  The  price  was  dear,  and  many  thousands  of  our  brave 
sons  were  laid  to  rest  in  a strange  land  ; once  more  did  the  bloody  wars  of 
1866  and  1870  take  the  life-blood  of  this  nation,  but  when  King  William 
placed  the  emperor’s  crown  of  a once  more  united  country  on  his  silver  hair  in 
the  halls  of  Versailles,  it  was  another  just  retaliation,  when  he  remembered  in 
that  eventful  hour,  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  the  humiliation  of  his  country  and 


The  German  Element. 


233 


his  own  beloved  parents  in  the  dark  hours  of  1806.  Once  more  were  the  reins 
of  supremacy  placed  in  the  hands  of  a ruler,  that  had  proven  not  only  a de- 
fender of  his  and  his  people’s  rights,  but  a protector  and  preserver  of  peace. 
From  that  day  on  has  the  flag  of  our  old  fatherland  given  ample  protection  to 
her  sons,  that  are  scattered  over  all  the  world’s  creation,  as  outspoken  as  the 
stars  and  stripes  we  now  adore. 

And  still  they  come,  the  Teutons,  but  not  as  refugees  as  of  a century  ago 
stripped  of  all  earthly  possessions, — they  come  now  of  their  own  free  will,  with 
means,  and  the  same  strong  and  muscular  arm  that  cleared  the  wilderness  so 
many  years  ago.  The  light  so  conspicuously  displayed  by  the  goddess  of  lib- 
erty, at  the  main  port  of  this  country,  seems  to  draw  them  nearer  and  nearer. 

The  German  element  form  about  the  seventh  part  of  the  total  population 
of  this  country ; entire  counties  and  cities  are  almost  given  up  to  them.  San- 
dusky city  has  a German  population  of  nearly  one- half,  and  New  York  city 
has  become  the  third  largest  German  city  in  the  world,  and  yet  the  strength 
and  influence  of  the  German  element  is  far  less  than  should  proportionately  be 
expected.  The  Germans  confront  in  this  country  an  inborn  nation  that  has  for 
two  centuries  not  only  accepted  and  welcomed,  but  digested  the  diverse  ele- 
ments of  the  old  world  ; an  inborn  element,  that  in  all  those  years  had  become 
powerful  and  strong,  and  it  cannot  reasonably  be  expected  that  it  abruptly 
should  change  their  habits,  ways  of  Sabbath  consecration  and  all  existing  laws, 
simply  to  please  a foreign-born  element,  far  less  to  obey  their  dictations.  Fif- 
teen hundred  years  is  a long  while  ; in  that  time  laws,  traits  and  a once  com- 
mon language  change  to  such  an  extent  that  the  link  of  close  relationship  may 
seem  entirely  defunct,  and  yet  blood  will  tell  and  call  for  recognition  at  first 
sight.  The  Anglo-Saxons  and  the  Germans  meet  once  more  after  1,500  years 
of  separation,  and,  strange  as  it  may  seem,  on  a newly  discovered  continent,  to 
join  hands  to  build  it  up  mutually  for  their  combined  interest  and  glory. 

“ In  union  there  is  strength.”  There  are  many  vital  questions  to  be  de- 
cided in  a fair  and  unprejudiced  way  by  a coming  generation  ; questions  to 
match  in  battle,  civilization  and  rudeness  ; intellectual  power  and  genius 
against  stupidity;  but  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  religious  questions  will  never  en- 
ter the  race,  and  that  the  horrors  of  inquisition  and  religious  intolerance  and 
persecution  that  came  at  one  time  very  near  strangling  the  new-born  babe  and 
destroying  the  future  prosperity  of  this  country,  may  not  be  repeated. 

The  fathers  of  independence,  and  the  framers  of  our  constitutional  laws, 
were  in  the  right  by  ignoring,  entirely,  in  their  declarations  all  religious  mat- 
ters, holding  that  every  one  had  a perfect  right  to  accomplish  his  salvation  in 
a way  that  suited  him  best.  They  did  plainly  foresee,  that  by  granting  the  ut- 
most liberty  in  this  direction,  emigrants  would  come  from  all  parts  of  the  world 
to  the  shores  of  America,  and  that  it  would  have  been  much  like  the  work 
of  a Sisyphus  to  regulate  by  law  the  spiritual  welfare  with  the  worldly,  alike.. 


234 


History  of  Erie  County. 


If  we,  to  come  to  a close,  correctly  understand  the  mission  of  the  German  ele- 
ment in  this  country,  we  must  come  to  the  conclusion  that  its  future  prosper- 
ity is  not  to  be  found  in  a strict  exclusiveness  and  in  fantastic  dreams  of  a 
Utopia.  Our  final  mission  is  to  become  more  closely  amalgamated,  and  to 
unite  with  the  inborn  element,  and  to  preserve  at  the  same  time  the  many- 
laudable  traits  of  the  Teutonic  race.  Let  us  preserve  our  love  for  the  home 
circle,  domestic  felicity,  our  love  for  everything  sublime  in  arts,  our  classical 
music,  our  gold  mine  of  poetry,  our  mother  tongue,  and  song  and  speech,  and 
feel  contented  that  our  influence  in  political,  social  and  every  day  affairs  will 
become  greater  in  the  proportion  we  make  ourselves  better  understood.  There 
will  be  nothing  regretted  then,  if  we  lose  our  name  as  a distinct  nation.  It  is 
useless  to  simulate  ; whoever  emigrates  gives  up  his  fatherland,  and  cannot 
claim  it  with  any  more  right  than  he  could  claim  two  fathers.  The  name 
German-American  becomes  less  and  less  distinct  from  year  to  year,  and  will, 
by  gradual  transmutation,  become  as  defunct  in  the  course  of  time  as  the 
aborigines  of  the  wilderness  and  the  buffaloes  of  the  plains. 

More  has  been  said  in  the  foregoing  lines  than  was  originally  intended,  but 
as  the  incorporated  sentiments  are  the  key  to  understand  properly  the  mission 
of  the  German  element,  it  will  be  duly  appreciated. 

REMINISCENCES  AND  OLD  LANDMARKS. 

The  time  that  has  passed  since  the  pioneer  first  walked  in  the  wilderness 
by  the  side  of  the  river  and  creeks,  is  almost  fourscore  years.  Strange  and 
startling  scenes,  in  life  dramas,  have  been  enacted  before  and  since  then.  The 
Indian,  glorying  in  his  wild  freedom,  and  holding  undisputed  possession  of  the 
forest,  has  here  lain  in  wait  for  the  deer  to  come  and  drink.  Human  blood 
has  flowed  by  the  side  of  the  streams.  The  white  man  came,  and.  with  hard 
labor  rolled  together  the  logs  for  a humble  home.  The  prattle  and  the  laugh- 
ter of  little  children  mingled  with  the  songs  of  birds.  The  sound  of  the  ax 
was  heard  along  the  shore,  and  the  crushing  of  falling  timber  shook  the  earth.  ■ 
The  forest  melted  away  before  the  march  of  the  army  of  peace.  The  countr} 
was  dotted  with  human  habitations  ; a village  grew  up  and  became  a busy 
mart.  The  church  and  school-house  appeared.  Where  once  were  no  sounds 
but  those  of  nature,  there  had  come  the  hum  of  industry,  the  bustle  of  trade,  a 
hurrying  to  and  fro,  the  greetings  of  man  with  man,  the  activity  impelled  by 
varied  human  interests.  There  were  births,  marriages,  deaths,  the  ever  occur- 
ring joys  and  griefs  of  humanity;  the  change  and  mutation  of  life  and  time. 
The  old  log-houses  well  nigh  faded  from  existence;  the  houses  and  landmarks 
of  old  Portland  rolled  away.  Men  who  were  babies  when  the  country  was  new, 
grew  old  and  went  down  to  their  graves.  It  is  the  fulfillment  of  a hard  task 
that  the  writer  came  in  possession  of  such  facts,  that  are  little,  if  any,  known, 
excepting  to  a few  more  closely  interested.  It  is  a great  pleasure  to  him  to 


The  German  Element. 


235 


present  to  the  reader  of  to-day  carefully  trimmed  outlines  of  the  characters  of 
those  men  and  women  whose  lives  were  passed  in  preparing  the  wilderness  for 
the  present  generations.  Wherever  we  failed  to  come  into  possession  of  a cor- 
rect family  record,  we  have  striven  to  perpetuate,  at  least,  the  names  of  those 
who  bore  the  brunt  in  the  great  struggle  of  subduing  a new  country,  who  sur- 
mounted its  obstacles  and  faced  its  dangers  bravely.  The  hard  work  has  been 
persistently  carried  on  for  many  months.  May  these  offerings,  with  all  their 
imperfections,  find  a warm  place  in  the  hearts  and  homes  of  his  German  fel- 
low men,  and  may  the  living  generation  learn  from  the  past  something  about 
the  contentedness,  frugality  and  honesty  of  the  good  old  time. 

The  writer’s  table  has  been  covered  for  weeks,  with  numerous  letters,  pass- 
ports, certificates  and  musty  papers,  dating  back  half  a century  and  even  more. 
The  time  worn  pages  of  the  old  Clarion  and  Baystadt  Democrat,  tell  of  many 
well-meant  but  ill-spent  endeavors  of  our  forefathers,  of  incidents  and  official 
acts,  that  will  appear  ridiculous  at  this  day.  That  a well-meaning  member  of 
the  City  Council  of  Sandusky,  nearly  forty  , years  ago,  to  be  faithful  to  his 
constituents,  introduced  a resolution  that,  chickens  caught  in  the  act  of  tres- 
passing, might  lawfully  be  killed,  is  only  a sample ; but  may  it  truthfully  be 
said  that  after  a fierce  battle,  not  the  chickens,  but  the  resolution  was  un- 
mercifully killed.  The  aspirations  of  our  city  fathers  did  not,  apparently, 
run  high  in  those  days,  and  instead  of  confining  themselves  strictly  to  the  ' 
needed  work,  they  allowed  the  golden  opportunity  to  slip  and  Cleveland  and 
Toledo  to  reap  the  harvest. 

To  confine  ourselves  more  closely  to  the  subject,  very  little,  if  anything,  is 
known  about  the  German  settlers  in  Erie  county,  before  the  beginning  of  the 
present  century. 

Anton  Eickhoff’s  claim  in  Der  Dentschen  Heimath,  page  229,  that  a Ger- 
man Polander,  by  name  Sodowsky,  established  a trader’s  post  at  the  beginning 
of  the  past  century,  and  before  1728,  on  the  southern  shore  of  Lake  Erie,  at 
the  present  site  of  Sandusky,  is  not  sufficiently  substantiated.  His  claim  that 
Sandusky  received  its  name  from  this  trader  is  disputed  by  the  noted  historian 
George  Bancroft,  and  others. 

The  German  element  may,  without  fear  of  contradiction,  though,  celebrate 
its  centennial  in  Erie  county,  in  kind  remembrance  of  the  good  deeds  of  the 
Moravians,  who  established  a mission  in  Milan  township  in  1787,  under  the 
leadership  of  David  Zeisberger  and  Johann  Heckenwelder.  History  should 
spare  them  a page,  and  fame  should  keep  alive  the  names  of  these  heroes  that 
sought  out  the  rude  savages  of  the  forest  and  did  what  they  could  to  civilize 
and  elevate  them. 

The  first  permanent  settlements  in  Erie  county  were  made  in  the  first  and 
second  decades  of  the  present  century,  in  about  the  following  chronological  or- 
der : Townships — Huron  and  Vermillion,  1808;  Portland  and  Groton,  1809; 
Berlin  and  Milan,  1810;  Margaretta  and  Oxford,  1810;  Florence,  1811. 


236 


History  of  Erie  County. 


No  German  names  appear  in  the  list  of  the  first  settlers  excepting  the  name 
of  a Mohawk  German,  Peter  Cuddeback,  who  settled  in  Vermillion  township 
in  l8lo,  about  two  miles  west  of  the  river.  He  died  in  1833.  In  the  spring 
of  1828  Martin  Eldis  (originally  litis),  settled  in  Portland  township,  Sandusky, 
and  opened  a bakery  and  provision  store  on  Water  street,  at  a place  known  in 
our  days  as  “Turner  Hall.”  Martin  Eldis  was  born  at  Munster,  St.  Gregori- 
enthal,  Elsass,  January  4,  1798,  and  emigrated  to  America  in  1817.  He  was 
married  in  1827  to  Louise  Guckenberger,  at  Cincinnati,  O.,  and  died  on  No- 
vember 28,  1852,  leaving  to  his  wife  and  children  an  abundant  share  of  earthly 
goods. 

“We  were  not  welcomed,”  said  the  old  esteemed  lady  to  the  writer,  “on 
our  arrival  sixty  years  ago,  we  were  advised  to  better  move  on;  if  it  had  not 
have  been  for  the  steamboat  trade,”  she  continued,  “ we  never  could  have  made 
a living  in  the  first  year  or  two.  By  and  by  though,  the  inborn  element  be- 
came more  friendly  to  us,  and  learned  to  respect  our  ways.  For  nearly  four 
years  we  were  the  only  German  family  in  this  hamlet,  and  in  all  probability  in 
the  county.” 

In  the  following  lines  a list  of  names  of  the  German  settlers  is  given,  who  lo- 
cated permanently  in  Erie  county  between  1830-40.  In  son-y:  instances  it  was 
extremely  difficult  to  obtain  accurate  information,  not  only  because  of  the 
vagueness  of  memory,  but  of  the  imperfection  of  records.  Again,  the  lives  of 
some  of  our  most  esteemed  pioneers  have  been  made  a target  by  an  illiterate 
and  unscrupulous  writer,  and  for  said  reasons  they  were  reluctant,  and  withheld 
information  that  otherwise  would  have  been  of  great  value.  As  it  is,  we  claim, 
that  this  list  is  as  complete  and  reliable  as  circumstances  will  permit : 

Portland  township,  (Sandusky),  population:  1820,  300  souls;  1830,  594 
souls;  1840,  1,500  souls. 

The  Booss  family  who  settled  here  in  1833  was  possessed  of  great  wealth  in 
the  old  country.  When  Roesel,  one  of  the  family  engaged  to  become  married, 
some  remarks  were  made  about  her  diminutive  stature.  Her  father  simply 
said,  “ If  Roesel  will  stand  on  a half  bushel  of  crown  dollars  she  will  not  look 
so  small.”  And  he  was  perfectly  able  to  redeem  his  pledge.  This  happened 
in  the  good  old  time.  The  Booss  family,  who  emigrated  to  America  years  af- 
ter, was  still  in  possession  of  considerable  means.  Of  nine  children  that  left 
Bahlingen,  in  Baden,  more  than  half  a century  ago,  only  two  are  living,  Mrs. 
John  Schmidt  and  Mrs.  Aug.  Hornung. 

Fred  George  Booss  was  born  November  9,  1812,  and  was  married  on 
Christmas  eve,  1836,  to  Christine  Rohrbacker,  in  Sandusky.  He  worked  in 
Martin  Eldis’s  bakery  for  years,  and  became  the  proprietor  of  the  Portland 
House,  one  of  the  old  landmarks  of  Sandusky.  He  died  in  i860  ; his  wife  sur- 
vived him  many  years;  she  died  in  1886.  Jacob,  who  had  a butcher  stand, 
died  in  1876.  His  widow  lives  on  East  Market  street.  William  was  drowned 


The  German  Element. 


237 


years  ago.  Martin  died  in  Toledo  in  1885.  Mrs.  Parsons,  Mrs.  J.  Bauer,  and 
Mrs.  Peter  Gilcher  sleep  at  the  side  of  their  life  companions  at  Oakland  Ceme- 
tery. 

The  Magle  family  settled  here  in  1832.  The  two  brothers  were  born  in 
Mehringen,  Wurtemberg,  and  emigrated  in  1831,  making  Sandusky  their  home 
in  the  following  year.  They  were  blacksmiths  by  trade.  George  Magle  was 
born  March  21,  1814,  and  was  married  in  1835  to  Theodora  Mahler.  He  was 
one  of  the  founders  of  the  First  German  Evangelical  Church  in  Sandusky,  and 
a member  of  the  Ancient  Order  of  Druids.  He  died  July  15,1 882,  on  his  farm 
near  the  county  poor-house.  His  brother  John  preceded  him  on  his  last  jour- 
ney many  years  ago. 

John  Hoken  settled  here  in  1833.  Very  little  of  his  family  record  could  be 
ascertained.  He  was  a stone-cutter  by  trade,  and  a sample  of  his  masterly  work 
representing  sun,  moon  and  stars,  may  be  admired  at  any  time  in  passing  Nic. 
Biglin’s  house  on  Market  street.  He  died  in  the  cholera  time,  1849,  dropping 
dead  in  front  of  the  National  House,  and  it  is  a common  popular  belief  that  he 
was  buried  alive. 

Peter  Gilcher  was  born  at  Essweiler,  Rheinbayern,  on  May  24,  1812,  and 
emigrated  to  America  in  1833,  arriving  in  New  York  City  June  24th.  He  was 
a carpenter,  and  worked  faithfully  at  his  trade  for  years.  The  Venice  Mill 
was  built  by  him  and  Fred  Reinheimer.  He  started  into  the  lumber  busi- 
ness about  1845,  his  yard  being  located  at  the  corner  of  Hancock  and  Jeffer- 
son street.  The  business  rapidly  increased,  and  was  transferred  to  its  present 
location  on  Water  street  in  1853.  He  was  married  to  Christine  Barbara  Booss 
on  May  2,  1837.  Of  a large  family  of  eleven  children  three  died  in  their  in- 
fancy, eight  surviving:  Magdalena  Heck,  Wilhelm  Heinrich  Gilcher,  Peter  Gil- 
cher, Christine  Barbara  Kunz,  Carl  August,  Heinrich  Johann,  Josephine  Ma- 
tern  and  Louise  Reif  P.  Gilcher  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  First  Ger- 
man Protestant  Church  in  Sandusky,  and  its  presiding  officer  for  many  years. 
For  political  honors  he  cared  little,  devoting  his  time  principally  to  business 
and  his  family.  In  later  years  he  served  his  constituents  as  infirmary  di- 
rector, councilman  and  water- works  trustee.  He  was  at  the  time  of  his  death 
vice-president  of  the  Third  National  Bank.  In  all  his  dealings  he  was  honest 
and  highly  respected  by  his  fellow-citizens.  He  died  July  i,  1877.  His  wife, 
Christine,  followed  him  two  years  later,  on  August  3. 

Henry  Laubsher  was  born  in  Weingarten,  Baden,  and  emigrated  to  Amer- 
ica with  his  wife,  Catharine,  in  1833,  making  Sandusky  his  home  in  the  same 
year.  Of  the  four  children  of  their  married  life  only  one  is  now  living,  Mrs. 
Catharine  Neumeyer,  born  May  16,  1834.  She  is,  as  far  as  the  writer  could  as- 
certain, the  second  German  girl  born  in  the  city.  Mr.  Laubscher  was  a mason 
by  trade.  He  died  in  1847,  and  his  wife,  Catharine,  in  1883. 

Nicolaus  Biglin,  originally  Bueglin,  is  one  of  the  oldest  settlers  in  Sandusky. 

31 


238 


His'I'ury  of  Erie  County. 


He  was  born  in  Arlesheim,  Canton  Basel,  Switzerland,  on  February  12,  1817, 
and  came  to  America  with  his  parents  in  1832.  The  family  settled  in  Rich- 
land county,  near  Mansfield,  O.,  where  his  father  died  in  1833.  In  1835  they 
moved  to  Sandusky.  Mr.  Biglin  was  married  to  Christine  Louise  Hornung 
June  12,  1847.  Six  of  their  children  are  now  living:  Marie  Louise  Ernst,  John 
Louis,  Louise  Schoeneman,  Nicolaus,  Edward  and  Augustus  Eberhard.  Mr. 
Biglin  was  a common  laborer,  and  retired  from  work  some  years  ago,  enjoying 
with  his  wife,  excellent  health  and  a well  deserved  rest. 

Johannes  Hornung  and  his  wife,  Anna  Maria  Reichenecker,  emigrated  to 
America  with  a family  of  six  children  in  1833.  Rummelsbach,  Oberamt  Tu- 
bingen, Wurtemberg,  was  their  former  home.  For  a short  time  they  lived  in. 
Pennsylvania  and  Richland  county,  O.,  and  in  1835  moved  to  Sandusky.  Mr. 
Hornung  died  of  cholera  in  1849,  his  wife,  Anna  Maria,  in  1850.  Five  of 
their  children  are  now  living : Johannes,  Christiana  Biglin,  August  Wilhelm, 
Jacob  and  Albert. 

Christopher  Daniel.  The  Daniel  family  had  their  former  home  in  Dorn- 
diel,  Kreis  Tieburg,  Hessen  Darmstadt.  Christopher  was  born  February  25, 
1813,  and  emigrated  with  his  wife,  Marie,  in  1835,  making  Sandusky  his  home 
in  the  same  year.  He  was  a blacksmith,  and  worked  at  his  trade  in  the  S.  M. 
and  N.  R.  R.  shop  till  1849.  of  year  he  bought  the  Loffler 

property  on  the  corner  of  Market  and  Fulton  streets,  and  became  engaged  in 
the  grocery  business.  His  first  wife  died  July  10.  1850.  He  was  married  again 
the  following  year,  and  died  of  cholera  at  his  brother  Peter’s  place  in  Perkins 
township  on  August  3,  1852.  His  second  wife,  Veronica,  died  in  1886.  Pe- 
ter Daniel,  his  brother,  was  a tailor  by  trade;  after  working  a few  years  at  Put- 
in-bay Isle  he  moved  into  Perkins  township,  on  a piece  of  land  he  had  bought. 
He  died  in  1880.  His  wife,  Dorothea,  is  living  at  this  writing. 

Jacob  Lay,  a son  of  Christian  and  Barbara  (Stein)  Lay,  was  born  at  Schaff- 
hausen,  Baden,  in  1814,  and  came  to  Sandusky  with  his  wife,  Maria  Anna  Balz- 
meyer,  in  1836.  He  was  the  pioneer  in  Erie  county  in  the  brewing  business, 
manufacturing  small  beer.  He  kept  a grocery  store  at  the  corner  of  Water  and 
Hancock  streets,  where  L.  Guth’s  hotel  is  now  located.  He  died  in  the  first 
cholera  epidemic  of  1849.  His  three  sons,  Henry,  Jacob  and  John  L.,are  en- 
gaged in  the  fishing  business,  under  the  firm  name  of  Lay  Bros.  Christian 
Lay,  the  father,  died  in  La  Porte,  Indiana.  Barbara,  his  wife,  died  many  years 
ago  in  the  old  country. 

John  Martin  Zimmerman  was  born  April  13,  1807,  in  Buechenau,  Oberamt 
Brugsal,  Baden,  and  crossed  the  ocean  with  his  life  companion,  Louise,  in  the 
spring  of  1834.  His  wife,  Louise,  dying  on  shipboard,  found  a watery  grave  a 
few  days  before  he  landed  on  the  shore  of  this  country.  He  was  married  to  his 
second  wife,  Margaretha  Fisher,  on  December  9,  1834,  in  Sandusky,  and  en- 
joyed all  the  blessings  of  a happy  life  with  her  for  nearly  fifty  years.  Of  their 


The  German  Element. 


239 


twelve  children,  five  are  now  living:  Martin,  Joseph,  Mrs.  Margaretha  Embse 
(widow),  Johann,  and  Mrs.  Maria  Eitzpatrick.  Mr.  Zimmerman  was  a weaver, 
but  did  not  follow  his  trade  in  this  country.  His  first  home  was  located  on 
Wayne  street,  where  L.  Herb’s  livery  stable  is  located  at  present.  Eor  years 
he  worked  in  Hollister’s  warehouse,  established  himself  as  a drayman  after- 
wards, and  retired  from  work  in  i860,  having  run  a saloon  on  Wayne  street  for 
several  years.  He  died  on  December  14,  1884.  His  wife,  Margaretha,  pre- 
ceded him  in  1881.  John  Eisher  and  the  Guenther  family  in  the  German  set- 
tlement, Perkins  township,  all  came  to  this  country  in  the  same  boat. 

The  Schuck  family  consisting  of  father,  Jacob,  and  two  sons,  Jacob  jr.,  and 
John,  emigrated  to  America  in  1833.  Their  former  home  was  in  Essweiler, 
Rheinpfalz,  Bavaria.  In  Albany,  N.  Y.,  they  parted.  Jacob,  jr.,  the  older  of 
the  two  brothers  remained  with  his  wife  in  Albany,  intending  to  make  it  his 
future  home  ; his  father  and  brother,  John,  went  west.  Their  path  was  not 
strewn  with  roses.  A few  weeks  of  hard  work  in  a trench  and  Jacob  broke 
his  leg  and  to  fill  the  measure  his  wife  died  in  the  same  year  and  was  buried 
in  Albany.  Left  in  a strange  country,  without  means  or  funds  he  had  only 
one  desire,  to  meet  again  his  father  and  brother,  who  in  the  meantime  had  di- 
rected their  steps  to  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and  in  their  nomade  wanderings  to  Ken- 
ton, Massillon  and  Seneca  county,  O.,  where  they  finally  had  stranded.  Here 
they  met  again  in  the  summer  of  1834  and  kept  council.  It  was  decided  to 
give  Sandusky  a trial,  and  with  the  royal  fortune  of  fifty  cents  in  their  pockets 
did  they  walk  all  the  way  to  the  Bay  City.  A small  house  on  Jackson  street, 
near  where  Biemiller’s  Opera  House  is  located  now,  gave  them  their  first  shel- 
ter. They  went  to  work  the  next  day.  The  building  occupied  at  this  writ- 
ing by  Barney  & Eerris  on  Water  street,  was  then  in  course  of  construction 
and  they  busied  themselves  carrying  up  bricks,  the  father  for  seventy-five  and 
John  for  fifty  cents  per  day.  It  would  occupy  too  much  space  to  go  into  de- 
tail, but  it  is  sufficient  to  say  that  perseverance  and  faithfulness  received  a proper 
reward.  The  father,  Jacob,  born  in  1781,  lived  long  enough  to  see  his  chil- 
dren well  provided  for  in  life.  He  died  in  1861.  Jacob,  jr.,  the  oldest  son,  was 
born  February  22,  1802,  and  married  his  second  wife,  Magdalena  Benz,  in  1834 
in  .Sandusky.  He  worked  for  six  or  seven  years  in  a warehouse  and  became 
engaged  afterwards  in  the  dray  business.  He  died  .March  ii,  1879,  at  his 
homestead  on  Adams  street.  His  wife,  Magdalene,  died  June  12,  1875.  His 
four  children  now  living  are  Mrs.  Marie  Pietchman,  Mrs.  Julia  Schumacher, 
Mrs.  Wilhelmine  Fisher  and  Mrs.  Christine  Schumaker.  A son  by  the  first 
marriage  is  now  living  in  Minnesota.  John  Schuck,  born  April  22,  1817,  and 
married  in  1840  to  Louise  Knerr,  is  the  representative  of  the  family  in  Erie 
county.  He  is  the  oldest  German  settler  in  Sandusky  with  the  exception  of 
one.  His  wife,  Louisa,  died  in  her  seventieth  year.  May  9,  1883.  Mr.  Schuck 
retired  from  active  life  about  1871,  having  accumulated  considerable  property. 


240 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Of  the  five  children  of  wedded  life,  four  have  died,  only  one  now  living,  Ran- 
del  Schuck,  born  October  6,  1843,  a partner  in  the  prosperous  lumber  firm  of 
Gilcher  & Schuck,  located  on  Water  street,  a stone’s  throw  from  where  his 
father  and  grandfather  found  their  first  shelter. 

Gottlieb  Schieble.  The  Schiebles  had  their  former  home  in  Switzerland, 
in  the  village  Fisselsbach,  Canton  Aargau,  and  emigrated  to  America  in 
1832.  Gottlieb  was  a mere  lad  of  eleven  years,  when  his  parents,  John 
Louis  and  Maria  Schieble  left  the  old  homestead  to  better  their  condition  in 
life.  In  the  same  year  they  settled  in  Richland  county,  O.,  six  miles  west  of 
Shelby,  and  moved  to  Huron  village,  Erie  county,  in  1836.  In  1842  they 
made  Sandusky  their  permanent  home.  Gottlieb,  born  February  27,  1821, 
started  for  himself  in  1834.  There  must  have  been  something  of  the  idyllic 
life  of  an  Alpine  shepherd  boy  in  him,  when  he  hired  himself  to  James  Fore- 
man in  Sandusky,  in  1834,  to  take  charge  of  a thousand  or  more  sheep,  that 
found  an  abundant  pasture  ground,  and  gratis,  where  Sandusky  stands  to- 
day. Foreman  (old  settlers  will  remember  him  well  as  an  outspoken  advocate 
of  the  doctrines  that  found  a champion  in  Bob  Ingersoll)  paid  him  three  dollars 
per  month  and  board.  In  1836  he  started  to  work  for  L.  S.  Beecher  ; a few 
years  later  he  became  a sailor  and  crossed  the  lakes  till  he  entered  the  port  of 
matrimony  with  Catharine  Homegartner  in  January,  1850.  Of  the  seven  chil- 
dren of  wedded  life,  five  are  living,  Maria  Price,  Joseph,  Frank,  Henry  and 
William.  Gottlieb  resides  on  Clinton  street,  Sandusky,  and  is  in  easy  circum- 
stances. He  owns  a small  farm  of  about  fourteen  acres  near  the  brick  mill  in 
Margaretta  township.  His  father  died  in  the  first  cholera  (’49)  and  his  mother, 
Maria,  in  1882. 

Johann  Fehrenz  came  here  in  1834. 

“ Froehlich  Pfalz 
Gott  Erhalt’s  ! ’’ 

It  was  a balmy  day  in  the  spring  of  1833,  when  the  Fehrenz  family  said  good- 
by  to  friends,  neighbors,  and  made  their  parting  call  to  the  dear  ones  slumber- 
ing in  the  little  graveyard  of  Welgsweiler  in  Rheinpfalz,  one  consolation  it  was 
that  trusted  friends,  the  Schuck  family  and  Peter  Gilcher  and  Fred  Reinhei- 
mer  took  passage  on  the  same  boat  to  share  their  lot.  Without  question  many 
a tear  was  shed  when  the  songs  of  the  old  fatherland  died  slowly  away  in  the 
stillness  of  the  night  and  when  they  timidly  directed  their  thoughts  to  what 
would  become  of  them  in  a strange  land.  John  Fehrenz  felt  confident  that  his 
strong  muscular  arms  and  his  trade  as  blacksmith,  would  well  support  his  lov- 
ing wife  and  his  two  children.  He  was  in  the  prime  of  life,  being  born  on  June 
17,  1795,  and  his  wife,  Julianna  Steinhauer,  was  ready  and  willing  to  help  him  ; 
as  for  the  children  Philippine  was  in  her  twelfth  year  and  Charles  in  his  fourth, 
and  they  should  share  in  what  they  honestly  expected  to  accomplish  in  their 
new  home.  It  is  well  that  providence  does  not  acquaint  us  with  our  destinies, 


The  German  Element. 


241 


as  otherwise  it  would  lame  our  hands  before  having  made  an  earnest  effort.  In 
the  summer  of  1833  the  family  located  in  Massillon,  O.,  and  Fehrenz  started 
to  work  at  his  trade.  In  the  year  following  his  wife  died  and  was  buried  at 
that  place.  In  the  winter  of  1834  he  moved  with  his  motherless  children  to 
Sandusky  and  opened  a blacksmith  shop  on  Wayne  street,  next  to  the  old 
Hoelzer  House,  his  earnings  being  insufficient  though  for  support,  he  moved 
back  to  Massillon  where  he  faithfully  worked  at  the  anvil  from  1836-46,  when 
he  retraced  his  steps  to  the  Bay  City.  His  two  children  had,  in  the  meantime, 
grown  up  and  were  in  a condition  to  take  care  of  themselves.  His  daughter, 
Philippine,  born  January  30,  1823,  had  in  1840  taken  Peter  Unckrich  as  a 
partner,  and  Charles,  born  August  9,  1829,  had  found  employment  in  a shop. 
Back  then  in  Sandusky  they  opened  a provision  store  and  saloon  on  Water  street 
next  door  to  the  old  Bethel  Church,  under  the  firm  name  of  Fehrenz  & Unck- 
rich. In  1849  John  Fehrenz  entered  for  the  second  time  the  bonds  of  matri- 
mony. His  life  companion,  Caroline,  did  go  him  one  better,  having  buried 
two  husbands,  Boehm  and  Reber  in  succession.  Her  dower  consisted  princi- 
pally in  the  two  children,  Amalia  Boehm  and  Frederick  Boehm,  being  nine  and 
eleven  years  old  respectively.  In  her  sixteenth  year  Amalia  was  married  to 
Ferdinand  Geiersdorf,  who  became  one  of  the  most  popular  Germans  in  San- 
dusky, and  was  elected  mayor  repeatedly  by  a rousing  popular  vote.  He  ac- 
cumulated great  wealth  in  the  fish  business ; his  goodness  was  proverbial.  He 
died  September  22,  1870,  lamented  by  all  who  knew  the  kindness  of  his  heart. 
His  widow,  Amalia,  married  again  in  1872,  choosing  Louis  Adolph  as  a part- 
ner (Adolph  & Zollinger).  She  died  on  February  9,  1 888.  Fred,  her  broth- 
er, is  foreman  in  the  extensive  fish  business  of  his  brother-in-law. 

Old  Father  Fehrenz,  as  he  was  commonly  called,  reached  an  old  age.  He 
was  a founder  of  the  first  German  Church,  and  although  he  left  no  fortune  his 
children  inherited  an  honored  name  without  a speck  or  stain. 

Philippine’s  husband,  Peter  Unckrich,  was  born  May  17,  1817,  in  Hoch- 
staedten,  Rheinpfalz,  and  emigrated  in  1837.  He  died  September  23,  1870. 
The  children  born  to  them  are  all  living  in  Sandusky  (excepting  one)  and  are 
highly  respected.  They  are  Julianne  Bauer,  Crawford  county;  Elizabeth  Ker- 
ner,  Philippine  Koegele,  Emilie  Zimmerman,  Carl,  Johann  and  Ferdinand. 
The  widow,  Philippine,  now  resides  on  the  corner  of  Clinton  and  Madison 
streets. 

Charles  Zollinger  came  to  this  county  in  1835.  In  the  list  of  German  pi- 
oneers the  Zollingers  take  a well  deserved  place.  Uprightness  and  fairness  in 
all  their  dealings,  and  an  exemplary  Christian  life  call  for  a more  than  passing 
notice.  Charles  Zollinger  was  born  July  23,  1813,  in  Wiessbaden,  Nassau,  and 
emigrated  to  America  in  1835.  ^le  was  a wood-turner  by  profession  and 
made  Sandusky  his  permanent  home  in  the  same  year.  His  stepfather,  Will- 
iam Meyer,  and  his  mother,  Johanette,  settled  in  Richland  county,  where  they 


242 


History  of  Erie  County. 


lived  on  a farm  for  several  years.  They  subsequently  moved  to  Sandusky 
and  then  to  Fort  Wayne,  Ind.,  where  they  died,  being  respectively  seventy- 
five  and  eighty-three  years  of  age.  Charles  being  a skillful  mechanic  found 
ready  work  in  Thomas  White’s  cabinet  shop  on  Hancock  street,  near  the  east 
Market  Square,  and  was  in  his  employ  for  nearly  five  years.  Whenever  you 
pass  O.  Follett’s  house  on  the  corner  of  Wayne  and  Adams  streets,  look  up  to 
the  bannister’s  and  scroll  work,  they  are  samples  of  his  work  dating  back  to 
1836.  In  1840  Charles  Zollinger  branched  out  for  himself  on  the  corner  of 
Wayne  and  Washington  streets,  by  renting  a wooden  structure  belonging  to 
the  Clemons  family  on  the  Peninsula.  He  employed  from  four  to  six  work- 
men all  the  year  round.  In  those  days  nothing  was  known  about  “cheap  ' 
John  ’’  goods,  everything  was  substantial  and  made  to  last  for  a generation  or 
two.  Improved  machinery  and  cheap  labor  put  an  end  to  this  as  well  as  | 
many  other  industries  that  were  prosperous  in  the  good  old  time.  In  the 
cholera  of  1849  shop  was  running  day  and  night  to  meet  the  demand  for  I 
cofifiins,  plain  and  unfinished  as  they  were.  In  1863  he  moved  his  shop  to 
Wayne  street,  next  door  to  the  corner  of  Market.  Undertaking  had  then  be- 
come the  most  remunerative  part  of  his  business.  He  retired  in  1868  in  pos- 
session of  considerable  wealth.  Christ  R.  Ruff  (member  of  the  firm  of  Ruff, 

Son  & Kugler)  became  his  successor.  Charles  Zollinger  was  married  in  1839  : 

to  Christine  Schmidt,  who  was  born  April  14,  1821,  in  Bahlingen,  Baden.  Of 
the  twelve  children  born  to  them  in  married  life  ten  are  now  living,  viz.: 
Maria  Nagele,  Sandusky;  John,  Adolph  and  Zollinger;  Henriette  Weiss,  San- 
dusky; Catharine  Schneer,  Elyria;  Carl,  Columbus  ; Christine  Crass,  San- 
dusky; Elizabeth,  Sandusky;  William,  Powers  & Zollinger;  Frederick,  Third 
National  Bank;  and  Frank,  Sandusky.  Mr.  Zollinger  died  in  1868.  His 
widow  is  enjoying  good  health  and  the  fruit  of  hard  and  honest  work. 

Johannes  Schmidt  was  in  Bahlingen,  Baden,  in  1784,  and  emigrated  with 
his  wife,  Catharine  Ernst,  in  1833.  He  was  a baker  by  profession.  Their 
journey  through  France  was  accomplished  by  wagon.  In  Havre  de  Grace 
they  took  passage  with  the  Booss  family  on  the  sailing  vessel  Henry  Clay. 
The  Booss  family  were  very  wealthy,  said  the  Widow  Zollinger,  in  conversa- 
tion to  the  writer,  the  chest  containing  their  money  and  valuables  was  heavy 
enough  to  require  two  men  to  lift  it  on  the  wagon.  For  seven  long  weeks 
did  they' encounter  wind  and  storm  on  the  ocean.  At  their  arrival  in  New 
York  they  directed  their  steps  to  the  metropolis  of  the  west,  Sandusky.  The 
steamboat  Perry  landed  them  safely  near  the  B.  and  O.  R.R.  shops.  A little 
house  on  Water  street  was  their  first  home,  but  they  did  not  stay  more  than 
two  or  three  weeks,  when  the}'  moved  to  Richland  county,  the  El  Dorado  in 
those  days,  as  the  name  plainly  signifies.  Here  Johannes  Schmidt  settled  with 
his  wife  and  children,  here  he  toiled  and  died.  Fand  was  cheap  in  those  days, 
fifty  dollars  paid  for  their  first  homestead  of  forty  acres,  but  it  was  a wilder- 


The  German  Element. 


243 


ness,  tasking  physical  strength  to  the  utmost.  In  order  to  lessen  the  burden 
the  older  children  left  the  parental  roof  and  came  to  Sandusky  in  1834,  where 
Christine  found  work  in  Hollister’s  family  and  John  in  a baker  shop.  John 
lived  only  a short  time  in  Sandusky  when  he  moved  to  Fremont,  Toledo,  and 
in  the  gold  fever  to  California.  In  1852  he  came  back  to  Sandusky  and  en- 
gaged in  the  wholesale  liquor  business  on  Water  street  with  his  brother-in-law 
Parsons.  He  died  several  years  ago.  His  wife  is  living  on  Jackson  street. 
Johannes  Schmidt  died  February  22,  1870,  and  his  wife,  Catharine,  on  Janu- 
ary 16  of  the  same  year.  The  names  of  their  children  are  as  follows:  Chris- 
tine Zollinger,  Maria  Barbara  Holderman,  Elizabeth  Nicolai,  Frederick,  John, 
Catharine  Klink  and  Rosine  Schroeder. 

Valentin  Nicolai  was  born  in  Saxonia  in  1806  and  emigrated  in  1834.  He 
worked  at  his  trade,  that  of  carpenter,  for  many  years  with  Peter  Gilcher  and 
F.  R.  Rheinheimer.  In  1837  he  was  married  to  Elizabeth  Schmidt;  of  their 
six  children  four  are  now  living  : Frederick,  residing  in  Tiffin  ; Ezra,  also  a 
resident  of  Tiffin  ; Johannes,  residing  in  Cincinnati,  and  Christine  Scheer,  of 
Michigan.  Mr.  Nicolai  died  of  the  cholera  in  the  epidemic  of  1849.  His 
widow  is  living  at  the  Rohrbacher  homestead  in  Perkins  township. 

Johannnes  Heimgartner  (Homegardner)  was  born  in  Fisselsbach,  Canton 
Aargau,  Switzerland,  and  emigrated  with  his  wife,  Catharine,  to  America  in 
1833.  He  settled  in  Richland  county,  O.,  in  the  same  year,  on  a farm  con- 
sisting of  one  hundred  acres,  which  he  had  bought  for  ten  shillings  per  acre, 
the  regular  market  price  in  those  days.  In  1837  he  sold  his  farm,  doubling 
his  money,  and  moved  to  Sandusky,  where  he  died  in  1840.  His  widow  sur- 
vived him  twenty-six  years.  Following  are  the  names  of  the  children  of  this 
marriage : Barbara  McHatton,  widow  ; George,  Catharine  Schieble,  Eliza- 

beth Hauck,  widow;  John  and  Jasper.  The  three  brothers  were  engaged  in 
their  earlier  days  in  the  timber  business,  felling  the  stately  oak  and  hickory 
trees  near  Venice.  They  found  a ready  market  whenever  they  came  to  San- 
dusky with  their  oxen  teams. 

John  Homegardner,  representative  of  the  family  in  Erie  county,  was  born 
December  20,  1829,  and  was  married  in  1852  to  Marie  Eoeblein.  In  i860  he 
engaged  in  the  wood,  sand  and  stone  business,  and  has  become  one  of  the 
most  substantial  business  men  of  the  town.  He  has  served  his  constituents 
for  many  years  in  different  capacities,  being  elected  councilman  in  the  fifth 
ward.  He  held  this  office  for  twenty-one  consecutive  years.  In  1881  he  was 
elected  county  commissioner,  and  retired  in  1887,  after  six  years  of  service. 
He  was  a member  of  the  Buckeye  Fire  Company  for  eight  years.  The  Home- 
gardners  are  devout  Catholics.  Of  their  six  children  five  are  now  living: 
Catharine  Giedeman,  John,  Fouise,  Josephine  and  Fred. 

Conrad  Poppenbo  settled  here  in  1835.  In  conversation  with  his  step-son, 
Herman  Windau,  the  following  interesting  sketch  of  the  first  German  engineer 


244 


History  of  Erie  County. 


on  the  old  Mad  River  road  was  taken  : “ My  step-father,  Conrad  Poppenbo,’' 
he  said,  “ was  married  to  my  mother,  Lucaea  Burman,  in  the  old  country  fifty 
years  ago.  My  father,  Anton  Riedenbusch,  had  his  residence  in  the  castle 
Windau,  Westphalia,  and  was  a high  officer  in  the  government  service.  He 
died  in  1832.  For  some  reason  our  mother  never  acquainted  us  with  our 
father’s  name  till  we  were  grown  up,  and  we  had  in  the  meantime  adopted  the 
name  of  our  former  estate,  ‘ Windau.’  The  family  consisted  of  five  of  us  when 
we  emigrated  in  1835,  my  parents  and  three  of  us  children,  viz.:  Joseph  Ried- 
enbusch-Windau  ; Moritz  Riedenbusch,  Seneca  county  ; and  Hermann,  of 
Sandusky.  Sandusky  became  our  home  in  the  same  year,  and  I have  lived 
and  worked  here  faithfully  for  nearly  half  a century.”  Standing  in  the  yard 
of  the  old  Mad  River  Company’s  shops  he  pointed  out  a landmark ; “ where 
you  see  the  three  old  oak  trees  near  the  Market  street  entrance,”  he  said, 
“ Davidson’s  slaughter-house  was  standing  fifty  years  ago  ; to  your  left  and 
only  a short  distance  from  the  paint-shop  was  the  boundary  line  of  the  first 
burying-ground  in  Sandusky,  that  was  located  at  the  foot  of  Shelby  street. 
Everything  has  changed.  I was  a mere  lad  of  twelve  or  thirteen  years  when 
the  first  road  to  Bellevue  was  surveyed  in  1839,  but  I recollect  it  as  well  as 
to-day,  when  I was  carrying  the  chain  and  made  myself  generally  useful. 
After  the  strap  rails  were  laid  Thomas  Hogg  became  the  first  engineer  on  the 
primitive  branch  of  the  road,  and  my  step-father,  Conrad,  became  his  fireman. 
In  my  recollection  the  Lane,  Erie,  Sandusky  and  Wyandotte  were,  in  the 
order  named,  the  first  engines  operated  on  this  road.  The  crew  consisted  of 
three  men,  an  engineer  and  a fireman,  and  wood  passer.  They  worked  by  the 
day  and  received  $1.50  and  $1.00  respectively.  It  was  customary  in  those 
days  that  everybody  had  to  work  himself  up  on  the  ladder.  After  Thomas 
Hogg’s  promotion  to  the  place  of  master  mechanic,  my  father  took  charge 
of  Tom’s  engine,  and  Paul  Klauer,  who  settled  here  in  1837,  became  his 
fireman.  After  Klauer’s  promotion,  a few  years  later,  he  engaged  John  Hauer 
as  fireman,  who,  in  due  time,  was  entrusted  with  an  iron  horse  of  his  own. 
Both  died  of  the  cholera  in  1849.  Paul  Klauer,  in  harness,  being  taken  sick 
on  the  road,  was  carried  from  his  engine  into  the  station-house  at  Urbana, 
where  he  died.  His  widow,  Catharine,  was  married  in  1852  for  the  second 
time,  choosing  Math.  Dietz  as  a partner.  She  is  living  on  Fulton  street  in 
feeble  health.  ‘ This  reminds  me,’  said  my  captive,  ‘ of  a curious  affair  that 
occurred  in  the  first  years  after  the  old  Mad  River  road  became  operated.  A 
young  man,  by  name  Besterman,  had  found  employment  on  one  of  the  loco- 
motives as  fireman,  and  had  made  a trip  or  two  when  his  work  terminated 
rather  abruptly.  His  aged  mother,  after  having  implored  him  to  give  up  the 
devil’s  work,  threw  herself  bodily  before  his  engine  as  he  was  ready  to  pull 
out,  and  prayed  so  fervently  to  give  up  the  devil’s  wagon  that  her  prayer  was 
answered.  He  resigned  the  same  day  and  moved  subsequently  to  Cincinnati 


The  German  Element. 


245 


with  his  mother.’  My  step-father,  C.  Poppenbo,  resigned  his  post  in  1859, 
and  died  six  years  ago  on  a farm  which  he  had  bought  out  of  his  savings,  in 
Big  Spring  township,  Seneca  county.”  Hermann  Windau  said  : “As  for  my- 
self, I was  born  on  June  24,  1826,  and  worked  on  this  road  from  boyhood,  at 
first  in  the  yard,  then  as  wood  passer,  and  for  years  past,  as  you  see  me  now, 
attending  the  boiler  in  our  extensive  shops.  I was  married  to  my  wife,  Marie 
Eva  Caspar,  in  1847.  Of  our  seven  children,  five  are  now  living.  You  had 
better  see  old  Kenne  and  Hank  Pfenner,  if  I have  left  space  for  supplement- 
ing,” he  said,  as  I closed  my  book  with  many  thanks  for  the  interesting  in- 
terview. 

Johann  Loffler  settled  in  this  county  in  1835.  Every  one  of  the  old  set- 
tlers will  recollect  the  Lofflers,  and  these  lines  will  bring  to  memory  their 
tragic  end.  It  seems  cruel  that  the  cold  hand  of  death  should  exterminate  a 
whole  family  of  six  within  the  short  period  of  a week  or  two,  leaving  a helpless 
baby  to  the  cold  mercies  of  this  world.  Johann  Loffler  was  born  in  Rentheim, 
Bavaria,  and  was  a tailor  by  trade.  He  emigrated  to  America  in  1835,  and 
was  married  to  Catharine,  in  Sandusky,  in  the  same  year.  He  became  quite 
prosperous  from  the  start,  and  acquired  a little  property  on  the  corner  of  Ful- 
ton and  Market  streets,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  and  kept  a saloon  and 
boarding-house  in  combination.  In  1846  he  built  the  commodious  brick  house 
on  the  corner,  owned  at  present  by  Anselm  Albrecht.  In  the  meantime  he 
had  added  a selected  stock  of  groceries  to  his  business.  Here  they  lived  hap- 
pily and  prospered  until  1849,  when  the  cholera  overtook  them  alike  with 
countless  other  families  in  Sandusky.  Of  a once  happy  family  circle  none 
was  left  excepting  John,  the  babe,  who  in  his  innocent  prattle  betrayed  no 
signs  of  grief.  We  give  the  death  record  of  this  unfortunate  family:  John 
and  Catharine  Loeffler ; George,  aged  eleven;  Francisca,  aged  eight  years; 
Conrad,  aged  six  years ; and  Wilhelm,  aged  four  years.  John,  although  in- 
heriting the  old  homestead,  is  a poor  man.  The  administration  for  many  years 
swallowed  up  a large  share  of  the  estate,  and  what  finally  passed  into  his  hands 
was  quickly  lost,  as  he  had  no  chance  in  his  former  dependent  life  to  acquire 
correct  business  principles,  and  was  left  without  a guiding  hand.  He  is  now 
in  his  fortieth  year,  honest  to  a fault,  and  single.  With  him  will  die  the  last 
of  the  Loefflers. 

Fred  Reinheimer  settled  here  in  1833.  As  a young  man  of  twenty-two 
years  did  Mr.  Reinheimer  leave  his  native  village  in  Bavaria  to  better  himself 
in  the  new  world.  He  was  a carpenter  by  trade  and  worked  side  by  side  with 
Peter  Gilcher  and  Valentine  Nicolai  for  years.  He  accumulated  considerable 
property,  but  was  so  unfortunate  as  to  lose  it  again.  His  last  days  were  passed 
in  almost  total  blindness.  He  could  have  saved  himself  from  ruin,  had  he 
chosen,  but  he  preferred  rather  to  live  and  die  in  scantiness  than  to  deviate 
from  the  path  of  honor.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  first  German  Prot- 

32 


246 


History  of  Erie  County. 


estant  Church  in  Sandusky.  He  was  born  February  15,  1811,  in  Horschbach, 
Rheinpfalz  and  was  married  in  1840.  His  first  wife  died  in  1849  of  cholera. 
Elizabeth  Gartner  became  his  second  wife.  She  is  living  on  Meigs  street  in  a 
little  house  of  her  own.  Seventeen  children  were  born  in  the  two  marriages. 
Mr.  Rheinheimer  died  March  13,  1882. 

John  Jacob  Klooss  (Close)  and  his  wife,  Magdalene  Walter,  had  their  former 
home  in  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Baden,  in  Weingarten  and  Groetzingen,  respec- 
tively. They  joined  hands  in  1829  and  it  was  God’s  will  that  they  should  mu- 
tually share  for  fifty  years  the  joy  and  sorrow  of  a married  life.  Two  children, 
John  Henry  and  John  Jacob  were  born  in  the  old  county.  In  the  spring  of 
1834,  they  emigrated  to  America,  arriving  at  Sandusky  in  May.  In  this  city 
they  lived  and  worked  for  half  a century,  with  the  exception  of  six  years  (37-43) 
when  Massillon,  O.,  became  their  temporary  home.  Nine  children  were  born 
to  them,  including  the  two  born  in  the  old  country.  At  their  festive  day  of 
golden  wedding,  in  the  fall  of  1879,  they  could  count  the  Closes  by  the  score, 
nine  children,  forty  grandcnildren  and  two  great-grandchildren.  Klooss  was  a 
day  laborer,  but  managed  to  acquire  a home  of  his  own  in  a short  time.  He 
was  a respected  and  well  loved  citizen.  He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the 
first  German  Protestant  Church.  He  died  July  22,  and  his  wife  in  February,. 
1880. 

A practical  joke,  played  on  him  only  a few  years  after  his  coming  to  San- 
dusky, may  find  a place  here,  it  will  bring  a smile  even  to  the  lips  of  a misan- 
thrope. Close  was  very  found  of  poultry  and  fancied  his  ducks  especially. 
One  night  they  failed  to  reach  their  home  and  nothing  was  heard  or  seen  of 
them  for  several  days  ; all  hopes  of  their  recovery  had  long  been  given  up, 
when  in  the  morning  a solitary  duck  entered  the  gate  with  the  following  orig- 
inal poem  well  secured  on  her  neck  : 

“ Guten  Morgen,  Herr  Klooss  ! 

Hier  bin  ich,  arm  unci  Blooss, 

Doch  meine  arme  Camerathen 
Sind  alle  Gebrathen  !” 


The  perpetrator  has  not  been  found  to  this  day. 

Henry  Sprau  came  to  this  place  in  1839.  Two  old,  time  worn  papers  are 
before  me,  the  one  a citizen  paper  dated  September  26,  1844,  and  signed  by 
Rice  Harper,  clerk  of  Erie  county,  and  the  other  a Dienstbuch,  from  which 
I copy  the  following  entry  : 

“ Das  betragen  von  Meiner 
Mackt  is  gut,  welches 
Ich  bescheinige.” 

27th  December,  1836. 


“ Johannes  Ross, 

“Zu  WURZELBACH.” 

As  an  explanation  I will  say,  that  servants  were  under  strict  police  control  fifty 
years  ago  in  the  old  country  and  that  by  a heavy  penalty,  their  conduct  had 


The  German  Element. 


247 


to  be  written  into  a special  book  (Dienstbuch)  every  year  by  the  head  of  the 
family  they  were  employed  by.  They  were  not  allowed  to  change  their  places 
without  due  cause  and  reason  before  the  expiration  of  the  contract.  The  first 
bvelve  pages  of  this  interesting  little  book  gives  in  twenty-two  articles,  the  laws 
passed  in  1838  in  Hessen,  regulating  the  conduct  and  duties  of  servants.  For 
the  edification  of  those  interested,  one  of  the  articles  is  given  in  translation : 
Article  VIII.  Servants  not  born  in  the  district  where  employed,  shall  forci- 
bly— auf  dem  schub  — be  expelled  and  taken  to  the  nearest  boundary  line 
for  the  following  reasons,  viz  : 

1st.  For  breaking  their  contract  without  cause. 

2d.  For  absenting  themselves  at  night  time  without  permission  of  the  lady 
of  the  house. 

3d.  For  associating  with  bad  company. 

4th.  For  changing  places  repeatedly  in  a year’s  time. 

5th.  For  contracting  at  the  same  time  with  different  parties. 

The  citizen  paper  bears  the  name  of  Henry  Sprau  ; the  “ Dienstbuch  ” was 
atone  time  the  property  of  his  second  wife,  Marie  Justine  Bauer.  Henry  Sprau 
was  born  in  Waldshausen,  Bavaria,  in  1815  and  emigrated  in  1839,  making 
Sandusky  his  permanent  home,  where  he  was  engaged  in  the  dray  business  for 
thirty  years.  He  was  married  twice.  One  of  the  three  sons  of  his  first  mar- 
riage, Henry,  is  living  at  Put-in-bay  Island.  With  his  second  wife,  Marie  Jus- 
tine, he  had  eight  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living  viz  : Paul,  Marie, 
Wilhelm  and  Susie.  Mr.  Sprau  died  in  September,  1869,  and  his  second  wife 
on  March  27,  1874.  He  left  to  his  children  a homestead  on  Adams  street. 

Conrad  Ebner  emigrated  to  America  with  his  wife,  Catharine  Biehler,  in 
1836.  Their  wealth  consisted  principally  in  three  helpless  waifs,  Marie  three 
years  old,  Peter,  nearly  two  years,  and  Caroline,  nine  months.  After  a short 
stay  in  Sandusky  they  moved  into  Richland  county,  where  they  settled  on 
a farm,  returning  to  Sandusky  in  1845,  where  they  died.  Their  children 
live  and  prosper  in  this  city.  Peter,  now  a confectioner  on  Market  street ; 
Marie,  wife  of  Conrad  Mooss,  residing  on  Decatur  street,  and  Caroline,  widow 
of  Ph.  Walter,  residing  on  Tiffin  avenue. 

Jacob  Knerr,  whose  home  was  in  Battenbach,  near  Zweibruecken,  Bavaria, 
where  he  kept  a tavern,  engaged,  in  his  spare  hours,  in  the  honest  profes-^ 
sion  of  tailor.  His  wife,  P'.lizabeth  Margarethe  Schweitzer,  having  died,  he 
took  heart  to  cross  the  ocean  with  his  four  children,  Fouise,  Catharine  Eliza- 
beth, Catharine  and  Elizabeth.  Almanacs  could  not  have  been  as  plenti- 
lul  then  as  now.  The  similarity  in  names  was  perplexing  enough  to  cost 
the  writer  a couple  of  hours  work  to  cut  the  Gordian  Knot.  Fouise  became 
the  wife  of  John  Schuck,  and  died  in  1883;  Catharine  Elizabeth  was  married  to 
Matthew  Dietz  and  died  in  1851;  Catharine  became  Paul  Klauer’s  wife  and  suc- 
ceeded her  sister,  after  her  husband’s  death  in  Urbana,  in  marrying  M.  Dietz, 


248 


History  of  Erie  County. 


and  Elizabeth,  Jacob  Hertels  first  wife,  died  in . Mr.  Knerr  worked  fora 

short  time  at  his  trade,  when  he  retired,  to  live  with  his  children.  He  was  one 
of  the  founders  of  the  First  German  Protestant  Church  in  Sandusky  and  used 
to  busy  himself  as  sexton  of  his  church  for  years.  He  died  in  1849  of  cholera. 

Jacob  Benz  came  to  Sandusky  in  1834.  If  there  is  anything  in  a name  it 
is  not  easily  comprehended  why  the  village  of  Weingarten  (Vinegarden)  in 
Baden  should  have  furnished  such  an  unusual  large  contingent  of  early  settlers. 
In  this  as  in  many  other  instances  can  the  real  cause  be  traced  to  repeated 
failures  in  crops  and  high  and  accumulating  taxes;  again  the  whole  town  was 
intermarried  and  the  glowing  letters  from  the  new  world  spread  like  wild  fire 
and  awakened  a desire  to  participate  in  all  the  blessings  so  vividly  described. 
Jacob  Benz,  sr.,  was  one  of  the  many  that  left  Weingarten  in  1834  with  his  wife, 
Barbara  Meyer.  He  was  a weaver  but  never  worked  at  his  trade  in  this  coun- 
try. He  made  his  living  as  a day  laborer  and  drayman.  On  account  of  the 
deep  interest  he  took  in  the  establishment  of  the  First  German  Protestant 
Church,  he  earned  the  name  of  Church  Father  (Kirchen-father)  Benz.  Of  the 
original  eleven  founders  of  this  church  only  one  or  two  are  living  at  this  writ- 
ing. Of  the  five  children  born  in  wedlock  two  have  died  viz.;  Mrs.  Jacob 
Schuck  and  Christian.  The  Benz  family  is  represented  in  Erie  county  by  Ja- 
cob jr.,  a drayman  ; Eva  Catharine  Reinheimer,  Barbara  Walter.  Jacob  Benz> 

sr.,  died  in , and  his  wife,  Barbara,  in . Jacob  Benz,  jr.,  was  born 

July  23,  1 823,  in  Weingarten,  Baden,  and  was  married  in  1847  to  Christina 
Wagner  in  Sandusky,  O.  Seven  children  were  born  to  them,  all  of  whom  are 
now  living:  Christine  Waterfield,  Elizabeth  Bersch,  Port  Clinton;  Fred,  Car- 
oline Belt,  Toledo,  O.  ; Marie  Moore,  Julia  Hayden,  Indiana,  and  Jessie  Hoe- 
lein. 

Johann  Heinrich  Platz  was  Pennsylvania  German  and  was  born  near  Beth- 
lehem, January  7,  1819.  He  came  to  Sandusky  in  1 832,  where  he  learned  the 
carpenter  trade  with  Sam  White,  sr.  In  1845  he  was  married  to  Margarethe 
Bauer.  He  was  a charter  member  of  the  First  German  Protestant  Church  and 
an  organizer  of  the  first  fire  company  in  Sandusky.  He  died  in  the  prime  of 
life  on  July  22,  1849,  of  cholera.  His  widow  became  the  wife  of  J.  Clemens 
in  1851.  J.  Clemens  died  in  May,  1888. 

John  Koegle,  who  came  here  in  1839,  was  a son  of  Jacob  and  Catharine 
Koegle,  and  was  born  September  23,  1813,  in  Weingarten,  Baden,  and  emi- 
grated with  his  wife,  Maria  Eva  Meyer,  and  their  infant  daughter,  Elizabeth, 
in  1837,  making  Sandusky  their  permanent  home  in  1839.  Elizabeth  was  mar- 
ried to  Ferdinand  Ziegler,  and  died  a year  ago.  Of  the  six  children  born  to 
them  in  this  country  only  two  are  now  living  viz. ; George,  the  efficient  street 
commissioner,  and  August,  the  prosperous  dry  goods  merchant  of  Hancock 
street.  For  thirty-six  years  did  John  Koegle  work  faithfully  for  the  old  San- 
dusky, Mansfield  and  Newark,  and  the  B.  and  O.  R.  R.  He  retired  a few  years 


The  German  Element. 


249- 


ago  to  pass  the  years  of  his  allowance  in  peace  and  rest.  His  first  wife  died  in 
i86l.  Susanna  Gablentz  became  his  second  partner.  Two  sons  and  one 
daughter  are  the  fruits  of  this  marriage. 

John  Klauss  came  here  in  1835.  No  reliable  information  could  be  ascer- 
tained about  this  family.  Mr.  Klauss  was  a day  laborer  and  was  married  in 
Sandusky.  They  had  no  children.  He  died  in  the  last  cholera  time  (1854). 
His  widow  moved  to  Elmore,  O.,  where  she  married  again. 

Gottfried  and  Charles  Doerflinger  came  here  in  1836.  A majestic  bronze 
statue  “ Under  den  Linden  ” in  Berlin  represents  Doerflinger,  the  general  in 
chief,  the  hero  of  the  battle  of  Eehrbellin  (1675),  the  trusted  friend  of  Fred- 
erick of  Brandenburg,  who  laid  the  corner  stone  to  Prussia’s  present  might  and 
glory.  A poor  tailor  in  his  younger  days  did  he  exchange  the  yard  stick 
for  the  sword  and  became  a hero,  immortalized  in  song  and  speech.  Gott- 
fried the  subject  of  our  sketch,  has  seen  similar  changes  in  his  life  ; a tailor  like 
him — although  the  habitations  in  the  old  country  are  too  far  apart  as  to  admit 
of  any  relation — did  he  exchange  the  yard  stick  for  the  terror  of  unruly  boys, 
the  I'od,  and  became  the  first  German  teacher  in  the  public  schools  of  San- 
dusky many  years  ago.  He  commanded,  like  his  namesake,  an  army,  but 
only  of  boys  and  girls,  and  worked  his  way  faithfully  and  without  any  osten- 
tation for  more  than  thirty  years.  He  retired  a year  or  two  ago  to  spend  the 
remainder  of  his  life  with  his  wife  and  children.  Carl  Doerflinger,  his  brother, 
emigrated  in  the  same  year,  1836.  He  was  born  in  Blankenloch,  Baden,  in 
1825,  and  was  married  to  Margarethe  Maul  in  Sanduskj"  in  1850.  For  more 
than  thirty  years  has  he  been  in  the  employ  of  the  Old  Mad  River  Railroad 
as  carpenter.  The  names  of  the  children  of  his  family  are  given  as  follows  : 
Louise  Prediger,  Christine  Bock,  Frank  and  John. 

Heinrich  Walter  came  to  Sandusky  in  1835.  His  cradle  stood  in  Kret- 
zingen,  Baden,  where  he  was  born  in  1813.  He  emigrated  in  1836  making 
Sandusky  his  home  until  about  ten  years  ago,  when  he  settled  with  his  grown 
up  boys  on  a well  cultivated  farm  in  Perkins  township,  about  five  miles  from 
town.  Walter  was  married  to  Barbara,  a daughter  of  old  Jacob  Benz,  in  San- 
dusky. By  trade  he  was  a shoemaker,  and  managed  to  accumulate  by  hard 
work  sufficient  means  to  pass  his  last  days  in  comfort.  Of  the  nine  children 
born  in  married  life,  six  are  living,  viz.:  Jacob  Walter,  Caroline  Spiegel,  Per- 
kins township;  Susanne  Fischer,  Middle  Bass  Isle;  Wilhelm  W.,  Johann  W. 
and  Carl  W.  in  Perkins. 

Christian  Engel  came  to  Sandusky  in  1835.  Of  the  five  children  of  John 
Peter  Engel  and  his  wife  Sophie  Frederika  Eleonore  Ernstine,  two  died  in 
the  old  home  in  Ostheim,  For  der  Rhoen,  in  Saxonia  ; the  remaining  three, 
Christian,  Christiane  and  Marie  made  Sandusky  their  home.  Christian,  the 
oldest,  became  a resident  as  early  as  1835.  He  was  a shoemaker  by  trade, 
and  had  his  workshop  where  Kunzman’s  hotel  is  located  on  Jackson  street. 


250 


History  of  Erie  County. 


He  was  married  in  Sandusky  to  Maria  Anne  Biglin.  A number  of  years  ago 
he  left  his  bench  and  settled  in  Put-in-Bay  Island,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the 
grape  culture.  His  children  are  living  at  the  same  place.  Christiane  Eliza- 
beth was  born  March  8,  1812,  and  married  in  1843  to  John  Christopher  Klee, 
and  came  with  her  husband  to  Sandusky  a year  before  the  first  cholera.  She 
died  in  1887.  Her  husband,  and  the  only  son,  John,  are  living  on  Adams 
street.  Maria,  the  oldest  one,  was  born  in  1808,  and  married  in  the  old  coun- 
try to  Andreas  Duennisch.  After  her  husband’s  death  she  made  Sandusky 
her  home.  She  died  in  1886.  Her  two  sons  are  well  provided  for;  Louis  is  > 
the  manager  of  the  Butlers’  planing  mill,  and  Christian,  the  oldest,  has  become 
a wealthy  farmer  in  Margaretta  township.  |i 

Daniel  Reinheimer,  a son  of  Peter  and  Elizabeth  Reinheimer  was  born 
in  Horschbach,  Bavaria,  in  1815,  and  joined  his  uncle  Fred  in  Sandusky  in  j] 
1840.  Regine  Emele  became  his  wife  in  1844.  Eleven  children  were  born  : 
to  them.  In  1854  the  family  moved  west  and  settled  on  a farm  near  Sheboy-  ^ 
gan,  Wis.  Wilhelm  R.  was  born  in  1822,  and  made  Sandusky  his  home  in 
1845,  was  married  two  years  later  to  Eva  Catharine  Benz.  Nine  children 

were  born  to  them,  all  are  now  living,  except  one.  Wilhelm  now  resides  on  ;i 

Perry  street.  Jacob  was  born  October  i,  1820,  and  was  the  last  of  the  family 
to  this  country  in  company  with  the  aged  parents.  The  old  day  book  of  | 
Peter  Reinheimer  is  before  me  and  I take  liberty  to  copy  from  it  (translated). 

1848,  May  18,  we  left  Horschbach  this  day.  j 

May  24,  we  arrived  at  London.  ' 

June  I,  started  on  shipboard. 

July  9,  arrived  at  New  York.  i 

July  21,  landed  at  Sandusky. 

September  i,  bought  a lot  for  $330. 

Build  house  same  year  for  $486.40.  i 

Summary  $816.40.  ; 

Old  Peter  Reinheimer  and  his  wife  died  years  ago.  The  children  are  liv- 
ing, honest  and  industrious  as  they  are,  they  never  accumulated  means  of  any  | 
account.  The  support  of  a large  family  absorbed  the  earnings  of  a year's 
hard  work. 

Adam  Hemberle  came  here  in  1838.  The  Hemberle  family,  consisting  of  ' 
the  parents,  Adam  and  his  wife  and  five  children,  John,  Frederick,  Caroline, 
Christine  and  Marie,  left  their  former  home,  Blankenloch,  in  Baden,  in  the  I 
spring  of  1836,  and  settled  on  a farm  in  Crawford  county,  O.,  in  the  same  j 
year.  Two  years  later  they  moved  to  Sandusky  where  they  lived  and  died 
years  ago.  Of  the  five  children  only  three  are  now  living:  Frederika,  wife  of 
John  P'isher;  Caroline,  wife  of  Adam  Bauer,  and  Marie,  wife  of  Adam  Zim- 
mermacher.  John  and  Christine,  who  was  the  wife  of  Casper  Schneider  are  in 
a better  world.  Mr.  Hemberle  was  a day  laborer  and  much  respected. 


The  German  Element. 


251 


Jacob  Hopfinger  was  born  in  1795  in  Eisenthal,  Rheinpfalz,  and  came  to 
Sandusky  in  1840.  His  first  wife,  Sylvia  Braun,  died  in  the  old  country. 
He  married  again,  choosing  Elizabeth  Burghofer  as  a partner.  Two  of  his 
children  are  living  in  Sandusky,  viz  : Margarethe  Weiss  and  Magdalene 
Scherer.  He  died  on  June  12,  1879,  in  Ottawa  county. 

Conrad  Linker  came  to  Sandusky  in  1839,  and  was  a son  of  Heinrich  and 
Anna  Elizabeth  (Rudolph)  Linker.  He  was  born  May  15,  1791,  in  Specks- 
winkel,  Hessen,  and  was  married  in  1818  in  the  old  country  to  Christine  Rose. 
He  left  his  home  in  1832  with  the  intention  to  meet  relatives  in  Crawford 
county,  O.  His  wife  died  almost  in  sight  of  their  destination  and  was  buried 
in  Mansfield.  She  was  in  her  thirty-eighth  year.  In  1839  Linker  moved  to 
Sandusky  to  live  with  his  daughter  Catharine  Elizabeth,  who  had  become  the 
wife  of  Jacob  Hertel,  the  founder  of  the  Baystadt  Demokrat.  He  died  of 
cholera  in  1849.  The  names  of  the  children  are  given  in  chronological  order  : 
Catharine  Elizabeth  Hertel,  born  June  10,  1819;  Anna  Elizabeth  Schmidt, 
born  January  30,  1822  ; Johannes,  born  July  18,  1824;  Anna  Catharine,  May 
17,  1827;  Johannes  F.  born  January  2,  1830. 

The  Merklein  family  settled  in  Sandusky  about  1835.  reliable  infor- 
mation could  be  had  about  this  family.  They  came  to  Sandusky  about  1835, 
where  they  both  died  of  the  cholera  in  1849.  George  Werner,  formerly  living' 
on  the  corner  of  Hancock  and  Madison  streets,  was  a brother  of  Mrs.  Merk- 
iein  ; he  was  a day  laborer  employed  in  the  warehouse. 

August  Mueller  settled  here  in  1835.  His  name  would  long  have  faded 
from  memory  had  not  a rather  peculiar  incident  occurred  which  kept  it  alive. 
Sandusky,  fifty  years  ago,  afforded  an  excellent  pasture  ground,  not  only  for 
old  Foreman’s  sheep,  but  for  a number  of  cows,  that  in  a go-as-you-please 
way,  found  food  and  water,  shelter  and  shade  among  the  hazel  bushes  of  the 
village.  Mueller  was  the  proud  possessor  of  a cow,  but  it  was  a great  chagrin 
to  him  that  his  cow  returned  dry  repeatedly,  in  the  evening.  A kind  hearted 
neighbor  enlightened  him  that  in  all  probability  some  one  procured  the 
precious  lacteal  fluid  without  consent.  Whether  our  friend  August  in  his 
younger  days  had  read  Cooper’s  “ Lederstrumpf  ” and  the  “ Last  of  the 
Mohicans  ” or  not,  we  leave  this  an  open  question.  He  started  on  his  war- 
path, the  scalping  knife  in  his  pocket,  I see  him  plainly  wend  his  way  through 
the  bushes  on  hands  and  feet,  and  there  he  sits,  the  perpetrator  of  all  his 
misery,  leisurely  abstracting  the  precious  fluid.  One  warwhoop,  one  jump 
and  he  had  him  by  the  ear,  one  cut  and  he  had  the  trophy  in  his  hands.  His 
friends  persuaded  him,  as  he  apparently  was  not  conscious  of  the  enormity  of 
the  crime,  to  take  passage  on  a boat  that  was  ready  to  leave  for  Buffalo  on 
the  next  morning.  Between  the  two  ports  he  worked  on  shipboard  for  nearly 
two  years,  but  never  allowed  his  feet  to  touch  the  soil  of  this  city,  except 
under  the  cover  of  night.  He  subsequently  moved  to  St.  Louis,  and  may 


252 


History  of  Erie  County. 


live  there  yet  for  all  I know.  His  victim.  Lemon,  minus  one  ear,  died  years 
ago  in  Sandusky. 

Jacob  Schmied,  a son  of  Jacob  A.  and  Catharine  (Meyer)  Schmied,  settled 
here  in  1838.  He  was  born  in  Oberendingen,  Canton  Aargau,  Switzerland,  on 
June  8,  1820,  and  came  with  his  parents  to  this  country  in  1829.  They  settled 
on  a farm.  Jacob  came  to  Sandusky  in  1838,  where  he  worked  as  a cooper  for 
many  years  in  Post  & Co.’s  employ.  He  was  married  in  1857  Margaretha 
Rivers,  and  ten  children  were  born  to  them.  He  died  in  1884.  His  widow  now 
resides  on  Washington  street. 

Johann  Caspar  Ritter,  The  day-book  of  this  unfortunate  man  is  before  me. 
It  gives  in  twenty-four  pages  an  accurate  account  of  his  trip  across  the  ocean. 
It  is  dated  April,  1837,  and  well  preserved.  I take  the  liberty  to  copy  from  it 
as  follows : 

{Translation}^  “My  name  is  John  Caspar  Ritter,  merchant.  I left  Burg- 
sinn,  Hessen,  on  April  3,  1837,  with  my  wife,  Wilhelmine  Charlotte,  a daughter 
of  the  game-keeper,  Jungerman,  of  Mittelsinn,  and  our  four  children:  Chris- 
tiane  Elizabeth,  age  nine  years;  Emilie  Frederike  Margarete,  seven  years; 

Wilhelm  Heinrich,  five  years;  Ernst  Christoph,  three  years We 

reached  Fulda  the  same  night  Rothenburg  the  next  day,  and  Cassel  on  the 
fifth  of  April,  1837.  . . . Weather-bound;  the  oldest  inhabitants  cannot 

recollect  a storm  of  such  severity.  Snow,  reaching  up  to  the  middle  of  the  win- 
dows, and  no  living  soul  to  be  seen  on  the  streets.  ...  A damper,  but  we 
are  determined  to  move  on  and  regret  only  the  delay.  Victuals  cheap,  espe- 
cially beer,  and  it  is  excellent.  The  officers  are  very  polite ; everybody  is  ad- 
dressed by  ‘sie’  (you.)  In  presenting  my  passport  I was  offered  a chair,  and 
repeatedly  insisted  upon  to  make  use  of  it.  . . . Goettingen,  April,  loth’ 

snow  five  and  six  feet  deep  in  the  streets;  regular  tunnels  are  constructed  at  the 
crossings;  it  looks  like  a labyrinth.  Nordheim,  i ith,  Einbeck,  April  13th,  and 
Bremen  the  14th.  Left  Bremen  May  ist  on  the  sailboat  "'Isabella”  Captain 
F.  Meyer.  . . . May  16,  my  wife  Emilie,  Wilhelm  and  Ernst  are  seasick, 

Christiane  and  myself  are  in  good  health  and  eat  double  rations.  Ours  are  the 
only  children  on  shipboard.  . . . May  20,  Emilie’s  birthday;  I gave  her  a 

crown  dollar  as  a keepsake.  . . . Our  board  is  excellent,  and  many  wish 

the  voyage  to  last  a year.  Arrived  at  New  York  June  12,  where  we  boarded  on 
John  street,  paying  $12  per  week  for  the  family.  My  wife  was  confined  on  St. 
John’s  day,  (June  24,  1837)  in  this  place.  The  mid- wife,  Caroline  Collman,  was 
skillful,  and  was  educated  in  an  institute  in  Wuerzburg.  I paid  her  fifteen  gul- 
den for  her  services.  We  left  New  York  July  6,  and  arrived  at  Buffalo  July 
14,  reaching  our  destination,  Huron,  on  the  i6th,  at  2 P.  M 

This  is  only  a meagre  abstract,  but  the  original  written  in  a bold  hand  testi- 
fies in  numerous  instances  of  the  great  kindness  and  love  Ritter  had  for  his 
family.  Well  educated,  and  in  possession  of  means,  he  would,  undoubtedly, 


The  German  Element. 


253 


have  become  a prosperous  and  prominent  citizen,  had  not  the  hand  of  a villain 
terminated  his  life  in  a most  cruel  and  unprovoked  way.  After  a short  stay  in 
Huron  the  family  moved  to  Sandusky,  where  Ritter  opened  a general  provis- 
ion store  on  Columbus  avenue.  He  was  shot  dead  at  his  own  door  by  a crip- 
pled tailor,  called  Evans,  for  which  crime  the  latter  was  made  the  culprit  of  the 
last  scene  of  execution  witnessed  in  Erie  county,  in  Huron  Park  in  1840. 

Ritter  died  on  May  5,  1840,  in  his  forty- sixth  year,  leaving  his  widow  and 
six  children  well  provided  for.  His  wife  died  in  December,  1880,  in  her 

eighty-third  year.  One  of  the  daughters,  VVilhelmina,  a faithful  and  trusted 
servant  in  the  United  States  mail  service  for  many  years,  is  well  known  by  every 
man,  woman  and  child  in  this  city.  The  writer  does  most  heartily  wish  that  she 
may  survive  all  changes  of  the  national  administration  for  many  a year  to  come. 

Conrad  Wiegand  was  born  in  Hessen,  and  came  to  Sandusky  in  1835, 
where  he  worked  for  years  at  his  trade  as  shoemaker.  His  wife  having  died, 
he  moved  to  Put-in-bay  Island  to  spend  his  last  days  with  his  children,  who 
took  good  care  of  him.  He  had  become  very  infirm  and  crippled  up  with 
rheumatism.  He  died  a year  ago,  and  was  buried  at  the  side  of  his  wife  in 
Oakland  Cemetery,  Sandusky.  He  was  a highly  respected  citizen  His  chil- 
dren are  prospering. 

Franz,  Joseph  Motri  came  here  in  1834,  An  old  marriage  certificate,  well 
preserved  reads  thus : 

“Know  all  men  by  this  presents  that  Joseph  Motri,  a taylor,  and  Elizabeth 
Ziegler,  were  lawfully  joined  together  in  holy  matrimony  on  the  22d  day  of 
July,  in  the  year  of  the  Lord,  1834. 

“F.  W.  Geissenhainer,  sen. 

“St.  Mathaus  Church, 

“N.  Y.  City.’’ 

Aside  from  its  value  as  a family  relic,  this  paper  becomes  more  precious  in 
having  the  signature  of  one  of  the  most  noted  Germans  of  New  York  attached 
to  it.^  Motri  was  born  on  March  31,  1811,  in  Untergrombach,  Baden.  His 

‘ The  name  of  the  officiating  clergy-man  calls  for  a more  than  passing  notice.  The  First 
German  Lutheran  congregation  was  organized  in  New  York  in  1749,  and  the  first  substantial 
church  edifice  was  erected  in  1767,  on  the  northwest  corner  of  William  and  Frankfort  streets. 
The  building  was  standing  as  late  as  1850,  and  was,  in  its  dilapidated  condition,  finally  used  as 
a livery  stable.  Johann  Christopher  Kunz,  son-in-law  of  old  Muehlenberg,  of  Revolutionary 
fame,  became  the  first  pastor.  F.  W.  Geissenhainer,  sr.,  succeeded  him.  He  preached  exclu- 
sively in  German.  As  in  1814  some  of  the  members  of  old  Mathaus  Church  made  an  effort  to 
abolish  the  German  language  in  song  and  speech  in  their  devotional  exercises,  Geissenhainer 
rather  gave  up  his  pastorate,  than  enter  into  this  bargain.  F.  C.  Schaeffer,  his  successor 
agreed  to  preach  mornings  in  the  German,  and  evenings  in  the  English  language.  Geissen- 
hainer, who  in  the  meantime  had  moved  to  Pennsylvania,  where  his  beloved  mother  tongue 
was  held  in  better  reveration,  was  recalled  seven  years  later.  He  gained  his  point  ; German 
was  exclusively  spoken  from  that  day  on  in  the  old  pioneer  church.  Geissenhainer,  a typical 
German,  died  in  1838,  in  New  York  City,  lamented  by  all  who  knew  him, 

33 


254 


History  of  Erie  County. 


wife,  Elizabeth,  was  born  in  Weingarten,  Baden,  in  1808.  They  emigrated  in 
1834,  and  lived  in  Sandusky  up  to  the  time  of  their  deaths.  Of  the  six  chil- 
dren of  this  marriage,  three  are  living:  Theodor,  born  June  30,  1838  ; Frede- 
rick of  Port  Clinton,  born  January  16,  1841,  and  Heinrich,  born  March  12, 
1842.  Elizabeth,  Motri's  first  wife,  died  in  April  26,  1843,  in  childbed.  On 
November  15th,  of  the  same  year,  he  married  the  second  time,  taking  Theresa 
Leonhard  as  wife.  Five  of  the  children  of  the  second  marriage  are  living:  Eliz- 
abeth Molitor,  born  August  25,  1844;  Joseph,  born  October  26,  1845  > Alex- 
ander, born  October  20,  1846;  Carl  Ludwig,  born  September  23,  1848;  John 
Frank,  born  November  16,  1850.  Motri  was  a tailor  by  trade,  and  had  his  first 
workshop  where  Robertson’s  store  is  located  at  present  on  Water  street,  mov- 
ing from  there  to  a place  now  occupied  by  the  Ruprecht  family.  He  subse- 
quently built  the  National  House  on  Market  and  Wayne  streets,  where  he  kept 
a hostlery  in  connection  with  his  tailor  shop.  In  1854  he  engaged  in  the  nurs- 
ery business  in  Bigfield.  He  was  a great  hunter  and  known  far  and  wide  as  an 
excellent  marksman.  He  died  May  4,  1867.  His  widow  lives  on  Hancock 
street.  He  was,  without  question,  the  fashionable  tailor  in  his  time.  His  old 
ledger,  dated  January  i,  1840,  is  before  me.  In  its  index  I find  the  following 
names  of  the  aristocracy  of  our  day,  the  Mooses,  Folletts,  Sloanes  and  many 
others.  Most  interesting  though  for  our  purpose,  are  the  names  of  the  old 
German  settlers  that  opened  an  account  with  him  nearly  fifty  years  ago.  In 
giving  their  names  I am  in  hopes  that  those  appearing  in  the  foregoing  pages 
may  quasi  supplement  my  carefully  prepared  list. 

From  this  interesting  book  I copy  the  following  German  names  : John 
Bauer,  John  Bach,  1843  ! Fred  Booss,  Jacob  Benz,  Clausius,  1841  ; Valentin 
Degen,  1843;  Martin  Eltis,  Fred  Epp,  1842;  And.  Earney,  1843;  Anton 
Fink,  1842;  Peter  Gilcher,  Guckenheimer,  1843;  John  Hornung,  Wilhelm 
Heisser,  1845  ; Alph.  Lucas,  1842  ; Hopfinger,  Hocken,  Iceman,  Henry  Laub- 
scher,  John  Meyer,  1843  ; I.  Paul,  1840;  Valentine  Peter,  1842;  Fr.  Rein- 
heimer,  and  John  Schnecker. 

For  the  edification  of  our  merchant  tailors,  I will  say  that  according  to 
Motri’s  figures,  thirteen  cents  was  charged  for  cutting  a pair  of  pants,  and  that 
.a  good  share  of  his  earnings  were  liquidated  by  accepting  almost  anything 
from  a load  of  wood,  stone,  or  sand,  down  to  farm  produce  and  labor  in  ex- 
change. Fr.  Reinheimer’s  account  is  balanced  by  thirty-nine  days  of  work, 
$53.43  ; P.  Gilcher’s  account  thirty-seven  days  of  work,  $5  i.oo  ; Henry  Laub- 
scher’s  account  for  two  days’  work,  $3.  By  this  we  see  that  skilled  labor  was 
well  paid  for,  and  that  even  forty  years  ago  a boss  carpenter  received  as  much 
as  twelve  shillings  wages  per  day. 

1830-1850. 

POLITICS,  SOCIETIES,  SCHOOLS,  CHURCHES  AND  PRESS. 

Federal  organization  and  the  liquidation  of  the  war  debts  became  the  prin- 
cipal work  for  our  law  makers  after  the  declaration  of  independence. 


The  German  Element. 


255 


One  party,  the  Federalists,  aimed  principally  to  shape  our  government 
after  the  English  fashion,  the  other  party,  “ Republicans,”  more  often  called 
Democrats,  were  anxious  to  transplant  the  new  patriotic  ideas  of  France  into 
the  young  republic.  A king  even  would  have  been  acceptable  to  the  Feder- 
alistic  party,  had  not  Jefferson,  under  Gallatin's  advice  and  guidance  most 
vigorously  resisted.  Jefferson’s  election  as  president  decided  the  issue  and  a 
political  lethargy  reigned  for  years. 

The  German  element  without  hardly  any  exceptions  made  front  against 
the  Federal  party,  and  played  as  such  an  important  factor  in  shaping  the  form 
of  our  national  administration  in  those  days.  In  1824  the  political  pot  com- 
menced to  boil  again.  A diversity  of  opinion  in  the  domineering  party  ended 
in  their  defeat.  Instead  of  entering  the  battle  in  an  unbroken  phalanx,  did 
the  leaders  of  the  Republican  party  quarrel  among  themselves,  and  headed 
their  national  ticket  by  three  candidates,  viz  : Crawford,  as  legitimate  suc- 
cessor, Clay,  the  choice  of  the  national  Republicans,  and  Jackson,  as  banner 
carrier  of  the  convention,  posing  as  “ Democrat.”  Jackson,  although  receiv- 
ing the  majority  of  the  popular  and  electoral  votes,  was,  nevertheless,  lacking 
the  required  plurality,  and  the  election  for  president  came  up  before  the  House 
of  Representatives  for  final  action.  By  their  decision  Adams,  the  Federalist, 
was  elected,  and  the  deal  was  brought  about  by  a compact  between  Clay’s  fol- 
lowers and  the  leaders  of  the  Federal  party.  The  wrong  was  righted  four 
years  later,  when  Jackson  was  elected  by  an  overwhelming  majority.  In  1828 
we  find  the  German  element  again  supporting  Jackson,  and  Ohio  gave  him 
the  electoral  votes  in  1828  and  1832.  A great  change  though  in  public 
opinion  took  place  after  his  second  election.  New  and  vital  questions  had 
come  to  the  front,  and  the  champion  of  the  party  had  made  himself  disliked 
by  his  uncalled  for  action  against  the  United  States  Bank,  his  numerous 
vetoes,  and  by  practically  carrying  out  the  nefarious  doctrine  : “ The  spoils 
belong  to  the  victor.”  A reconstruction  of  the  party  as  planned  by  Jackson, 
was  never  reached.  The  older  German  settlers  had  in  the  meantime  in  close 
pursuit  of  daily  work  learned  better  to  understand  the  true  inwardness  of  pol- 
itical promises  and  pledges,  had  cooled  down  and  become  more  conservative 
in  their  views,  a large  portion  of  them  united  in  1834  with  the  Whig  part}". 

To  follow  up  the  strides  and  efforts  of  the  German  element  in  the  political 
arena  in  the  years  following  would  call  for  more  space  than  could  justly  be 
claimed  for  this  chapter. 

the  more  liberal  German  element  had  always  a strong  leaning  towards  the 
Democratic  party  and  deservedly  so,  as  they  owed  to  this  party  all  conces- 
sions made  to  foreigners.  It  is  an  indisputable  fact,  that  by  the  unceasing 
efforts  of  this  party  the  price  of  government  land  was  fixed  at  a nominal  figure, 
was  put  in  the  market  in  parcels  to  suit  the  means  of  the  individual  purchaser, 
’and  that  a non-citizen  became  legally  qualified  to  particpate  in  this  great 


256 


History  of  Erie  County. 


boom.  After  many  a fierce  battle  laws  were  passed  by  a Democratic  body  to  | 
enable  a settler  to  pay  for  his  land  almost  with  the  yield  of  the  first  year’s 
harvest.  These  liberal  concessions  were  opposed  by  Clay,  as  leader  of  the  - 
Whig  party.  ■ 

If  we  furthermore  consider,  that  at  that  time  the  amalgamation  of  the  i 
National  Republican  and  the  Whig  party  took  effect,  and  that  in  the  new-born 
party  the  first  nativistic doctrines  came  to  the  surface,  it  is  not  surprisingat  all  that 
the  German  element  eii  masse  cast  their  lot  with  the  Democratic  party.  To  bring 
about  a more  effective  and  uniform  action,  German  societies  of  various  natures 
were  organized  in  every  town  in  Ohio,  wherever  they  had  any  representation  | 
to  speak  of  The  German  element  became  a potent  factor  in  political  life,  but 
it  would  have  been  impossible  to  perpetuate  and  preserve  for  any  length  of  '[ 
time  harmonious  action,  had  not  circumstances  of  a specific  nature  come  to  its 
relief  The  Germans  were  at  all  times  considered  unruly  by  the  leaders  of 
political  parties  as  a nation  not  easily  harnessed  or  controlled  by  an  autocratic 
wish  or  will.  Even  the  far-seeing  Franklin  laments  that  the  Germans  will  out-  | 
number  the  inborn  element  in  a little  while,  and  that  the  political  power  will  | 
pass  into  their  hands.  In  this  respect  though  Franklin’s  fears  were  un- 
grounded, the  inborn  jealousy  of  the  different  German  nationalities,  not  to 
speak  of  the  difference  of  opinion  in  religious  matters,  excluded  such  presump- 
tions plainly.  It  cannot  be  denied  that  the  Germans  tipped  the  scales  more 
than  once  in  national  elections.  At  the  least  provocation,  if  ever  they  mis-  ; 
trusted  that  customs  and  ways  of  their  own  were  endangered,  they  made  a | 
solid  front ; in  all  other  respects  they  were  reliable,  consistent  and  loyal.  They 
never  were  wax  in  the  hands  of  party  rulers,  and  the  most  eloquent  appeals  of 
politicians  would  never  have  persuaded  them  to  follow  blindly  their  dictations 
had  personal  or  principal  interest  combined  not  made  a stronger  appeal.  The  j 
nativistic  movement  of  1836  and  1838  strengthened  the  knees  of  those  that 
had  become  stragglers  and  drove  them  into  the  flock  for  mutual  safety  and 
protection.  The  power  and  strength  of  the  German  element  was  well  known 
even  in  those  days  to  the  inborn  American.  An  editorial  extract  from  the 
American,  published  in  New  Orleans  in  1838,  may  find  a place  here: 

“ Ohio  is  ruled  by  ignorant  Germans  who  have  inundated  sections  of  this 
glorious  State.  The  votes  are  cast  and  the  results  are  known  as  endangering 
our  government  and  the  welfare  of  all  concerned  ; . . . This  trouble  will 

not  end  unless  the  privilege  of  voting  is  restricted.” 

As  far  as  the  ignorance  of  the  Germans  — God  bless  them  — and  the  en- 
dangering of  the  government  and  general  welfare  are  concerned,  the  editor  was 
a poor  prophet,  but  he  came  nearer  to  the  mark  in  predicting  laws  aimed 
against  the  Germans  to  make  use  of  the  royal  privilege  as  voters.  The  ghost 
of  nativism  v\ms  banished  for  another  decade,  the  liberal  party  gained  a vic- 
tory in  1844  and  the  German  element  was  instrumental  in  bringing  it  about. 


The  German  Element. 


257 


By  this  time  the  Germans  had  outgrown  their  baby  shoes  ; no  political  party 
in  Ohio  would  take  their  chances  without  previously  consulting  their  wishes. 
They  demanded  in  1838  that  public  documents  should  be  published  in  their 
mother  tongue,  and  their  wish  was  granted.  The  representation  of  this  ele- 
ment in  the  State  House  of  Columbus  was  about  twenty-five  per  cent,  since 
the  adoption  of  the  new  State  laws  in  1851.  Erie  county  is,  at  this  writing, 
represented  in  the  Legislature  by  Fred.  Ohlemacher,  of  Sandusky  ; in  the 
Senate  by  Joseph  Zimmerman,  of  Fremont,  and  in  the  congressional  district 
by  Jacob  Romeiss,  of  Toledo.  All  three  were  rocked  to  sleep  in  the  old 
country,  and  came  to  America’s  shores  as  poor  and  impecunious  lads. 

This  solid  German  representation  may  count  for  nothing  than  a mere  coin- 
cidence, and  yet  it  demonstrates  clearly  that  the  Germans  had  learned,  in  years 
of  bondage  and  humiliation,  to  use  their  irresistible  strength  for  something 
better  than  quarrels.  Not  more  than  thirty  years  ago  the  Germans  had  very 
little  if  any  standing,  politically  and  socially,  in  Erie  county.  An  editorial  in 
the  Baystadt  Democrat,  June  26,  1857,  reads  as  follows: 

“ The  true  Americans,  and  better  to  call  them  by  their  right  names,  the 
Knownothings,  are  becoming  rather  arrogant  in  their  deportment.  To  them 
the  foreigners  are  simply  tools,  to  be  used  at  will,  and  as  long  as  they  can  be 
utilized.  After  that  their  thanks  are  a ‘pereat.’  In  our  city,  laws  have  been 
passed  of  late,  directly  aimed  against  the  Germans.  They  cannot  acquaint 
themselves  with  the  provisions  of  law  as  very  few  understand  the  English  lan- 
guage. Thousands  of  dollars  are  annually  expended  for  school  purposes, 
where  not  a cent  is  granted  for  the  preservation  of  their  mother  tongue.  A 
general  meeting  of  the  German  element  of  this  county  has  been  called  to  con- 
sider our  duties  and  rights  as  citizens  of  a free  countr}^.” 

The  meeting  was  held  in  the  Volks  Theater  Hall  on  June  20,  1857,  and 
was  largely  attended.  Conrad  Ernst  was  the  presiding  officer,  and  W.  F. 
Meyers  acted  as  secretary.  The  following  resolutions  were  unanimously 
adopted  (abridged) : 

1.  All  ordinances  to  be  published  in  the  German  language. 

2.  Wholesome  drinking  water  to  be  supplied  liberally,  free  of  cost,  in  all 
the  wards  of  the  city. 

3.  To  introduce  German  tuition  in  the  public  schools,  and  to  cut  down  the 
salary  of  the  superintendent  of  instruction,  to  confront  the  every  day  cry  for 
want  of  means. 

4.  To  pay  all  city  employees  in  cash. 

5.  To  denounce  imrnorality  and  drunkenness,  but  protect  respectable  citi- 
zens engaged  in  the  liquor  traffic. 

6.  To  abolish  license  laws. 

7.  To  repeal  the  market  ordinance. 

8.  To  invest  any  surplus  in  our  treasury  in  factories  and  institutions  em- 
ploying skilled  labor,  instead  of  donating  it  to  railroads  and  wildcat  schemes. 


258 


History  of  Erie  County. 


9.  To  reorganize  the  fire  department. 

10.  To  elect  for  local  offices  only  men  of  unquestionable  character,  with- 
out considering  political  creed  or  religion. 

1 1.  To  denounce  the  rulings  of  Judge  Taylor  as  being  biased  and  nativistic 
in  the  extreme. 

The  following  members  were  elected  as  a standing  committee  to^uard  the 
interest  of  the  German  element,  viz.:  C.  Parson,  Jacob  Hertel,  Ph.  Dauch, 
Adam  Bauer,  W.  F.  Meyers,  and  H.  Ruess. 

Between  1840  and  1850  German  societies  were  organized  in  nearly  every 
town  in  Ohio,  and  Sandusky  had  its  share.  The  following  societies  flourished 
in  those  days:  Jaeger  Company,  organized  by  Captain  Louis  Traub;  ArtiB 
lerie  Company,  organized  by  Dr.  Silva,  and  F.  Bollinger;  Harmonie  Band; 
Hacken  & Leiter  Company;  Cossuth  Garde,  J.  Bauer,  commander;  Freie 
deutsche  Harmonie,  Sandusky  Gesangverein,  Freimaenner  Verein,  Turn  Verein, 
Druids,  Odd  Fellows,  Workingmen’s  Society,  and  others. 

Sandusky  could  also  boast  of  two  German  theaters,  the  Volks  Theater  and 
the  Concordia  Theater.  Some  of  our  most  prominent  citizens  of  to-day  took 
an  active  part.  A well  preserved  programme  reads: 

CONCORDIA  THEATER 

In  Von  Hausen’s  Block 
December  26,  1853. 

Repertoire — Menschenhass  und  Reue,  by  Kotzebue. 

Admission,  25  Cents. 

Another  one : 

VOLKS  THEATER 
Hubbard’s  Block,  Jackson  Street 
March  3,  1857. 

Repertoire — The  White  Slave. 

In  an  editorial  in  the  Baystadt  Democrat  of  May  i,  1857,  Hertel  argues 
that  any  allusion  to  religion  and  politics  “ should  be  excluded.”  Undoubtedly 
these  societies  had  their  ups  and  downs.  The  resolutions  passed  at  a meeting 
that  was  called  for  the  purpose  of  expelling  four  of  the  unruly  members  of 
the  Volks  Theater,  April  20,  1853,  is  in  my  possession.  The  signatures  of 
the  following  members  of  this  society  are  attached:  Jacob  Engels,  president: 
Dr.  Silva,  secretary;  Jacob  Bentz,  F.  G.  Willi,  Carl  Gaa,  Gregory  Haegy, 
Georg  Von  Hausen,  Ernst  Boeth,  Carl  Bretz,  A.  Miller,  Georg  Bergmoser, 
Joseph  Keller,  G.  Nusly,  Cornel.  Schnaitter,  Andr.  Riesterer,  Philip  Kunz, 
Georg  Baer,  Jacob  Steitz,  Carl  Wagner,  M.  Malzky,  Jacob  Alder,  L.  Baumann, 
Ph.  Lanz,  Jacob  Baubach,  Joh.  Walter,  Georg  Graul,  Jacob  Schaub,  John 
Bricht,  Dr.  Lange,  N.  Auer,  Georg  Geiss. 


The  German  Element. 


259 


We  take  pleasure  to  put  also  on  record  the  names  of  the  leaders  and  stars 
of  the  two  societies  ; 

Volks  Theater. — Natan  Baer’s  Hall,  on  Water  street.  J.  M.  Geyerstanger, 
J.  Jandorf,  Christ.  Wiedel,  Jacob  Neuert,  A.  Sorg,  Conrad  Ernst,  L.  Kind, 
August  Seeger,  Fr.  Wentz,  Chas.  Baetz,  Georg  Graul ; Mrs  Graul,  Peters, 
Lehr  and  Hauser,  and  Miss  Steitz  and  Ruemmele. 

Concordia  Theater. — Rudolph  Holverscheid,  A.  Textor,  Bretz,  Georg  Von 
Hausen,  H.  Brohl,  Conrad  Mooss,  Schaub  and  Willi  ; Mrs.  Kranz,  Von  Hau- 
sen and  Birkmeyer. 

Dances  and  entertainments  for  the  pecuniary  benefit  of  the  numerous 
societies  were  then,  as  now,  the  order  of  the  day.  The  admission  fee  was 
unusually  high,  considering  times.  A few  advertisements,  taken  from  the 
German  press,  may  find  a place  here  : 

First  annual  hop  of  the  freimaenner- 
Verein,  in  Euterpean  Hall,  December  26,  1853. 

Tickets,  $1.00.  Z.  Engels,  Steitz,  Stark,  Dauch. 

Great  ball,  in  west  hall.  Harmonie  Band. 

July  4,  1857.  Admission,  $1.00. 

Military  band  ball  — euterpe.vn  hall, 

July  4,  1857.  Tickets,  $1.00. 

In  classical  music  Sandusky  has  always  excelled  and  taken  the  lead  of 
cities  of  similar  size  in  Ohio  for  many  a year.  Even  the  automatic  orchestrion 
music  of  more  than  thirty  years  ago  could  not  help  but  develop  this  culture  to 
a high  degree.  As  a relic  we  give  the  programme  of  Fr.  Butz  first  orchestrion 
concert ; 

GRAND  ORCHESTRION  CONCERT 
In  Euterpean  Hall,  April  29,  1857. 

Admission,  25  Cents. 

PROGRAMME  : 

I.  Die  Stummen  of  Portici. — Aider. 

II.  German  songs. 

III.  Was  gleichet  wohl  auf  Erden. 

IV.  O,  Susanna. 

V.  Introduction. 

VI.  Yankee  Doodle. 

VII.  Duett. 

VIII.  Selections  from  “ Freischuetz.” 

IX.  Patric,  willst  du  nun. 

X.  Jaegerchor  aus  “ Freischuetz," 

XI.  Overture,  “Wilhelm  Tell.” 

XII.  Overture,  “ Postillion  de  Lorjumean.” 

XIII.  Overture,  “ Romeo  and  Juliet.” 

XIV.  Najades  Walzes. — Labitzky. 


26o 


History  of  Erie  County. 


The  Mozart  Quartette  Club  was  organized  by  Ph.  Ruppert.  The  Great 
Western  Band,  organized  by  Charles  Baetz  many  years  ago,  has,  under  his 
leadership,  gained  an  almost  national  reputation.  Bauman,  Hauser,  Berg- 
moser,  Bock  and  others  are  experts  on  their  separate  instruments. 

The  last  one,  in  a long  list  of  musical  societies  in  Sandusdy,  is  the  Philhar- 
monic Orchestra,  under  the  leadership  of  Professor  F.  Puehringer,  a noted 
musician  and  composer.  The  members  of  this  society  are,  with  the  exception 
of  six,  of  German  parentage.  The  first  meeting  was  held  at  Fischer’s  Hall, 
March  12,  1888.  The  names  of  the  members  are  given:  J.  C.  Hauser,  Geo. 
E.  Anderson,  F.  A.  Hubbard,  C.  Schnaitter,  John  Traub,  John  I.  Esch,  A1 
J.  Peters,  George  C.  West,  J.  C.  Feser,  F.  J.  Taubert,  A.  Haecker,  Willie 
Peters,  Joseph  Febensburger,  C.  F.  Schrenck,  J.  H.  Dempsey,  Fane  Lock- 
wood,  Walter  Scott,  Louis  Scherz,  jr.,  John  Bauer,  Fred.  Bauer,  Al.  Bauer, 
John  Schaub,  Ed.  Rossfelder,  George  Knopf,  John  Trieschman,  Eugene  Baetz. 

The  first  German  Protestant  church  in  Sandusky  was  organized  in  1845; 
it  was  situated  on  the  public  grounds  between  Grace  Church  and  the  old  court- 
house, and  became  the  mother  of  six  prosperous  offsprings.  The  names  of 
the  charter  members  of  the  Emanuels  Church  are  given  : John  Schuck,  Paul 
Klauer,  John  Hauer,  Jacob  Hertel,  Peter  Gilcher,  Fred.  Reinheimer,  John 
Klauss,  John  Platz,  Georg  Magle,  Fred.  Booss,  and  John  Bauer.  John  Schuck 
is  the  only  survivor. 

The  German  Reformed  Church  was  formed  by  seceders  of  the  Emanuel’s 
Church  and  organized  into  a body  August  12,  1853,  by  the  late  Rev.  Peter 
Briecker.  The  house  of  worship  is  situated  on  the  corner  of  Hancock  and  Jef- 
ferson streets. 

The  Salems  Church,  “evangelical  association,’’  was  built  of  stone  in  1854. 
Size  forty  by  sixty.  The  society  was  organized  in  1840  by  John  Hull  and  M. 
Stroh,  Charles  Zollinger,  Henry  Kreiner,  Jacob  Brest  and  Leonhard  Scheuer- 
man  were  the  first  trustees. 

The  Lutheran  Zion’s  Church  on  the  southeast  corner  of  the  public  grounds 
was  organized  in  June,  1852.  The  names  of  the  first  officers  are  John  H.  Bud., 
Wilhelm  Schade,  August  Klotz,  George  Hartman,  Henry  Wenck  and  George 
Klein. 

German  Methodist  Protestant  Church,  organized  about  1845. 

German  Protestant.  St.  Stephen’s  Church,  on  the  corner  of  Jefferson  and 
Poplar  streets,  organized  by  old  members  of  the  Emanuel  Church  in  January, 
1882.  The  first  officers  were  Heinrich  Rudolph,  president;  Jacob  Stein,  sec- 
retary, Adam  Oehm,  treasurer  ; trustees,  Charles  Krueger,  Jacob  Dick,  jr., 
Adam  Nagel ; elders,  Jacob  Dick,  sr. ; John  Quehl,  Jacob  Hartman.  Dr.  von 
Schulenburg,  pastor. 

The  German  Catholics  did  not  own  a place  of  worship,  for  years  attending 
Father  Mastbeaf’s  church  in  Western  Liberties.  At  this  day  they  are  in  pos- 


The  German  Element. 


261 


session  of  a magnificent  structure  on  the  corner  of  Miami  avenue  and  Jefferson 
street. 

For  any  additional  information  the  reader  is  kindly  referred  to  the  general 
chapter  on  church  organizations. 

The  Germans  became  thrifty  and  monopolized  many  branches  of  industry. 
The  “ Stoss-seufzer  ” of  the  English  nativistic  press  in  those  days,  that  they 
were  irresistible  in  annexing  trade  and  manufactures  was  called  for.  As  the 
Germans  before  1830  excelled  in  agricultural  pursuits,  they  now  had  become 
a potent  factor  in  the  diverse  branches  of  industry.  The  brewing  business  is 
exclusively  in  the  hands  of  Germans  in  Erie  county.  The  Kuebeler  Brothers, 
Frank  Stang  and  Anton  Ilg  have  become  wealthy  in  this  trade. 

The  fish,  wine  and  lime  business  is  likewise  controlled  by  Germans.  Most 
of  the  representative  firms  have  started  out  years  age  on  a small  scale  and  be- 
come prosperous  beyond  expectation. 

The  capital  invested  in  the  fish  business  by  Adolph  & Zollinger,  Simeon 
Schacht,  A.  J.  Stoll,  Lay  Brothers,  Fruechtenicht  & Nielson  & Arend  Brothers  ; 
in  the  wine  business  by  Engels  & Krudwig,  Wm.  Alstaetter,  John  G.  Dorn, 
Conrad  Ernst,  August  Guenther,  M.  Hommel,  Morris  Link,  Edw.  Mooss,  Edw. 
Steuck,  John  Strobel  and  Albert  Textor;  in  the  lime  manufactory  by  Daniel 
Kunz  and  the  Ohlemacher  Brothers  represents  more  than  a million  of  hard  cash 
and  provides  bread  and  butter  for  many  a hundred  of  families. 

To  facilitate  business  the  Germans  organized  in  September  16,  1872,  the 
Third  National  Bank,  a prosperous  and  almost  exclusive  German  institution, 
electing  L.  Cable  as  president,  Philip  Graefe,  vice-president ; George  Ander- 
son, cashier;  Christ  F.  Schoepfle,  Dr.  Donahoe  and  Jacob  Engles,  directors. 

Lorenz  Cable  was  born  1823,  March  20,  in  the  village  of  Siegen,  Elsass, 
and  came  to  America  in  the  spring  of  1843.  He  worked  as  a cabinet-maker 
for  David  Moore,  Bellevue,  O.,  till  spring  of  the  next  year,  when  he  wended 
his  way  to  Sandusky,  where  he  resided  for  nearly  forty-five  years.  On  his  ar- 
rival in  this  city  he  found  a place  open  in  H.  F.  Merry’s  cabinet  shop,  and  subse- 
quently in  Charles  Zollinger’s  and  the  old  Mad  River  Railroad  Shops.  In  1856 
he  embarked  with  John  Bricht  in  the  boot  and  shoe  trade.  He  has  become  pos- 
I sessed  of  great  wealth.  In  1872  he  was  elected  as  president  of  the  Third  Na- 
tional Bank,  a position  he  holds  to  this  day.  The  capital  stock  of  this  bank  is 
$200,000,  with  a surplus  of  $34,000. 

L.  Cable  resides  with  his  second  wife  on  the  corner  of  Monroe  and  Law- 
rence streets. 

Jacob  Engels  was  born  1799,  in  Solingen,  Germany,  and  emigrated  in  1848, 
making  Sandusky  his  home  in  the  year  following.  He  became  quite  wealthy 
in  the  wine  business.  He  always  took  an  active  part  in  organizing  societies 
that  aimed  to  cultivate  and  preserve  the  German  language  in  song  and  speech. 
He  died  November  6,  1875. 

34 


262 


History  of  Erie  County. 


The  office  as  postmaster  in  Sandusky  is  held  for  the  first  time  by  a German, 
George  Daniel,  who  came  to  America  as  a lad  in  the  40’s.  The  German  element 
is  represented  in  the  city  council  by  thirteen,  and  in  the  school  board  by  twelve 
members.  Dr.  Von  Schulenburg  was  the  chairman  of  the  committee  on  Ger- 
man instruction  for  several  years.  The  board  of  cemetery  trustees  is  exclu- 
sively German,  viz.:  John  G.  Strobel,  Jacob  Witzel  and  Louis  Duennisch. 

German  Physicians. — Drs.  Von  Sick,  Silva,  Philip  Graefe,  Lange  and  En- 
derle  (’48- 50).  Heiter,  Leop.  Pape,  William  and  Charles  Graefe,  Szenderyand 
Von  Schulenburg.  William  Graefe  is  a conservative  and  skilful  surgeon,  and 
has  spent  several  years  abroad  attending  lectures  in  the  Universities  of  Berlin 
and  Vienna.  Dr.  C.  Heiter  was  educated  and  took  his  degree  in  a Russian 
college.  Dr.  Von  Schulenburg  was  educated  in  Germany,  and  has  a large  prac- 
tice among  the  Germans. 

The  German  language  was  taught  as  early  as  ’52  in  pay  schools  by  Charles 
Plate,  Hoffman,  Keller  and  Lehrer,  through  the  arduous  work  of  Adam  Bauer, 
the  first  German  school  director,  who  served  his  constituents  faithfully  for 
nearly  twenty  years.  It  was  finally  introduced  in  the  public  schools  of  San- 
dusky and  became  a part  of  the  regular  course  of  study.  Nearly  a thousand 
children  are  benefited  by  it  at  this  day. 

German  Press. — The  first  German  paper  published  in  Erie  county  was  the 
Intelligenz-Blatt,  by  Ruemmele  and  Ruess.  The  first  number  made  its  appear- 
ance in  April,  1851  ; it  existed  for  nearly  twenty  years. 

In  1856  the  Baystadt  Demokrat  entered  the  field  as  a rival.  Captain  L. 
Traub  was  the  first  publisher.  A few  months  later  it  was  sold  to  Jacob  Hertel, 
who  was  editor  and  proprietor  till  1873,  when  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  the 
present  proprietor,  William  Senn.  It  has  greatly  improved  in  size  and  appear- 
ance since  then,  and  has  become  the  exponent  of  true  Democratic  principles 
under  his  regime.  It  is  well  conducted  and  prosperous. 

By  all  their  love  for  the  new,  the  Germans  never  failed  to  take  a propor- 
tionate interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  old  fatherland,  and  many  an  imposing 
procession,  that  wends  its  way  through  the  streets  of  the  town  testifies  plainly 
of  their  ardent  and  true  love  for  their  former  home.  The  capitulations  at  Se- 
dan and  following  restoratian  of  the  old  German  Empire,  manifested  itself  by 
an  outburst  of  joy  and  jubilee.  At  the  bicentennial  anniversary  of  German  em- 
igration in  1883,  the  strength  of  the  German  element  was  plainly  seen.  It  was 
a multitude  of  thousands,  that  turned  out  on  that  bright  Sunday  afternoon  to 
honor  their  pilgrims.  A very  accurate  account  of  this  celebration  was  pub- 
blished  in  the  local  columns  of  the  Sandusky  Demokrat.,  October  9,  1883,  and 
we  take  the  liberty  to  quote  from  it : 

“ A gala  day.  Two  thousand  in  procession  and  six  to  eight  thousand 
at  the  fair  ground  ; the  most  imposing  demonstration  ever  witnessed  in 
Erie  county.  The  procession  started  from  the  West  Market  at  2 P.  M.,  under 


Railways  of  the  County. 


263 


the  leadership  of  Charles  Baetz  and  Constantin  Zipfel,  assisted  by  Osterman, 
Motry  and  Wiedeman.  All  the  German  societies  of  Sandusky  were  represented  ; 
the  old  German  pioneers  were  under  the  command  of  Cornelius  Schnaitter.  A 
large  delegation  representing  the  German  element  of  Kelley  Island,  Middle 
Bass  and  Put-in- Bay  were  in  line.  L.  Herb’s  State  coach,  drawn  by  four  white 
horses  came  next.  The  president,  Adam  Bauer,  Captain  Dewald,  of  Mexican 
fame,  Councilman  August  Kunzman,  and  the  orator  of  the  day.  Dr.  von  Schu- 
lenburg,  were  the  proud  occupants.  In  the  following  carriages  the  members 
of  the  city  council  and  the  vice-presidents  were  seated,  prominent  among 
them  being  Messrs.  Torch,  Mooss,  H.  Rudolph,  Pietchman  and  Wm.  Brehm. 
A cavalry  troop  of  a hundred  men  under  Gottlieb  Epples’  command  came  next, 
followed  by  an  endless  caravan  of  v'ehicles  of  all  descriptions,  music  bands. and 
drum  corps  heading  the  subdivisions.  A score  of  thousands  of  people  lined 
the  streets.  In  strict  accordance  with  the  program  of  the  day,  the  president, 
Adam  Bauer,  introduced  at  the  fair  grounds  after  an  overture  by  the  Great 
Western  Band,  the  orator  of  the  day.  Dr.  von  Schulenburg,  who  spoke  at  length 
about  the  true  mission  of  the  German  element  in  America,  defining  it  in  mas- 
terly and  well  received-way.  Herman  Ruess  made  an  eloquent  address.  The 
Frohsinn  and  Harmonie  singing  societies  captured  the  immense  audience  by 
their  superb  rendering  of  patriotic  songs.  The  Active  and  Social  Turnverein 
gave  an  exhibition  of  gymnastic  exercises,  Gambrinus  even  had  a stand  but 
may  it  be  put  on  record  that  not  a single  one  could  be  found  in  all  this  multi- 
tude, although  watched  with  argus  eyes,  who  did  not  deport  himself  respect- 
fully.” 

May  this  feeble  effort  to  put  the  Germans  of  Erie  county  on  record,  be 
kindly  accepted  by  all  interested. 


CHAPTER  XVHI. 

RAILWAYS  OF  THE  COUNTY. 

T T is  now  more  than  half  a century  since  the  first  railroad  was  put  in  opera- 
X tion  in  Erie  county,  and  in  relation  to  this  class  of  institutions  the  county 
enjoys  the  distinction  of  having  constructed  within  its  borders,  the  first  rail- 
way in  the  State  and  among  the  first  in  the  country. 

In  the  year  1832  two  railroad  companies,  each  having  a part  of  their  line 
in  Erie,  or  what  afterward  became  Erie  county,  were  chartered  as  follows  ; The 
Mad  River  and  Lake  Erie,  and  the  Milan  and  Columbus  companies,  the  first  being 
chartered  January  5,  1832,  and  the  other  on  the  i ith  February  following.  The 


264 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Milan  and  Columbus  road  was  never  built  nor  are  we  possessed  of  any  in- 
formation showing  the  performance  of  any  substantial  act  other  than  the  in- 
corporation thereof. 

Then,  again,  although  the  creation  of  a later  period,  in  reviewing  these  facts 
a mention  must  be  made  of  that  mythical  and  mysterious  thoroughfare  of  travel 
known  as  the  “ Underground  Railway,”  having  its  invisible,  though  well  pat- 
ronized route  between  the  city  of  Sandusky,  O.,  and  Malden,  in  Canada.  This 
was  the  usually  traveled  route  taken  by  escaping  slaves  who  sought  a refuge 
beyond  the  reach  of  the  owner’s  power  and  the  driver’s  lash. 

There  lives  in  Sandusky  to-day,  probably  not  to  exceed  fifty  persons  who 
recall  the  partial  construction  of  the  road  of  the  Ohio  Railroad  Company,  which 
was  chartered  at  the  session  of  the  Legislature  of  1835-6.  The  route  of  this 
road  was  entirely  practicable,  but  its  enterprising  projectors  had  not  the  means 
sufficient  to  complete  the  work,  and  it  was  abandoned  after  a vast  amount  of 
money  had  been  expended.  The  route  of  this  road,  as  defined  by  its  charter, 
was  as  follows  ; “ Beginning  at  the  westwardly  line  of  the  State  of  Pennsylva- 
nia, and  extending  westwardly  to  the  Maumee  River  in  the  State  of  Ohio,”  a 
distance  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-seven  miles.  The  line  of  this  road,  had 
it  been  completed,  would  have  crossed  Washington  Square,  in  Sandusky.  And 
many  of  the  people  of  the  county  will  remember  the  old  Sandusky  & Louis- 
ville Railroad  Company,  to  the  construction  of  which  they  liberally  contrib- 
uted, but  the  road  was  never  built. 

THE  INDIANA,  BLOOMINGTON  AND  WESTERN  RAILROAD. 

This  road  is,  indeed,  of  comparatively  recent  creation.  But  the  line  now 
in  part  operated  by  the  receiver  of  the  above  company,  has  a history  more  va- 
ried and  more  interesting  than  that  of  any  road  now  in  operation  in  the  State 
of  Ohio  ; and  for  an  intelligent  and  clear,  as  well  as  an  accurate  narration  of 
the  facts  of  that  history  we  must  look  back  to  the  early  years  of  the  present 
century  and  note  the  efforts  that  were  made  to  establish  the  first  railroad  in  this 
State,  or  in  the  west,  and  recall  the  events  of  the  early  life  of  a road  famed  in 
history  as  the  Mad  River  & Lake  Erie  Railroad. 

When  the  people  of  Sandusky  were  by  fraud,  deceit  and  corruption  de- 
feated in  their  efforts  to  establish  communication  between  this  point  and  the 
Ohio  River  by  canal,  the  most  enterprising  and  energetic  of  her  residents  said, 
“ Let  us  build  a railroad.”  This  was  prior  to  the  year  1825.  During  the  pe- 
riod of  the  greatest  agitation  of  this  question  a public  meeting  was  held  in  San- 
dusky which  was  attended  by  all  the  leading  men  of  the  place,  prominent 
among  whom  can  be  recalled  the  names  of  David  Caswell,  who  was  made  chair- 
man ; Dr.  George  Anderson,  Colonel  John  N.  Sloane,  Elentheros  Cooke,  Cy- 
rus W.  Marsh,  Hector  Kibourne,  Moors  Farwell,  Colonel  Abner  Root,  David 
Campbell,  Aaron  C.  Corbett,  William  Townsend  and  others,  possibly,  whose 
names  cannot,  at  this  late  day,  be  remembered.  This  was  in  1826. 


Railways  of  the  County. 


265 


By  these  persons  the  situation  was  freely  discussed,  and  united  action  was 
determined  upon  to  urge  the  subject  of  building  a road  to  connect  Sandusky 
and  Dayton,  thence  reaching  south  by  the  proposed  Miami  canal  to  Cincinnati 
and  the  Ohio  River,  thus  opening  direct  and  free  communication  between  the 
great  lakes  on  the  north  and  the  large  rivers  on  the  south.  But  it  was  several 
years  before  the  fond  hopes  of  the  people  of  this  locality  were  realized,  but  at 
last  the  thing  was  made  possible. 

The  Mad  River  and  Lake  Erie  Railroad  Company  was  incorporated  by  an 
act  of  the  Legislature  of  Ohio,  passed  on  the  5 th  day  of  January,  1832.  Among 
the  persons  named  as  commissioners  in  the  act,  three,  William  Townsend, 
Henry  H.  Wilcox,  sr.,  and  George  Anderson  were  residents  of  Sandusky.  It 
became  the  duty  of  these  commissioners  to  open  books  for  subscriptions  to  the 
stock  of  the  company,  but  no  organization  could  be  effected  until  there  had 
been  subscribed  to  the  corporation  stock  the  amount  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  dollars. 

This  was  accomplished  in  the  course  of  a few  months,  and  in  October  of 
the  same  year  the  company  was  organized,  Horatio  G.  Philips,  of  Dayton, 
Montgomery  county,  being  elected  president.  A treasurer  was  chosen  at  the 
same  meeting.  Other  than  this  no  business  was  transacted  at  this  time,  except 
to  receive  reports  and  urge  the  importance  of  prompt  action  in  getting  sub- 
scriptions to  the  stock  of  the  company. 

In  the  year  1834  another  annual  meeting  was  held,  and  Mr.  Philips,  being 
unwilling  to  hold  further  the  office  of  president,  declined  a re-election,  where- 
upon Joseph  Vance,  of  Champaigne  county,  was  chosen  as  his  successor.  In 
the  spring  of  the  next  year,  1835,  James  H.  Bell  was  appointed  chief  engineer 
of  the  company,  and  by  him  the  route  was  located  and  surveyed  between 
Sandusky  and  Tiffin,  by  the  way  of  Bellevue,  after  which  the  work  of  construc- 
tion was  at  once  commenced.  Ground  was  first  broken  at  the  east  end  of 
Water  street,  at  the  intersection  of  IMeigs  street,  in  Sandusky,  on  the  17th  of 
September,  1835.  General  William  Henry  Harrison,  the  hero  of  Tippecanoe, 
afterwards  president  of  the  United  States,  put  the  first  spade  in  the  earth,  at 
the  point  above  indicated. 

That  was  a day  of  general  jubilee  in  Sandusky,  and  the  celebration  was 
followed  by  a banquet  at  the  Victor’s  Hotel,  the  distinguished  guests  and  the 
prominent  citizens  taking  part  in  the  festivities  of  the  occasion.  In  this  same 
year,  1835,  the  contracts  were  let  for  bridging  and  grading  on  the  located  line, 
and  the  work  of  construction  commenced. 

In  1836  Colonel  John  H.  James,  of  Urbana,  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the 
State,  was  chosen  president  of  the  company,  and  under  his  management  the 
work  of  construction  was  pushed  with  the  greatest  energy  the  limited  means 
of  the  corporation  would  permit.  In  this  same  year  Colonel  James  contracted 
for  the  iron  to  be  used  between  Sandusky  and  Bellevue.  He  also  entered  into 


266 


History  of  Erie  County. 


a contract  with  the  firm  of  Rogers,  Ketchum  & Grovenor,  of  Paterson,  N.  J., 
for  the  construction  a locomotive  to  be  named  the  “ Sandusky.”  This  firm 
was  at  that  time  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  cotton  machines,  and  under- 
took the  work  of  building  a locomotive  with  the  greatest  reluctance,  but  sub- 
sequently they  became  most  celebrated  as  manufacturers  of  locomotives,  and 
the  outgrowth  of  their  factory  is  found  in  the  present  extensive  “ Paterson 
Locomotive  Works.” 

The  locomotive  ‘‘  Sandusky,”  was  brought  from  Buffalo  on  the  vessel 
Sandusky,  Thomas  C.  McGee,  skipper,  to  the  town  of  Sandusky,  in  the  year 
1837,  and,  during  that  fall,  was  placed  upon  the  track  and  run  between  San- 
dusky and  Bellevue,  the  road  having  been  completed  between  these  points  in 
that  year,  all  statements,  impressions,  and  opinions  to  the  contrary  notwith- 
standing. 


In  the  year  1850  the  road  was  completed  to  Dayton,  a distance  of  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty-four  miles,  and  in  the  following  year  was  in  operation. 

Colonel  James  was  succeeded  in  the  presidency  of  the  company  by  William 
Hunt,  and  he,  in  succession  by  these  men  : Hon.  Ebenezer  Lane,  E.  F. 

Osborne,  R.  E.  Runckle,  John  P.  Yelderton,  Oran  Follett,  Rush  R.  Sloane, 
and  John  S.  Earlow,  the  last  named  having  been  continued  to  the  present  date, 
notwithstanding  the  frequent  changes  in  the  name  of  corporate  management, 

The  same  year  in  which  the  Mad  River  and  Lake  Erie  road  was  completed 
to  Dayton,  another  line,  known  as  the  Cincinnati,  Hamilton  and  Dayton  Rail- 
road Company,  met  the  former  at  Dayton,  and  thus,  in  1851,  was  constructed 
and  in  operation  a through  connection  between  Sandusky  and  Cincinnati. 

In  1851  an  act  was  passed  by  the  Legislature  incorporating  the  Sandusky 
City  and  Indiana  Railroad  Company.  This  company  was  organized  in  fact  for 
the  purpose  of  constructing  a road  from  Sandusky  to  Tiffin,  by  the  way  of 
Clyde,  to  be  built,  moreover,  in  the  interest  and  with  the  capital  of  the  Lake 
Erie  and  Mad  River  road.  On  the  ist  of  December,  1854,  this  road,  via 
Clyde,  was  leased  for  ninety-nine  years,  renewable  forever,  to  the  Mad  River 
Company,  and  the  old  road  to  Tiffin  by  way  of  Bellevue  was  discontinued  and 
abandoned. 

The  first  change  in  the  name  of  the  Mad  River  and  Lake  Erie  Railroad 
was  made  on  February  3,  1858,  under  a decree  of  the  Common  Pleas  of  Erie 
county,  by  which  the  road  became  known  as  the  Sandusky,  Dayton  and  Cin- 
cinnati Railroad  Company.  And  under  a bill  filed  in  the  Erie  county  Common 
Pleas  on  February  4,  1865,  Oran  Follett  was  appointed  receiver,  under  order 
of  the  court,  and  continued  as  such  until  its  reorganization,  on  July  2,  1866, 
when,  under  that  reorganization,  the  line  passed  under  the  management  of  the 
Sandusky  and  Cincinnati  Railroad  Company,  and  so  remained  until  the  8th  of 
October,  1866,  when  the  line  was  leased  for  a term  of  ninety-nine  years,  re- 
newable forever,  to  the  Cincinnati,  Dayton  and  Eastern  Railroad  Company,  and 


Railways  of  the  County. 


267 


Rush  R.  Sloane  was  made  president.  On  the  9th  of  January,  1868,  this  lease 
was  surrendered. 

In  1868,  on  the  ilth  of  January,  by  a decree  of  the  Common  Pleas  of 
Erie  county  the  name  was  changed  to  the  Cincinnati,  Sandusky  and  Cleveland 
Railroad  Company,  by  which  it  is  known  at  this  day,  although  managed  by 
the  receiver  of  the  Indiana,  Bloomington  and  Western  Company  as  a part  of 
that  system.  That  part  of  the  road  between  Dayton  and  Springfield  was 
leased  for  a term  of  ninety- nine  years,  renewable  forever,  to  the  Cleveland, 
Columbus  and  Cincinnati  Company,  in  1868.  This  contract  of  lease  was  nego- 
tiated by  Rush  R.  Sloane,  and  it  was,  without  doubt,  the  most  profitable  lease 
for  the  lessor  company  that  was  ever  effected  and  executed  in  the  State  of 
Ohio. 

About  the  year  1881  or  1882  the  Cincinnati,  Sandusky  and  Cleveland  por- 
tion of  the  road  was  leased  to  the  Indiana,  Bloomington  and  Western  Com- 
pany. This  latter  corporation  was  operating  a line  of  road  extending  from 
Indianapolis,  Ind.,  to  Springfield,  O.,  and  desirous  of  obtaining  a lake  connec- 
tion, leased  the  part  above  named  and  made  it  a portion  of  their  system. 
Some  months  ago,  however,  the  Indiana,  Bloomington  and  Western  Company 
became  insolvent,  and  a receiver  was  appointed,  and  since  that  event  the  Cin- 
cinnati, Sandusky  and  Cleveland  as  well  as  the  Indianapolis,  Bloomington  and 
Western  Company  has  been  operated  by  the  receiver  of  the  general  Indiana, 
Bloomington  and  Western  System. 

THE  SANDUSKY,  MANSFIELD  AND  NEWARK  RAILROAD  COMPANY. 

This  company  embraces  three  others  of  much  earlier  organization,  which, 
with  the  dates  of  their  charters,  respectively,  were  as  follows  : The  Monroeville 
and  Sandusky  City  Railroad  Company,  chartered  March  9,  1835  ; the  Mans- 
field and  New  Haven  Railroad  Company,  chartered  March  12,  1836,  and  the 
Columbus  and  Lake  Erie  Railroad  Company,  chartered  March  12,  1845. 

The  two  first  named  were  united  under  the  name  of  the  Mansfield  and 
Sandusky  City  Railroad  Company  ; and  that,  in  turn,  consolidated  with  the 
Columbus  and  Lake  Erie  Company,  and  became  known  as  the  Sandusky, 
Mansfield  and  Newark  Railroad  Company,  on  the  23d  of  November,  1853. 
In  the  year  1856  the  road  was  sold  and  then  reorganized,  retaining,  however, 
the  former  name.  On  February  13,  1869,  the  road  was  leased  to  the  Central 
Ohio  Railroad  Company,  and  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Company  guaranteed 
and  assumed  the  covenants  of  the  Central  Ohio  Railroad  Company.  The 
road  extends  from  the  city  of  Sandusky  to  Newark,  O.,  a distance  of  one  hun- 
dred and  sixteen  miles. 

The  work  of  construction  on  the  old  Monroeville  and  Sandusky  City  road 
was  begun  in  the  year  1835,  and  was,  of  course,  necessarily  slow.  At  a point 
six  miles  south  of  Sandusky  the  workmen  encountered  a ridge  of  slate,  and  this 


268 


History  of  Erie  County. 


proved  the  rock  on  which  the  founders  of  the  enterprise,  the  Hollisters,  were 
wrecked.  In  1837  an  effort  was  made  to  purchase  the  iron,  to  be  used  in 
building  the  road,  in  England,  and  for  that  purpose  James  K.  Campbell  was 
sent  to  negotiate  ; but  this  effort  was  unsuccessful.  The  bed  was  finally  com- 
pleted as  far  as  Monroeville,  a distance  from  Sandusky  of  sixteen  and  one-half 
miles.  It  was  operated  as  early  as  1837,  but  the  motive  power  used  was 
horses,  with  which  regular  trips  were  made  between  these  points.  The  rails 
were  of  hard  wood,  and  as  no  great  speed  was  acquired  or  desired  this  primi- 
tive method  answered  very  well  for  a time. 

The  State  rendered  considerable  substantial  aid  in  the  construction  of  this 
old  road,  which  was  completed  and  put  in  operation  under  the  presidency  of 
Burr  Higgins.  Its  results,  however,  were  not  very  satisfactory  from  a financial 
point  of  view,  therefore  a reorganization  became  necessary,  to  which  reference  i 
has  already  been  made.  The  stock,  which  was  considered  of  little  value,  was 
bought  up,  and  by  the  results  of  the  lease,  virtually  to  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio 
Company,  bids  fair  to  be  of  some  considerable  value  in  the  future.  The  road 
is  now  earning  an  excess  above  interest  on  its  bonded  indebtedness. 

The  line  of  this  road  through  Sandusky  formerly  and  for  some  years  lay 
through  Eranklin  street,  but  it  was  subsequently  changed  to  Warren  street.  ' 
The  old  residents  of  the  city  will  remember  the  old  depot  of  the  Monroeville  and  j| 
Sandusky  City  Company,  that  was  located  about  in  front  of  the  old  Lake  House 
on  Water  street. 

THE  LAKE  SHORE  AND  MICHIGAN  SOUTHERN  RAILWAY  COMPANY. 

The  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Railway  proper  was  created  or 
formed  by  the  union  or  consolidation  of  other  lines  of  road  having  an  existence 
prior  to  the  year  1869.  And  inasmuch  as  this  is,  undoubtedly,  the  most  im- 
portant railway  now  passing  through  Erie  county,  a brief  mention  of  the  several 
coporations  from  which  it  was  formed  will  not  be  considered  inappropriate  in 
this  connection. 

The  first  union  occurred  by  the  consolidation  of  the  Buffalo  and  State  Line 
Railroad  (extending  from  the  City  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  State,  west  to  the  State  Line 
of  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  a distance  of  sixty-eight  miles),  with  the  Erie  and 
Northeast  Railroad  (extending  from  the  Pennsylvania  State  Line  to  the  city  of  , 
Erie,  a distance  of  twenty  miles),  under  and  in  pursuance  of  laws  of  the  States 
of  New  York  and  Pennsylvania,  in  the  year  1867,  and  became  known  as  the  s 
Buffalo  and  Erie  Railroad  Company. 

And  by  the  consolidation  of  the  Cleveland,  Painesville  and  Ashtabula  Pail-  1 
road  (extending  from  Erie,  Pa.,  to  Cleveland,  O.,  a distance  of  ninety- five  miles),  1 
with  the  Cleveland  and  Toledo  Railroad  (extending  from  Cleveland  to  Toledo, 
a distance  of  one  hundred  and  thirteen  miles),  with  a branch  or  northern  divis-  j 
ion  of  the  latter  road  extending  from  Elyria  twenty-six  miles  west  of  Cleve- 


Railways  of  the  County. 


269 


land  to  Sandusky,  a distance  of  thirty-five  miles.  Also  from  Oak  Harbor, 
(twenty-six  miles  west  of  Sandusky)  to  Millbury,  near  Toledo. 

These  two  last  mentioned  roads  were  consolidated  under  the  name  of  the 
Lake  Shore  Railway  Company  in  March,  1869,  under  the  laws  of  Ohio  and 
Pennsylvania. 

Then  the  Michigan  Southern  and  Northern  Indiana  Railroad,  extending 
from  Toledo  to  the  city  of  Chicago,  111.,  a distance  of  two  hundred  and  forty- 
four  miles,  was  consolidated  with  the  Lake  Shore  Railway  Company  in  May, 
1869,  under  the  laws  of  Pennsylvania,  Ohio,  Michigan,  Indiana  and  Illinois,  un- 
der the  name  of  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Railway  Company. 

In  August,  1869,  the  Buffalo  and  Erie  Railroad  Company  was  consolidated 
with  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Railway  Company,  under  the  lat- 
ter name,  thus  forming  a continuous  line  of  road  five  hundred  and  forty  miles 
in  length  between  the  cities  of  Buffalo  and  Chicago. 

This,  in  the  main,  formed  the  ground-work  of  the  great  Lake  Shore  and 
Michigan  Southern  System.  It  will  be  noticed  above  that  mention  is  made  of 
a “branch”  or  “Northern  Division”  of  the  Cleveland  and  Toledo  Road.  This 
is  the  line  extending  through  Erie  county,  and  is  described  above  as  “extend- 
ing from  Elyria  (twenty-six  miles  west  of  Cleveland),  to  Sandusky,  a distance 
of  thirty- five  miles.” 

This  branch  road,  as  it  was  called,  was  that  formerly  chartered  as  the  Junc- 
tion Railroad,  intended  to  reach  from  Cleveland  to  Sandusky,  and  thence  to 
Fremont.  It  was  chartered  March  2,  1846,  and  amended  so  as  to  extend  to 
Toledo  in  January,  1851.  It  was  built  during  the  years  1851  and  1852,  but 
about  the  same  time  the  lower  division,  known  as  the  Toledo,  Norwalk  and 
Cleveland  Railroad  was  built,  which  road  by  connecting  with  one  already  in 
operation,  reached  Cleveland  before  the  northern  line  was  completed,  and 
thenceforth  did  everything  possible  to  obstruct  the  latter,  among  other  acts  to 
prevent  the  bridging  of  the  Cuyahoga  River.  Then,  again,  the  construction  of 
the  southern  line  from  Toledo  to  Norwalk  tapped  the  Eremont  region,  thus 
rendering  unprofitable  the  building  of  the  Junction  Road  from  Sandusky  to  that 
point.  The  Fremont  people  gave  it  no  encouragement  and  the  project  was 
abandoned. 

After  the  abandonment  of  the  plan  of  building  to  Fremont  it  was  still  nec- 
essary to  have  a western  outlet  for  the  Junction  Road,  and  the  idea  was  con- 
ceived of  crossing  the  Sandusky  Bay  and  running  to  Port  Clinton,  and  thence 
west  to  Toledo  ; but  in  this  several  obstacles  must  be  overcome.  There  was 
much  opposition  to  building  across  the  bay,  that  being  navigable  water;  then, 
again,  the  charter  did  not  call  for  a road  over  that  route.  This  led  to  the  char- 
ter granted  the  Port  Clinton  Railroad  Company,  and  under  it  the  road  was 
built,  though  not  without  many  difficulties  and  much  litigation,  but  at  last  it 
was  accomplished  and  put  in  operation. 

35 


2/0 


History  of  Erie  County. 


But  the  difficulty  at  Cleveland  was  not  satisfactorily  adjusted,  and  the  Junc- 
tion Road  was  eventuall}^  “frozen  out,”  and  being  so  unfortunately  conditioned, 
the  two  divisions,  the  north  and  south,  were  finally  consolidated  under  the  name 
of  the  Cleveland  and  Toledo  Railroad.  That  part  of  the  old  Junction  Road  be- 
tween Cleveland  and  Elyria  was  practically  abandoned,  though  never  entirely 
so,  and  the  two  branches  joined  again  at  Milburn,  a town  west  of  Sandusky,  and 
near  Toledo. 

Under  the  consolidation  of  1869  the  Cleveland  and  Toledo  systems,  both 
divisions  passed  to  the  control  of  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Com- 
pany, and  is  by  that  company  managed  at  the  present  time. 

The  former  line  of  this  road  through  Sandusky  lay  along  Water  street,  but 
the  Lake  Shore  people  needed  more  room  for  the  transaction  of  their  largely 
increasing  business  in  the  city  ; therefore,  a part  of  the  line  was  changed  to  pass 
through  the  south  portion  of  the  town  over  which  the  bulk  of  their  freight  busi- 
ness passes,  the  Water  street  line  being  used  only  for  accommodation  purposes. 
Another  part  was  sold  to  the  I.  B.  & W.  Company,  and  is  now  used  by  them. 

In  1870  the  revenue  from  passenger  traffic  at  Sandusky  on  the  Lake  Shore 
Road  was  $8,858,  while  in  1886  it  amounted  to  $39,892.  In  1870  the  freight 
forwarded  amounted  to  over  twenty-six  thousand  tons,  and  freight  received  to 
more  than  eighteen  thousand  six  hundred  and  forty-four  tons.  In  1886  the 
shipment  of  freight  was  four  hundred  and  eighty- four  thousand  six  hundred 
and  eighty-six  tons,  and  freight  received  one  hundred  and  forty-eight  thou- 
sand one  hundred  and  seventy-four  tons. 

THE  WHEELING  AND  LAKE  ERIE  RAILROAD  COMPANY 

The  main  points  touched  by  this  road  in  Erie  county  are  Huron  and  Milan. 
It  starts  from  the  former  and  follows  the  general  course  of  the  Huron  River  to 
Milan,  and  thence  passes  into  Huron  county  on  the  south. 

The  company  was  chartered  by  an  act  of  the  Legislature,  passed  April  6, 
1871.  By  June  30,  1873,  ten  miles  of  its  line  were  graded.  In  1876  the  road 
was  completed  from  Huron  to  Norwalk,  a distance  of  twelve  and  one-half  miles, 
and  thirty-five  miles  more  of  the  road  were  graded.  In  the  spring  of  1878  the 
company  passed  into  the  hands  of  a receiver. 

Toward  the  construction  of  the  Wheeling  and  Lake  Erie  Road  the  citizens 
of  the  city  of  Sandusky  were  invited  to  contribute,  and  for  that  purpose  sub- 
scription books  were  opened.  It  was  promised,  and  generally  understood  that 
Sandusky  should  be  one  of  the  points  touched  by  the  road,  but  at  a time  when 
the  company  were  seriously  in  need  of  funds,  several  prominent  residents  of 
Huron  came  forward  with  liberal  contributions,  and  the  road  was  built  to  that 
place.  An  attempt  was  afterward  made  to  secure  the  subscription  books  at 
Sandusky  for  the  purpose  of  collecting  the  amounts  by  the  several  persons  sub- 
scribed, but  they  were  not  secured,  nor  was  the  money  paid.  The  road  was 


Railways  of  the  County. 


271 


not,  therefore,  particularly  friendly  to  the  Sandusky  people  or  interests.  The 
road  is  easily  reached  by  way  of  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Road 
at  Huron. 

THE  LAKE  ERIE  AND  WESTERN  RAILROAD. 

This  is  the  youngest  of  its  class  of  corporations  now  in  full  operation  in 
Erie  county.  The  company  was  chartered  about  1879,  and  the  road  went  in- 
to operation  some  two  or  three  years  later.  The  line  runs  from  Sandusky  to 
Fremont;  thence  via  Findlay,  Lima  and  Nuncie,  to  Bloomington,  111  From 
the  latter  point  the  road  will  soon  be  fully  completed  to  Peoria,  111. 

As  an  encouragement  to  build  the  Lake  Erie  and  Western  road,  the  City 
of  Sandusk)^  in  1881,  issued  its  bonds  to  the  extent  of  sixty  thousand  dollars, 
the  avails  of  which  were  given  to  constructing  the  road 

THE  SANDUSKY,  ASHLAND  AND  COSHOCTON  RAILROAD. 

No  part  of  the  corporation  erection  of  this  company  is  now  in  operation 
except  official  organization.  The  company  was  chartered  in  1883  and  was 
formed  for  the  purpose  of  tapping  the  vast  coal  and  iron  regions  of  the  south- 
ern counties  of  the  State  and  elsewhere,  and  for  the  purpose  of  bringing  those 
products  to  Sandusky  for  consumption  and  manufacture.  The  line  of  the  pro- 
posed road  is  one  hundred  and  thirty-nine  miles  in  length. 

It  is  a well  known  fact  that  there  exists  in  Coshocton  county  a bed  of  the 
finest  quality  of  cannel  coal,  and  this  road  will  bring  this  city  of  Sandusky  in 
direct  communication  with  that  region  and  afford  a desirable  outlet  for  its  most 
valuable  product. 

The  capital  stock  of  the  company  is  five  millions  of  dollars,  but  instead  of 
asking  for  subscriptions  to  the  stock  the  company  have  issued  bonds  and  have 
arranged  to  build  and  stock  their  road  with  the  proceeds  of  the  bond  sales.  In 
fact,  W.  D.  Crane,  of  New  York  city  has  agreed  to  take  the  bonds  and  build 
and  equip  the  road,  and  construct  extensive  docks  at  Sandusky  as  well. 

The  present  officers  of  the  comapany  are  Hon.  John  Mackey,  president;  P. 
H.  Clark,  secretary,  and  David  Brubaker,  treasurer. 

TFIE  NEW  YORK,  CHICAGO  AND  ST.  LOUIS  RAILWAY. 

This  road,  which  is  more  commonly  known  as  the  “ Nickel  Plate,”  has  its 
line  across  Erie  county,  entering  from  the  east,  in  the  north  part  of  Vermillion 
tov/nship,  and  departing  near  the  southwest  part  of  Groton  township.  The 
road  is  of  no  practical  benefit  to  the  county,  having  but  an  occasional  passen- 
ger train  and  doing  but  little  other  than  a through  freight  business  as  a part  of 
the  “Vanderbilt  system.” 


2/2 


History  of  Erie  County. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

SOME  EVENTS  OF  ERIE  COUNTY'S  POLITICAL  HISTORY. 

Erie  county  has  never  achieved  a standing  of  any  special  importance  in  the 
political  history  of  the  nation  or  of  the  State  of  Ohio;  but  to  the  county  it- 
self its  political  history  has  been  as  important  as  that  of  any  county  in  the  State 
to  itself.  In  the  year  1838,  at  the  time  the  county  by  Legislative  enactment 
was  created,  there  existed  but  two  recognized  political  parties,  the  Whig  and 
the  Democratic;  but  there  did  exist  at  that  time  a strong  anti-slavery  feeling  in 
the  hearts  of  a few,  and  but  a few  men,  whose  chosen,  fearless  and  out-spoken 
champion  was  Francis  D.  Parish,  who  had  then  had  a residence  in  Sandusky 
of  some  sixteen  years.  At  the  time  of  which  we  speak  the  cause  of  the  De- 
mocracy was  championed  by  Colonel  Hanies,  at  one  time  collector  of  the  port; 
William  H.  Hunter,  at  one  time  member  of  Congress  ; William  B.  Smith, 
Horace  Alpin,  H.  W.  Conklin,  Zenas  W.  Barker,  John  S.  Campbell,  and  oth- 
ers, who,  though  less  active,  were  none  the  less  zealous  in  their  labors.  The 
Whig  principles  were  advocated  by  Elentheros  Cooke,  Oran  Follett,  Colonel 
John  N.  Sloane,  Colonel  Abner  Root,  William  Townsend,  Joseph  M.  Root,  ’ 
John  Weeden,  John  Wheeler,  Philip  R.  Hopkins,  Judge  Caldwell,  Judge  Far- 
well,  Major  Camp,  David  Campbell,  and  perhaps  others  equally  prominent  ? 
whose  names  cannot  now  be  recalled.  i 

The  political  complexion  of  the  county  at  that  time  was  Democratic,  and 
nearly,  if  not  quite  all,  of  the  first  officers  were  of  that  party.  Horace  Alpin  j' 
was  recorder,  H.  W.  Conklin  was  auditor,  William  B.  Smith  was  treasurer, 
Zenas  W.  Barker  was  clerk  of  the  courts,  Harvey  Long  was  sherifif,  and  John  S.  ' 
Campbell  was  prosecuting  attorney,  and  each  was  elected  on  the  Democratic 
ticket.  At  the  next  election,  however,  there  seems  to  have  been  a decided 
change  in  affairs,  brought  about  in  part  by  the  increase  in  the  Whig  ranks, 
and  in  part  by  the  fact  that  General  Harrison  was  upon  the  ticket  as  a candi- 
date for  the  presidency,  and  his  personal  popularity  rallied  to  his  support  the 
entire  Whig  strength  and  drew  largely  from  the  opposition  party.  In  that 
year  the  Whigs  elected  C.  B,  Squires  for  recorder,  William  Neill  for  auditor, 
Zalumna  Phillips  for  sheriff,  and  Francis  D.  Parish  for  prosecuting  attorney. 
Mr.  Parish  affiliated  somewhat  with  the  Whigs,  that  party  coming  nearer  to 
his  principles  than  any  other. 

But  during  the  first  ten  years  of  the  county’s  political  history  the  majority 
for  the  successful  party,  which  ever  it  may  have  been,  was  very  slight  and 
liable  easily  to  be  overthrown  by  the  unpopularity  of  a nominee.  General 
Harrison,  as  is  well  known,  died  soon  after  entering  upon  the  discharge  of  his 
duties  as  president  and  John  Tyler  succeeded  him.  His  administration  was 


Political  History. 


273 


hardly  in  accord  with  true  Whig  doctrines,  and  resulted  disastrously  to  the 
party.  James  K.  Polk  succeeded  by  the  election  in  1844,  as  the  candidate  of 
the  Democracy.  In  the  county  Ebenezer  Merry,  Whig,  was  elected  recorder; 
Orlando  McKnight,  Democrat,  for  auditor ; Rice  Harper,  Whig,  for  clerk  ; 
Ebenezer  Warner,  Democrat,  for  sheriff,  and  S.  F.  Taylor,  Whig,  for  prose- 
cuting attorney. 

In  1848  the  Free-Soil  party  took  shape,  and  in  the  campaign  of  that  year 
Mr.  Parish  and  other  anti -slavery  men  supported  the  nomination  of  its  candi- 
date, Martin  Van  Buren,  while  Zack.  Taylor  appeared  as  the  Whig  nominee, 
and  General  Lewis  Cass  as  the  choice  of  the  Democracy.  General  Taylor, 
better  known  as  old  “ Rough  and  Ready,”  carried  the  day,  and  with  it  came 
a majority  of  the  local  offices  into  the  hands  of  Whigs. 

In  the  fifties  the  old  Whig  party  gradually  merged  into  the  Republican 
party,  except  a few  who  could  not  adopt  the  full  platform  of  the  latter  party, 
but  this  decade  saw  a majority  of  the  county  offices  in  the  control  of  the  Whigs 
and  Republicans.  The  Know-Nothing  party  also  became  developed  suffi- 
ciently in  the  county  to  put  a candidate  in  the  local  field  for  the  several  offices, 
although  in  part  it  fused  with  the  Republicans.  A.  H.  Striker  became  their 
nominee  for  the  probate  judgeship  and  was  elected,  but  he  had  also  the  Dem- 
ocratic support.  They  also  supported  Horace  N.  Bill  for  clerk,  although  he 
was  also  the  Republican  candidate.  During  this  same  decade,  in  1852,  the 
Democratic  and  States’  Rights  parties  nominated  and  elected  Franklin  Pierce; 
and  again,  in  1856,  they  triumphed  by  the  candidacy  of  James  Buchanan  In 
this  latter  campaign  the  Northern,  Free-Soil,  and  Abolition  parties  supported 
John  C.  Freemont,  while  the  Know-Nothings  found  a candidate  in  Millard  Fill- 
more. From  1850  to  i860  the  office  of  recorder  was  held  by  Charles  Wilbur 
and  James  W.  Cooke,  both  Republicans  ; the  office  of  auditor,  Foster  M.  Fol- 
lett  and  Charles  H.  Botsford,  both  Republicans  ; the  office  of  treasurer  by  John 
B.  Wilber,  Democrat;  John  W.  Sprague,  Thomas  S.  Fuller,  Holly  Skinner, 
Whigs  and  Republicans,  and  Thomas  S.  Fernald,  Democrat;  the  office  of  clerk 
by  Rice  Harper  and  Horace  N.  Bill,  both  Whigs  ; the  office  of  sheriff  by  George 
W.  Smith,  G.  B.  Gerrard  and  Fred.  F.  Smith,  Democrats;  the  office  of  prose- 
cuting attorney  by  A.  W.  Hendry,  John  Mackey  and  O.  C.  McLouth,  Whigs 
and  Republicans. 

In  i860  Mr.  Lincoln  became  the  candidate  of  the  Republicans,  or  united 
Whig  and  Abolition  parties;  Stephen  A.  Douglass  and  John  C.  Breckenridge 
of  the  divided  factions  of  the  Democracy,  and  John  Bell  of  the  old  American  or 
Union  party.  Mr.  Lincoln  was  triumphantly  elected,  carrying  every  Northern 
State  except  New  Jersey.  After  this  came  the  secession  of  the  Southern 
States,  followed  by  four  years  of  civil  war.  The  Union  must  be  maintained 
and  the  Republican  president  and  his  cabinet  must  be  supported,  both  in  Fed- 
eral, State  and  county  politics ; therefore  it  is  not  surprising  that  the  ranks  of 


274 


History  of  Erie  County. 


the  Democracy  became  decimated  and  those  of  the  Republican  party  largely 
increased.  The  office  of  prosecuting  attorney  between  the  years  i860  and 
1870,  was  held  by  F.  VV.  Cogswell,  a Republican;  sheriff  by  D.  S.  Worthing- 
ton and  Jesse  Davis,  both  Republicans;  clerk  by  John  J.  Penfield,  George  W, 
Penfield  and  George  O.  Selkirk,  all  Republicans;  probate  judge  by  George 
Morton  and  A.  W.  Hendry,  both  Republicans;  recorder  by  James  W.  Cook, 
John  W.  Reed  and  William  A.  Till,  all  Republicans  ; auditor  by  George  W. 
Smith  and  Ebenezer  Merry,  Republicans,  and  the  office  of  treasurer,  W.  H.  Mc- 
P'all  and  James  D.  Chamberlain,  both  Republicans. 

After  the  close  of  the  war  there  became  a desire  to  reward  with  office  those 
who  had  been  in  the  service.  To  this  end  nearly  all  of  the  local  offices  were 
filled  with  soldiers,  who  had  no  difficulty  in  obtaining  a nomination  in  the  con- 
vention, and  who  had  to  make  but  little  effort  to  secure  an  election,  as  the  Re- 
publican majority  in  the  county  reached,  on  certain  occasions,  something  like 
seven,  eight  or  nine  hundred.  But  after  a number  of  years  many  people  be- 
came tired  of  this  and  began  to  realize  the  fact  that  a person  that  had  not  a 
soldier  record  had  no  chance  for  a position.  This  drove  many  to  support  the 
candidates  of  other  parties. 

Then,  again,  after  the  Republicans  had  been  in  power,  both  in  general  and 
local  politics,  there  became  a growing  dissatisfaction  with  the  party  and  a de- 
sire for  a change.  These  things  resulted  in  a gradual  diminution  of  the  Re- 
publican vote  and  a corresponding  increase  of  the  Democratic,  until  the  parties 
were  again  nearly  equally  divided,  and  not  infrequently  would  the  minority 
party  of  the  county  elect  a candidate  to  an  important  office.  The  floating  vote, 
as  a rule,  inclines  to  a growing  party,  and  as  a result  of  this  and  other  causes, 
the  Democracy  succeeding  in  capturing,  not  only  most  of  the  fat  offices,  but  in 
a few  years  had  a decided  majority.  And  it  is  a fact  that  during  the  last  six 
or  eight  years  that  party  has  been  in  the  ascendancy  in  the  county,  although 
it  is  evident  that  the  majority  is  becoming  less  with  each  succeeding  year.  Of 
the  present  officers  of  the  county  nearly  all  are  Democrats. 

Elsewhere  in  this  chapter  reference  has  been  made  to  the  anti-slavery  prin- 
ciples, so  strongly  advocated  by  Francis  D.  Parish.  This  idea  with  him  was 
by  no  means  a desire  to  become  conspicuous  among  his  fellow  men,  but  rather 
the  result  of  deep  conviction.  The  early  history  of  his  connection  with  the  anti- 
slavery party  and  its  few  adherents  in  this  county,  became  an  important  feat- 
ure of  the  political  history  of  the  county,  insomuch  that  in  compliance  with  a 
general  request,  we  feel  constrained  to  enter  somewhat  into  the  detail  of  that 
history  ; and  from  the  further  fact  that  bat  little,  if  anything,  has  heretofore 
been  written  upon  that  subject. 

For  the  facts  following  upon  this  matter  the  writer  depends  upon  the  au- 
tobiography of  Mr.  Parish,  written  some  years  prior  to  the  time  of  his  death, 
and  never  appearing  in  print  heretofore,  although  the  case  at  law,  growing  out 


Political  History. 


275 


of  Mr.  Parish’s  efforts  at  securing  the  liberation  of  fugitive  slaves,  has  been  ful- 
ly stated  in  the  United  States  law  reports.  There  were  but  two  suits  brought 
to  recover  the  value  of  escaping  slaves,  which  arose  from  transactions  in  this 
county.  One  of  these  was  brought  against  Mr.  Parish  and  the  other  against 
Hon.  Rush  R.  Sloane,  and  these  it  is  proposed  particularly  to  notice.  From 
the  Parish  autobiography  the  following  is  taken. 

“The  question  arose  as  to  the  relative  merits  and  the  tendency  of  the  col- 
onization and  the  anti-slavery  societies,  the  latter  of  which  was  being  organized 
in  different  localities  in  the  free  States.  I had  hitherto  supported  the  coloniz- 
ation society,  upon  the  assumed  ground  that  it  would  lead  ultimately  to  the 
abolition  of  slavery.  But  the  discussion  worked  an  entire  revolution  in  my 
mind.  I became  thoroughly  convinced  that  the  tendency  of  the  colonization 
scheme  was  only  to  add  value  to  slave  property  by  the  removal  of  free  labor- 
ers to  foreign  lands,  and  thereby  strengthen  and  perpetuate  the  slave  system 
in  the  United  States.  Consequently  I changed  to  an  open  and  zealous  hostil- 
ity to  that  society,  and  became  an  advocate  of  the  anti-slavery  society. 

“ As  the  agitation  of  the  question  became  general,  violent  opposition  de- 
veloped itself  in  all  quarters.  The  abolitiontists  were  not  only  opposed,  but 
persecuted  with  great  violence,  both  in  church  and  state.  The  press,  religious 
as  well  as  secular,  and  literary  institutions  of  the  countr}q  were  so  entangled 
and  involved  in  the  interests  of  the  slave  power  of  the  land,  that  they  at  once 
combined  in  a general  onslaught  upon  all  abolitionists.  All  heartily  joined  in 
a common  effort  to  overwhelm  them,  and  if  possible,  to  silence  and  suppress 
all  discussion  of  the  subject  in  compliance  with  the  arrogant  demands  of  the 
slave  holders.  Men  of  the  highest  respectability  in  the  country  were  repeatedly 
subjected  to  mob  violence,  stimulated  and  encouraged  by  men  of  property  and 
standing  in  the  cities  and  in  the  country  generally. 

“ Elisha  Parish  Lovejoy,  publisher  and  editor  of  a religious  paper,  moder- 
ately advocating  anti-slavery  principles,  first  in  St.  Louis,  then  in  Alton,  111., 
was  driven  from  place  to  place  and  finally  murdered,  and  his  press  destroyed 
at  the  latter  place.  Not  the  least  notice  in  law  was  taken  of  the  outrage. 

“ William  Lloyd  Garrison,  publisher  and  editor  of  the  Liberator,  was  at  one 
time  dragged  through  the  streets  of  Boston  with  a rope  around  his  neck  or 
body,  by  a furious  mob  composed  ( as  was  announced  in  the  papers)  of  ‘ men 
of  property  and  standing  ’ of  that  city.  Examples  might  be  multiplied  of  sim- 
ilar mobs  in  other  cities  and  towns. 

“The  press  of  the  Philanthropist,  early  published  in  Cincinnati,  O.,  was 
three  times  destroyed,  to  replace  which  I had  the  pleasure  to  as  often  contrib- 
ute. For  some  time  I stood  alone  in  Sandusky  as  a known  abolitionist,  and 
for  a time  my  person  and  residence  were  exposed  to  and  threatened  with  mob 
violence. 

“ Abolitionists  and  some  others  helped  along  fugitive  slaves  in  their  flight 


2/6 


History  of  Erie  County. 


through  the  free  States  to  Canada,  where  alone  they  could  find  peace  and  safety. 
On  reaching  the  southern  borders  of  the  free  States,  by  the  aid  of  the  north  star, 
they  found  some  one  ready  to  point  out  the  right  way,  and  some  often  con- 
veyed in  wagons  and  carriages  from  place  to  place,  till  they  reached  the  waters 
of  Lake  Erie  or  the  rivers.  Sandusky  was  the  general  point  of  shipment  of 
such  articles  for  Canada.  Here  I was  in  readiness  to  see  them  safely  on  board 
a reliable  craft.  Hence  I was  often  designated  as  the  ‘ keeper  of  the  depot 
or  warehouse  of  the  Underground  Railroad.’  I have  helped  along  hundreds 
and  perhaps  thousands.  Often  the  fugitive  was  hotly  pursued,  and  there  were 
those  in  and  about  Sandusky  eager  to  seize  him  at  the  beck  of  the  hounds  in 
pursuit.  Haste  and  skill  were  therefore  required  to  insure  the  deliverance  of 
the  panting  victims.  It  was  known  to  the  general  public  that  it  was  my  busi- 
ness and  practice  to  send  forward,  by  water  or  otherwise,  all  such  as  were  for- 
tunate enough  to  reach  Sandusky  ; yet  I was  never  molested  but  once.  In 
that  case  I was  sued  in  the  Circuit  Court  of  the  United  States  for  the  district 
of  Ohio,  under  the  fugitive  slave  law  of  Congress,  of  1793,  and  was  finally 
mulcted  in  the  sum  of  $i,ooo  and  costs,  which  were  taxed  at  $500.” 

The  Driscoll  Case. — “ In  the  fall  of  1844  there  came  to  my  house  a fugitive 
slave  woman  with  six  children.  The  oldest  was  a son  of  seventeen  or  eighteen, 
and  the  youngest,  also  a son,  about  six  years  old  ; one  daughter,  about  fifteen, 
and  three  other  sons,  aged  respectively,  about  sixteen,  fourteen,  and  twelve. 
As  they  arrived  the  steamboat  for  Detroit  had  just  left  the  dock.  It  proved  to 
be  the  last  trip  as  the  bay  was  that  night  frozen  over.  It  thus  appeared  proba- 
ble that  they  must  pass  the  winter  in  Sandusky.  The  two  older  boys,  how- 
ever, soon  made  their  way  to  Canada  by  land  and  ice.  I gave  the  mother  and 
youngest  boy  a place  in  my  family,  the  mother  doing  work  at  $i  per  week  and 
board  of  self  and  little  boy.  Places  were  found  for  the  girl  and  other  two  boys 
to  work  for  their  board.  These  boys  were  sent  on  errands  through  the  streets, 
and  one  of  them  was  often  sent  for  water  to  a pump  in  the  street  near  the 
Townsend  House.  It  so  happened  that  a Kentucky  traveler,  stopping  at  th.^t 
hotel,  saw  and  recognized  this  boy,  and  so  informed  the  man  who  claimed  to 
be  the  owner,  Peter  Driscoll,  of  Mason  county,  Ky.  The  other  boy,  who  was 
called  ‘ Doc,’  was  with  a family  near  my  own  residence  (No.  5 Washington 
Row) . 

“ On  one  of  the  last  days  of  February,  1845,  the  woman  of  this  family  came 
hastily  into  my  kitchen,  exclaiming,  ‘ Mr.  Parish,  what  does  this  mean  ? Two 
men  came  into  our  wood-house,  where  he  was  sawing  wood,  seized  Doc,  and 
carried  him  off,  he  screaming  for  his  life.’  T 

“ Understanding  at  once  what  was  up,  I passed  hastily  to  my  front  door, 
on  opening  which  I saw  two  men  walking  rapidly  past  my  front  gate  and  turn 
the  corner  of  my  lot,  apparently  to  go  to  my  wood-house,  which  was  con- 
nected with  the  kitchen.  On  turning  the  corner  they  saw  me  upon  the  plat- 


Political  History. 


277 


form  of  my  steps,  and  one  of  them  exclaimed,  ‘ Oh,  here  is  Mr.  Parish  !’  And 
both  turned  and  walked  back  to  my  front  gate.  Mitchell  (as  I afterward 
learned)  asked  me  if  there  was  a colored  woman  at  my  house,  called  Jane  Gar- 
rison. My  prompt  reply  was,  ‘There  is,  sir.’  He  then  said  he  was  the  agent 
■of  the  owner  of  the  woman  and  the  family,  and  was  authorized  to  take  and 
return  them  to  their  master.  ‘ Very  well,’  says  I,  ‘ if  you  have  a right  to  take 
her,  and  pursue  the  legal  course,  I shall  not  resist,  but  you  must  pursue  the 
course  pointed  out  by  law  in  such  cases,  and  if  you  prove  your  right,  very  well. 
I shall,  however,  see  that  she  has  a fair  trial.’  ‘ Well,’  says  he,  ‘I  also  am  a law 
abiding  man,  and  ask  nothing  but  what  the  law  gives  me.’  He  asked  to  see 
the  woman,  and  I told  him  I had  no  objection,  if  the  woman  was  willing  to  see 
him.  I stepped  into  the  house  and  asked  Jane  if  she  was  willing  to  see  the 
men.  She  said  not,  but  on  my  advising  her  to  do  so,  she  went  with  me  to  the 
front  door,  and  stood  on  the  platform,  while  the  men  were  outside  the  gate, 
ten  feet  from  her.  Mitchell  spoke  to  her,  calling  her  by  name,  but  I do  not 
remember  that  she  made  any  reply,  Mitchell  asked  the  little  boy,  who  stood 
by  his  mother,  to  come  and  shake  hands  with  him,  and  I said,  ‘ it  is  not  nec- 
essary.’ Mitchell  then  urged  me  to  have  the  woman  taken  before  a justice  of 
the  peace  at  Castalia.  I objected,  saying  that  there  were  competent  officers  in 
the  city,  after  which  they  went  away,  not  having  been  inside  the  gate.  I tlien 
took  out  a writ  of  habeas  corpus,  to  take  the  boys  whom  they  held  in  confine- 
ment in  their  room  at  the  hotel,  and  at  the  same  time  lodged  a complaint 
against  Mitchell  and  the  other  man  for  assault  and  battery  upon  the  boys. 
The  proceedings  were  before  the  late  Judge  Farwell,  who,  after  hearing  the 
whole  evidence  on  both  sides,  discharged  the  boys,  and  they  departed.  Mit- 
chell and  his  companion  were  bound  over  to  court  to  answer  the  charge  of 
assault  and  battery. 

“In  August,  1845,  I was  served  with  two  writs  of  summons  from  the 
United  States  Circuit  Court  of  this  State,  at  the  suit  of  Peter  Driscoll,  in  one 
case  demanding  the  penalty,  and  in  the  other  claiming  the  value  of  the  slaves, 
under  the  law  of  Congress  of  1793,  for  the  alleged  rescue  of  the  slaves  from 
their  owner.  The  suits  were  instituted  by  Henry  Stansbury,  then  of  Colum- 
bus, but  later  of  Covington,  Ky.,  the  same  man  who  was  attorney- general 
under  Andrew  Johnson.  Salmon  P.  Chase,  of  Cincinnati,  and  John  W.  An- 
drews, of  Columbus,  were  my  attorneys,  voluntary,  that  is,  they  made  no 
charge  for  their  services.  The  issue  was  duly  made  up,  and  I attended  court 
from  year  to  year,  generally  with  several  witnesses  from  Sandusky,  until  the 
final  trial  in  1849.  The  cases  were  twice  tried;  once  the  jury  could  not  agree, 
and  once  a verdict  against  me  was  set  aside  and  a new  trial  granted.  At  the 
term  of  1848,  at  the  solicitation  of  kind  friends  of  the  Ohio  bar,  the  Hon. 
Thomas  Ewing  volunteered  in  the  defense.  In  the  fall  of  1849  Ewing 
was  called  to  the  cabinet  of  President  Taylor,  and  could  not  be  present  at  the 
36 


I 


278 


History  of  Erie  County. 


term  of  that  year  ; but  at  the  like  solicitation,  the  Hon.  Thomas  Corwin  vol- 
unteered assistance  in  the  defense.” 

Upon  the  third  and  final  trial  of  the  case,  the  details  of  which  are  deemed 
unimportant  here,  Mr.  Parish  was  mulcted  in  damages  to  the  extent  of  $2,000, 
besides  costs,  amounting  to  several  hundred  dollars  more.  But  the  judgment 
for  damages  was  reduced  to  $1,000,  and  the  costs  were  likewise  reduced  to 
$250.  By  the  generous  assistance  of  personal  friends,  and  friends  of  the  cause 
to  which  Mr.  Parish  was  so  earnestly  devoted,  the  whole  amount  of  judgment 
and  costs,  amounting  to  $1,250  was  paid. 

This  was  the  first  case  of  this  character  brought  against  a citizen  of  San- 
dusky, upon  a cause  of  action  arising  in  Erie  county,  and  becomes  important 
from  its  very  nature,  and  will  prove  doubly  interesting  to  the  thousands  of 
friends  that  hold  the  victim  of  the  prosecution  in  such  kindly  remembrance. 
The  names  of  the  slaves,  the  value  of  whom  was  sued  for,  were  Jane  Garrison  j 
and  Harrison  Garrison. 

The  case  has  but  one  fellow,  that  is,  an  action  brought  against  a resident  !' 

of  Sandusky,  and  this  was  the  case  of  Lewis  F.  Weimer  against  Rush  R,  s 

Sloane,  then  a young  and  active  practicing  attorney  of  the  city.  But  this  dif- 
fers in  some  respects  from  that  just  quoted,  and  was  brought  under  a more  !| 

recent  act  of  Congress,  procured  to  become  a law  through  the  great  power  of  j 

southern  chivalry,  and  by  which  the  value  of  a slave  was  fixed  at  $1,000,  re-  ' 

gardless  of  physical  condition,  age,  or  actual  value.  The  names  of  the  slaves.  | 
that  were  aided  in  their  escape  were  George  Bracken,  Emily  Bracken,  Ellen 
Bracken,  Robert  Pritt,  Matilda  Pritt,  Eliza  Pritt,  and  Thomas  Pritt.  The  action 
of  Weimer  against  Sloane  was  brought  to  recover  the  value  of  three  of  these^ 
and,  for  the  events  at  the  time  that  led  to  the  suit  we  have  recourse  to  the 
testimony  of  Major  Foster  M.  Follett,  one  of  the  witnesses  for  the  defendant, 
although  the  evidence  offered  by  the  plaintiff  was  somewhat  different. 

“Mr.  Follett,  sworn:  ‘ Was  mayor  of  Sandusky  city  October  20,  1852; 
heard  a noise  in  the  street;  the  crowd  came  into  the  office;  was  writing  at  the 
time  ; knew  there  were  slaves  there  ; negroes  were  seated  in  the  room  ; paid 
no  attention  but  kept  on  writing,  with  back  to  negroes  ; after  some  time.  Rice 
(Oliver  Rice  the  marshal  at  the  time)  came  in  and  laid  the  papers  on  my  desk; 
did  not  look  at  the  papers.  Mr.  Bill  asked  what  I was  going  to  do.  I replied 
that  I had  no  jurisdiction;  think  he  did  not  speak  to  Patton  (the  slave  catcher), 
or  Patton  to  him  ; after  some  time  Rice  came  to  my  desk  and  I handed  the 
papers  to  him,  but  Rice  asked  if  I had  examined  them,  and  I said  I had  not, 
after  which  I went  towards  the  door. 

“‘The  defendant  (Sloane)  then  came  in,  turned  around  and  said,  “ By  what 
authority  are  these  persons  held  in  custody?  Are  there  any  papers  to  show- 
why  they  are  held  here?”  Think  Patton  said  Rice  had  the  papers.  Defend- 
ant then  said,  “ Colored  citizens,  I see  no  authority  for  detaining  your  colored 


Political  History. 


279 


friends.”  The  negroes  and  crowd  then  went  out,  after  which  Patton  said  to 
Sloane,  “Here’s  the  papers  ; those  slaves  are  mine  and  I will  hold  you  respon- 
sible.” There  was  not  much  noise  or  excitement.’” 

These  slaves  had  arrived  in  Sandusky  on  the  evening  of  October  20,  1852, 
the  day  on  which  these  events  occurred,  and  were  immediately  taken  on  board 
the  steamboat  Arrow,  that  lay  at  the  w'harf.  The  slave-catcher,  Patton,  saw 
them  on  the  boat  and  at  once  called  upon  Oliver  Rice  and  others  to  arrest  and 
take  them  into  custody,  which  was  done.  They  were  then  taken  before  Mayor 
Follett  that  the  ownership  might  be  proved;  and  it  was  during  the  early  part 
of  the  proceedings  in  the  mayor’s  office  that  some  colored  men  had  gone  for 
Mr.  Sloane  to  engage  him  to  appear  in  their  defense. 

To  a person  unacquainted  with  the  arbitrary  laws  then  in  force  regarding 
fugitive  slaves,  it  would  seem  that  the  part  taken  by  Mr.  Sloane  after  his  ar- 
rival, formed  a very  flimsy  foundation  upon  which  to  base  an  action.  But  the 
reader  mu.st  bear  in  mind  that  that  law  was  enacted  by  Congress  at  a time  when 
the  Southern  people  held  absolute  sway  in  the  legislative  halls  of  Congress,  and 
by  their  controlling  strength  could  and  did  pass  measures  wholly  in  their  favor, 
however  tyrannical  and  oppressive  they  may  have  been  to  others. 

The  section  of  the  act  under  which  the  slaves  were  detained  provided, 
“That  where  a person  held  to  service  or  labor  in  any  State  or  Territory  of  the 
United  States,  has  heretofore,  or  shall  hereafter  escape  into  another  State  or 
Territory  of  the  United  States,  the  person  or  persons  to  whom  such  service  or 
labor  may  be  due,  or  his,  her,  or  their  agent  or  attorney,  duly  authorized  by 
power  ©f  attorney  in  writing,  acknowledged  and  certified  under  the  seal  of  some 
legal  officer  or  court,  of  the  State  or  Territory  in  which  the  same  may  be  exe- 
cuted, may  pursue  and  reclaim  such  fugitive  person,  either  by  procuring  a war- 
rant from  some  one  of  the  courts,  judges  or  commissioners  aforesaid,  of  the 
proper  circuit,  district  or  county,  for  the  apprehension  of  such  fugitive ; or  by 
seizing  and  arresting  such  fugitive,  where  the  same  can  be  done  without  pro- 
cess ; and  by  taking  or  causing  such  person  to  be  taken  before  such  court, 
judge,  or  commissioners,”  etc. 

It  was  by  the  authority  of  this  act  that  these  slaves  were  detained,  and  it 
was  on  account  of  the  part  taken  by  Mr.  Sloane  in  the  proceedings  before 
Mayor  Follett  that  he  was  summoned  to  answer  in  damages  in  the  United 
States  court.  The  trial  resulted  in  a verdict  against  the  defendant  in  the 
amount  of  three  thousand  dollars,  one  thousand  dollars  for  each  slave  claimed 
to  be  owned  by  Weimer.  This  judgment  and  costs  Mr.  Sloane  paid  in  full. 

Another  suit  growing  out  of  the  same  transaction  was  brought  against  him 
by  Charles  M.  Gibbons,  but  through  a defect  in  the  paper  the  action  was  dis- 
missed.* 


28o 


History  of  Erie  County. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

HISTORY  OF  THE  CITY  OF  SANDUSKY.*  THE  SEAT  OF  JUSTICE  OF  ERIE 

COUNTY. 

''T^O  attempt  the  production  of  an  original  chronological  history  of  the  City  S 
]_  of  Sandusky  would  be  out  of  the  question.  Various  historians,  both  local 
and  non-resident,  to  the  number  of  nearly  a score,  have  made  an  effort  in  this 
direction,  and,  in  some  few  instances,  with  a fair  measure  of  success;  so  that  j 
for  a writer  upon  the  ground  to-day,  there  seems  but  very  little  opportunity  for 
enlargement  upon  things  and  events  of  the  last  quarter  of  a century,  and  no  |j 
room  whatever  for  any  additional  revelations  regarding  the  happenings  of  an 
earlier  period.  At  best  the  modern  writer  can  but  revise,  classify,  and  per- 
haps paraphrase  that  which  has  already  been  made  patent  through  the  labors 
of  early  historians.  And,  peradventure,  there  may  be  revealed  some  events 
that  have  been  heretofore  overlooked  or  considered  unworthy  a place  in  history,  [j 
and  thus  it  may  be  possible  that  a satisfactory  record  be  made  that  shall  be  of  ! 
some  substantial  use  and  benefit  to  the  present  and  future  generations  of  this 
county.  ! 

The  writer  of  modern  times  finds  the  most  satisfaction  in  the  fact  of  being 

able  to  give  to  the  public  something  before  unknown,  or  to  settle  conflicting 

opinions,  or  to  give  a new  and  satisfactory  version  of  misunderstood  things.  Yet 
in  the  present  case  there  seems  no  avenue  of  escape  by  these  subterfuges,  and 
we  must  loo,k  the  facts  squarely  in  the  face,  scan,  and  if  possible,  criticise  past  jj 
works,  still  depend  upon  them  for  truth,  then  sift  and  separate  the  good  history 
from  the  bad,  and  present  the  former  to  the  reader,  clearly  and  in  the  most  in-  i 

telligent  manner  possible,  and  finally,  ask  the  most  kindly  indulgence  and  for-  I 

bearance  of  the  reader  for  not  having  been  able  to  provide  new,  startling  and 
wonderful  historic  revelations.  So  much  by  way  of  explanation — not  apology.  || 

It  has  not  been  deemed  advisable  for  the  purposes  of  this  chapter  to  restate 
or  re- narrate  the  events  of  the  Indian  occupation  of  the  lands  now  comprised  i 
by  the  corporate  limits  of  this  city,  but  to  commence  this  subject  at  a time 
within  the  memory  of  man,  referring  the  reader  to  the  earlier  chapters  of  this 
volume  for  such  knowledge  as  may  be  sought  concerning  the  savages  whose  i 
different  tribes  held  jointly  and  in  severalty  the  country  which  we  now  occupy. 

*The  point,  Sandusky,  first  became  so  named  from  the  beautiful  bay  on  the  shore  of  which 
it  is  situate.  The  bay  was  known  to  the  Indians  as  a lake  — a small  lake  of  cold  water,  and  ' 
from  that  the  name  “ Lac  Sandouske  ” was  applied.  This  name,  however,  partakes  largely  of 
the  French  accent,  and  is  believed  to  be  of  French  origin  The  Jesuits  carried  on  their  labors  | 
through  this  region  generally,  but  of  them  we  have  no  reliable,  ancient  record  ; and  it  is  quite  | 
probable  that  the  Indians  adopted,  as  nearly  as  possible,  the  name  the  French  had  given.  The 
name  was  first  mentioned,  so  far  as  we  have  knowledge,  in  1708,  at  which  time  the  'Iroquois 
Indians  destroyed  a village  of  the  Eries  on  “Conti  Lake.”  j 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


28r 


The  territory  now  included  within  the  city  limits  of  Sandusky  formed  a 
very  small  portion  of  the  historic  “ firelands,”  which  was  donated  to  the  inhab- 
itants of  certain  towns  of  Connecticut  to  compensate  them  for  losses  sustained 
at  the  hands  of  the  British  soldiers  during  the  Revolution  ; and  that  donation 
was  made  before  the  Indian  claims  to  the  land  had  been  extinguished.  No  at- 
tempt at  permanent  white  settlement  could,  of  course,  be  made  until  that  title 
was  acquired.  And  it  is  a fact  that  the  survey  and  partition  were  not  per- 
formed until  after  the  treaty  by  which  the  occupants  relinquished  their  claim 
of  title. 

After  these  preliminaries  had  been  satisfactorily  settled,  the  whites  came  to 
the  region  and  found  on  the  site  of  the  city  a “lone”  cabin,  presided  over  and 
occupied  by  an  Indian  named  “Ogontz,”  and  from  this  occupant  the  town,  if 
such  it  might  be  called,  received  its  first  name. 

OGONTZ  PLACE. 

From  all  authority  it  appears  that  this  chieftain  was  the  acknowledged  ruler 
of  the  town,  and  the  Indians  who  then  occupied  the  locality.  The  cabin  of 
Ogontz  was  situate  at  a point  some  ten  or  fifteen  rods  from  the  bay  shore,  be- 
tween what  are  now  known  as  Columbus  avenue  and  Wayne  street,  about  in 
rear  of  the  building  standing  between  the  Moss  National  and  the  Second  Na- 
tional Banks. 

Authorities  differ,  however,  on  the  subject  of  the  location  of  the  chief’s 
cabin,  but  from  the  best  information  obtainable,  it  is  thought  the  spot  indicated 
is  about  correct. 

Ogontz,  like  all  rulers  of  high  degree,  had  a history  ; and  inasmuch  as  he 
was  in  a manner  identified  with  the  past  of  this  city,  it  will  not  be  considered 
too  much  out  of  place  to  make  some  mention  of  his  life  and  tragic  death,  as 
the  same  was  sketched  by  one  of  the  pioneers  of  i8io,  and  now  a resident  of 
Perkins  township,  from  which  sketch  we  copy  almost  literally : 

Ogontz. — “ His  life  and  somewhat  romantic  death  have  been  written  with 
varying  testimony.  He  was  captured  near  the  head  of  Lake  Huron,  about  the 
middle  of  the  last  century,  by  some  Jesuit  missionaries,  and  taken  to  Quebec 
when  he  was  but  a small  lad.  He  was  sent  to  a missionary  school,  was  bap- 
tized in  the  name  of  Ogontz,  and  was  taught  the  English  and  French  lan- 
guages. He  graduated  with  the  highest  honors,  and  was  sent  back  as  a mis- 
sionary to  his  own  people.  During  the  latter  part  of  the  eighteenth  century 
he  came  to  Sandusky  and  settled  with  the  Ottawa  Indians,  on  the  southern 
shore  of  the  bay,  then  a beautiful  plain,  dotted  over  with  Indian  wigwams, 
burr  oaks,  and  clusters  of  hawthorns. 

“ In  the  year  1805,  John  Fleming  came  from  Canada,  and  settled  on  the  east 
bank  of  the  Huron  River,  three  miles  from  the  lake,  where  he  established  a 
small  trading  post,  exchanging  ammunition  and  other  commodities  for  furs. 


282 


1 IiSTORY  OF  Erie  County. 


Ogontz  and  Fleming  soon  became  acquainted  and  their  friendship  continued 
until  the  death  of  the  former. 

“ In  the  summer  of  1808,  a number  of  Indians,  with  their  chief  and  Ogontz, 
assembled  at  Fleming’s  for  a yearly  sacrifice.  The  chief,  with  the  others,  be- 
came intoxicated  and  quarrelsome.  The  chief  had  been  jealous  of  Ogontz  for 
some  time,  on  account  of  his  steady  and  sober  habits  and  the  popularity  he 
had  gained  among  other  Indians;  and  fearing  he  might  be  chosen  their  chief 
over  him,  soon  got  into  a quarrel  with  Ogontz.  A deadly  conflict  ensued  in 
which  Ogontz  slew  his  antagonist. 

“ The  next  day  he  was  arrested  and  tried  for  murder,  Fleming  acting  as 
judge.  He  was  honorably  acquitted,  and  the  same  day  he  was  chosen  chief 
over  the  tribe.  As  Ogontz  had  no  children  of  his  own,  he  adopted  the  only 
son  of  the  slain  chief,  who  was  but  a small  boy.  He  inherited  that  spirit  of 
revenge  that  is  generally  found  in  the  Indian  character.  As  soon  as  he  be- 
came a young  man  he  watched  his  opportunity,  and  one  day,  while  they  were 
on  a hunting  excursion,  near  Perrysburg,  he  shot  his  adopted  father,  assumed 
the  title  of  chief  and  ruled  the  tribe.  Thus  fell  the  learned  Ogontz,  one  of  the 
most  noble  sons  of  the  forest  that  ever  trod  the  soil  of  the  Sandusky  plains. 

“ Young  Ogontz’s  career  as  chief  was  short,  for  he  soon  became  a habitual 
drunkard  and  died  in  the  year  1822.” 

“ His  name,”  continues  the  same  writer,  concerning  Ogontz,  “ will  never 
be  forgotten  by  those  at  Sandusky.  His  wigwam  was  on  the  bay  shore  at  the 
foot  of  Wayne  street.  His  favorite  retreat  from  the  piercing  sun  in  midsum- 
mer day  was  in  a little  cluster  of  hawthorns  near  the  foot  of  Columbus  avenue. 
Beneath  this  shade  was  a beautiful  stone  chair  formed  by  the  hand  of  nature. 
Here  the  chief  reclined  for  hours,  smoking  his  pipe  or  watching  the  breeze- 
ruffled  waters  of  the  broad  bay  as  they  glistened  in  the  sunlight,  or  gazing  at 
the  foaming  and  dashing  waves  of  the  lake  beyond.” 

Such,  then,  was  the  location  and  situation  during  the  early  years  of  the 
present  century ; a situation  real  as  well  as  fanciful,  although  the  latter  lends 
an  additional  charm  to  the  scene. 

Ogontz’s  Place  was  the  name  by  which  this  locality  was  known  and  desig- 
nated until  the  efforts  of  Zalmon  Wildman  changed  it  to  the  less  romantic,  9 
though  more  appropriate — Portland. 

The  first  attempt  at  settlement  by  the  whites,  at  what  was  known  as 
Ogontz’s  Place,  was  made  in  the  year  1810,  by  one  John  Garrison  and  family.  ; 
He  was  a former  resident  of  New  York  State,  and  came  to  this  region  inquest^; 
of  a home.  Not  many,  however,  ventured  into  this  locality  at  that  time. 
There  were  loud  and  ominous  threatenings  of  war.  The  Indian  occupants 
were  still  friendly  to  the  British,  and  the  latter  were  continually  urging  the  sav-  y 
ages  to  deeds  of  violence  against  all  colonists.  The  storm-cloud  of  war  at 
length  broke,  and  until  after  the  year  1815  had  passed,  settlement  was  danger- 


ous. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


283 


John  Garrison  came  to  Ogontz’s  Place,  as  has  been  stated,  to  make  a home. 
He  brought  a stock  of  goods  to  exchange  for  furs,  and  to  supply  the  whites 
that  then  chanced  to  live  in  the  country.  He  was  the  intended  victim  of  a 
murderous  Indian  named  Semo,  but  the  designs  of  the  latter  were  frustrated 
by  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  causing  Garrison  to  return  to  New  York  State. 
The  Indian,  however,  with  an  accomplice,  murdered  Michael  Gibbs,  a trapper, 
living  on  Pipe  Creek.  This  occurred  while  a party  of  rangers  were  at  Huron, 
for  defensive  purposes,  and  when  the  news  reached  them  Semo  was  tracked 
and  captured  and  subsequently  hanged.  His  companion  in  crime  was  an  In- 
dian named  Omeek,  and  he  being  afterward  taken,  killed  himself 

Few  of  the  Connecticut  sufferers  occupied  the  lands  donated  them.  Their 
interests  were  purchased  by  others,  who  became  known  under  the  style  of 
“ Proprietors,”  and  it  was  by  the  extensive  purchase  of  sufferers’  claims  that 
Zalmon  acquired  title  to  the  large  body  of  land  whereon  stands  a part  of  San- 
dusky. 

(Zalmon  VVildman  was  born  at  Danbury,  Conn.,  in  the  year  1774,  and  died 
December  10,  1835.  with  his  brother,  Seymour  Wildman,  were  hatters 

at  Danbury.  From  1808  until  1835,  Zalmon  Wildman  was  postmaster  at 
Danbury,  and  from  1817  to  1824  he  was  associate  judge  of  the  county  court  of 
Fairfield  county.  He  first  came  to  the  fireland  in  1810,  on  horseback.  Here 
he  had  several  thousand  acres  of  land  which  he  acquired  by  purchasing  suffer- 
ers' certificates.  Judge  Wildman  was  never  a resident  of  Ohio,  although  he 
frequently  visited  this  locality,  looking  after  his  land  interests.  In  1833  he 
subscribed  $15,000  toward  the  construction  of  the  Mad  River  Railroad,  and 
paid  it  in  full.  Upon  his  death  his  son,  Frederick  S.  Wildman,  and  his  son- 
in-law,  Nathan  Starr,  were  appointed  administrators  of  his  estate.  They  also 
subscribed  a large  tract  of  land  to  the  building  of  the  railroad,  taking  stock  or 
scrip  of  the  company  in  payment,  but  never  realized  anything  from  the  stock.) 

Mr.  Wildman  unquestionably  saw  that  this  locality  was  destined  to  become 
a city  of  some  considerable  magnitude,  and  with  this  belief  strongly  impressed 
upon  him,  in  the  year  1816  he  laid  out  and  caused  to  be  platted  the  town  of 

PORTLAND. 

Up  to  this  time  the  town  had  been,  it  is  generally  conceded,  known  as 
Ogontz’s  Place,  and  this  belief  seems  to  be  well  founded,  taking  the  declara- 
tions of  Zalmon  Wildman  as  authority. 

Mr.  Wildman  acquired  title  to  a large  body  of  land  in  this  immediate  vi- 
cinity by  the  purchase  of  sufferers’  rights.  This  surveyed  township  was  but  a 
fraction  of  a whole  township  lying  north  of  Perkins,  or  rather,  north  of  town 
number  six  in  range  twenty-three,  and  between  town  six  and  the  bay. 

It  has  been  generally  understood  that  Mr.  Wildman,  in  the  year  1816,  laid 
out  and  platted  his  lands  here,  or  at  least  a part  of  them,  and  gave  to  the  place 


284 


History  of  PIrie  County. 


the  name  of  “ Portland.”  This  may  be  true,  and  the  belief  is  in  a measure 
verified  by  referring  to  the  map  itself  (on  record),  which  is  drawn  under  the 
title  of  Portland.  The  signification  of  this  name  becomes  clear  by  simply  di- 
viding the  syllables  thus,  ‘‘  Port-land;”  the  first.  Port,  meaning  a harbor,  and 
by  adding  the  suffix  land,  we  have  the  meaning;  land  upon  a harbor,  or, 
more  clearly,  land  located  upon  a harbor,  or  adjoining  a harbor. 

Portland,  as  a town,  had  a very  brief  existence,  in  fact,  even  if  it  had  any. 
One  thing  is  sure,  and  that  is,  that  the  town  was  knoivn  as  Portland  for  some 
time,  but  whether  such  was  its  name  as  a truth,  and  whether  that  name  was 
given  it  by  Mr.  Wildman,  or  those  acting  for  him  and  under  his  direction,  is  a 
question  susceptible  of  argument.  Custom,  prevailing  opinion  and  tradition, 
all  say  that  it  was  named  Portland,  and  so  named  honestly.  This  we  shall  not 
contradict,  nor  shall  we  make  an  attempt  to  disprove  it,  but  if  we  take  the 
county  records  as  a standard  authority  (and  in  preparing  this  work  great  de- 
pendence is  placed  on  the  records),  it  will  be  found  that  the  name  of  “ San- 
dusky City”  was  given  the  place  by  Zalmon  Wildman,  on  the  17th  day  of 
August,  1816,  by  his  dedication,  which  was  follows: 

‘‘The  within  town  plat  is  situated  on  the  south  shore  of  Sandusky  Bay,  on 
the  ground  formerly  known  by  the  name  of  Ogontz  Place.” 

“ A store  is  now  erected  on  the  southwesterly  side  of  lot  number  six,  on 
the  easterl}^  side  of  Main  street.” 

“ The  foregoing  town  plat,  by  the  name  of  ‘ Sandusky  City,’  I allow  shall 
be  subject  to  and  governed  by  the  same  laws  that  other  town  plats  are  in  this 
State.  . Zalmon  Wildman.  [Seal.] 

“ Huron,  August  17,  1816. 

“ Signed,  sealed  and  acknowledged  before  Jabez  Wright,  associate  judge.” 

From  this  instrument  it  seems  clear  that,  at  the  above  date,  Zalmon  Wild- 
man laid  out  the  town  of  Sandusky  City.  The  article  also  states  that  the 
same  is  situated  on  the  ‘‘  ground  formerly  known  by  the  name  of  Ogontz 
Place.” 

Well,  Portland  or  Sandusky  City,  which  ever  it  may  have  been,  comprised 
four  separate  blocks  of  land,  two  large  and  two  small,  and  contained  in  all 
sixty  lots.  The  streets  were ; Commerce  on  the  east.  State  (in  the  dedication 
called  Main)  in  the  center,  and  Mechanic  on  the  west.  These  run  north  and 
south.  Water  street  had  an  east  and  west  direction  and  separated  the  small 
blocks  from  the  larger.  State  street  separated  the  larger  blocks,  and  also  the 
smaller. 

There  was  but  one  store  at  that  time  on  the  tract,  situated  at  the  corner  of 
State  (or  Main)  and  Water  streets. 

There  seems  to  have  been  at  this  time,  or  very  soon  afterward,  a claim  in- 
terposed to  the  effect  that  Zalmon  Wildman  was  not  the  rightful  owner  of  this 
whole  tract.  And  just  here  it  may  be  stated,  parenthetically  perhaps,  that 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


285 


conflicting  claims  of  title  to  the  lands  of  Sandusky  City  was  the  greatest  ob- 
struction or  obstacle  in  the  way  of  its  early  growth  ; an  obstacle  that  was  not 
finally  removed  until  after  the  year  1840;  and  by  that  time  her  sister  cities, 
Cleveland  on  the  east,  and  Toledo  on  the  west,  had  a decided  advantage  over 
her  in  point  of  early  and  substantial  settlement  and  internal  improvement. 
This  was  one,  and  but  one,  of  the  many  causes  that  seriously  retarded  San- 
dusky’s growth  at  a time  when  enterprise  and  harmonious  action  were  most 
needed  for  her  future  welfare.  But  to  return.  In  explanation  of  this  conflict 
of  claims  to  title  is,  may  be  remarked,  that  Mr.  Wildman  and  Isaac  Mills,  the 
latter  interposing  the  claim,  made  an  amicable  adjustment  of  their  existing 
difficulties,  which,  in  the  year  1818,  resulted  in  the  platting  and  laying  out  of 
the  more  extensive  tract  of  land  whereon,  in  part,  now  stands  the  city  of  San- 
dusky. And  here  another  actor  appears  upon  the  scene,  in  the  person  of 
George  Hoadley,  the  ancestor  of  the  late  Governer  of  the  State  of  Ohio.  As 
to  how  he  acquired  an  interest  in  these  lands  the  record  does  not  show,  but  it 
was  unquestionably  a lawful  and  valid  title,  else  it  had  not  been  made.  The 
dedication  made  by  these  three  men  appears  upon  the  records  as  follows  : 

“The  city  of  Sandusky  is  situated  on  the  south  shore  of  Sandusky  Bay, 
about  three  miles  from  the  entrance  into  said  bay,  on  the  portion  lying  between 
town  number  six  in  the  twenty-third  range  and  the  said  bay. 

“ The  above  and  within  (referring  to  the  map  accompanying  the  instru- 
ment) is  a true  and  accurate  map  or  plat  of  the  city  of  Sandusky.  The  streets 
east  and  west  are:  Water  street,  which  is  four  and  one- half  rods  in  width; 
Market  street  is  five  rods ; Washington  street  is  six  rods ; Adams  street  is  five 
rods;  Jefferson,  Madison  and  Monroe  are  four  rods;  Wayne  and  Jackson  are 
each  five  rods;  and  all  the  other  streets  running  northerly  and  southerly,  to- 
gether with  Poplar  and  Elm  streets,  are  each  four  rods  in  width.  Columbus, 
Huron  and  Miami  avenues  are  each  six  rods  wide.  The  two  open  spaces  on 
Market  street,  marked  B.B.,  are  appropriated  as  and  for  public  market  grounds, 
and  forever  to  remain  for  that  purpose  and  for  no  other. 

“Washington  Square  is  hereby  appropriated  as  and  for  a Public  Ground, 
Parade  and  Walk,  and  is  never  to  be  obstructed,  except  that  part  of  it  included 
in  lines  marked  A.  A.,  which  is  hereby  appropriated  for  public  building  for  re- 
ligious, literary.  State,  county  and  city  purposes,  but  no  jail  or  State’s  prison 
is  ever  to  be  erected  thereon. 

“The  Columbus,  Miami  and  Huron  Parks  are  also  hereby  appropriated  as 
and  for  public  areas  as  walks  ; as  are  also  the  three  small  areas  or  triangles  on 
the  Miami  and  Huron  avenues,  which  are  never  to  be  obstructed  in  any  way 
whatever. 

“The  city  and  outlets  which  are  for  sale  are  all  numbered  by  progressive 
numbers,  according  to  the  within  map  or  plat,  and  each  lot,  except  the  water 
lots  and  the  lots  on  the  Huron  and  Miami  avenues,  are  five  rods  in  front,  on 
37 


286 


History  of  Erie  County. 


the  street,  and  extend  back  twelve  rods,  except  where  the  Market  place  is  and 
the  curve  of  Water  street,  together  with  Washington  Row,  do  prevent ; and 
the  water  lots  are  all  two  rods  in  front  on  Water  street,  and  extend  northerly 
into  the  bay  to  the  channel  water  thereof. 

“ The  open  and  public  slips  to  the  water  from  Water  street  are  as  follows, 
viz.:  On  the  Columbus  avenue,  ten  rods  in  width;  on  Wayne  and  Jackson 
streets,  nine  rods,  and  on  all  other  streets  eight  rods  in  width,  and  so  to  remain 
forever. 

“The  land  on  which  the  city  of  Sandusky  is  laid  is  owned  by  Zalmon 
Wildman,  three-quarter  parts  thereof,  and  by  Isaac  Mills  and  George  Hoadley, 
one-quarter  part  thereof,  undivided  and  in  common. 

“ Dated  the  5th  of  June,  1818.  Zalmon  Wildman, 

“ By  his  attorney,  Isaac  Mills, 

“ George  Hoadley, 

“ By  his  attorney,  I.  Mills, 

“ Isaac  Mills.” 

Thus  was  the  city  of  Sandusky  laid  out  and  its  streets,  areas  and  public 
places  dedicated  to  the  common  use  ; and  thus  have  they,  with  slight  altera- 
tions, remained  to  the  present  day. 

This  was  the  first  really  substantial  step  in  the  direction  of  a municipal 
organization,  although  it  was  some  six  years  after  this  that  Sandusky  aspired 
to  any  municipal  existence  independent  of  the  adjoining  country  of  which 
it  until  then  formed  a part. 

The  worthy  and  generous  proprietors  seemed,  even  at  that  early  day,  to 
be  possessed  of  the  belief  that  this  was  destined  to  become  a city  of  much  im- 
portance, and  with  this  end  in  view  made  liberal  provision  of  land  for  the  pur- 
pose of  buildings — State,  county  and  city  ; also  for  religious,  literary,  educa- 
tional and  other  uses.  How  thoroughly  this  provision  was  utilized  is  attested 
by  the  many  substantial,  and  in  some  cases  elegant  structures  that  now  adorn 
the  square.  To  be  sure  the  proprietory  control  of  the  city  in  later  years  fell 
into  the  hands  of  a few  persons  who  seemed  not  to  be  imbued  with  the  same 
spirit  of  enterprise,  the  same  progressive  disposition,  or  the  same  ardent  desire 
to  improve,  build  up  and  populate,  as  actuated  ‘Messrs.  Wildman,  Mills  and 
Hoadley,  and  that  lack  of  energy  and  thrift,  coupled  with  a desire  for  specula- 
tion and  money  getting,  lost  to  Sandusky  many  people  and  many  of  the  aux- 
iliaries of  prosperity.  That  same  spirit,  or  lack  of  public  spirit,  nearly  caused 
a change  in  the  location  of  the  county  seat,  and  were  it  not  for  the  efforts  of 
certain  individuals,  other  than  the  controlling  element  of  that  day,  that  change 
would  have  been  made.  There  was,  however,  among  the  proprietors  some 
who  were  earnest  in  the  work  for  the  welfare  of  the  town,  but  their  interests 
were  not  considered ; their  counsel  and  advice  was  not  followed  ; they  were 
a minority,  and  soon  sold  out.  But  this  state  of  affairs  did  not  exist  until 

lit 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


287 


some  twelve  or  fifteen  years  after  the  town  was  laid  out  by  the  three  proprie- 
tors above  mentioned.  They  made  the  start,  they  laid  the  foundation  for  a 
large  commercial  and  manufacturing  city,  but  the  afterwork  was  not  well 
done,  and  to-day,  in  a measure,  Sandusky  feels  the  effect  of  it.  But  it  is  not 
the  purpose  of  this  chapter  to  lament  the  misfortunes  of  the  past,  nor  to  revive 
unpleasant  recollections,  nor  to  speculate  upon  what  might  have  been,  but 
rather  to  record  the  things  that  were  and  now  are  in  being. 

SANDUSKY  SEVENTY  YEARS  AGO. 

The  old  pioneers  of  the  town  of  Sandusky  city  are  all  dead  and  gone.  There 
were  among  them  some  who  were  prominent  in  its  affairs  and  contributed  largely 
toward  its  early  building  up  and  development.  Zalmon  Wildman,  in  his  orig- 
inal plat  of  1816,  refers  to  a store  standing  on  the  southwesterly  side  of  lot 
number  six,  and  this  is  believed  to  have  been  the  building  erected  by  John 
Garrison,  the  merchant  and  Indian  trader  of  1810,  and  who  leftaboutthe  time 
the  war  of  1812-15  broke  out.  VVe  have  no  evidence  that  Garrison  again  re- 
turned to  the  place.  Title  he  had  none  and  was  but  a squatter  on  the  land. 
This  building  seems  to  have  been  the  only  one  that  stood  within  the  limits  of 
Wildman’s  first  town,  which  has  generally  been  known  as  Portland,  but  which 
he  gave  the  name  of  Sandusky  city. 

With  the  platting  made  by  Wildman,  Mills  and  Hoadley,  settlement  at  once 
commenced ; buildings  were  erected  here  and  there,  and  the  city  of  Sandusky 
appeared  to  be  entering  upon  an  “ era  of  unexampled  prosperity.” 

These  improvements,  together  with  the  names  of  their  projectors,  and  the 
dates  of  their  coming,  may  with  propriety  be  classed  under  the  general  head- 
ing of  The  First  of  Everything  Pertaining  to  the  Town.  For  a great  part  of 
the  information  relating  to  the  pioneer  efforts  in  the  direction  of  early  settle- 
ment and  improvement,  the  writer  is  indebted  to  a directory  published  by  I.  F. 
Macks,  esq.,  of  the  Register,  and  compiled  by  G.  G.  Nichols,  in  the  year  1873. 
Zalmon  Wildman  is  said  to  have  built  the  first  frame  structure  in  the  town  in 
the  year  1817.  It  was  located  on  Water  street,  on  the  ground  now  in  part  oc- 
cupied by  Reber’s  block.  It  was  occupied,  for  a time,  by  Moors  Farwell,  for 
mercantile  purposes,  but  the  first  mayor  soon  discontinued  business  on  account 
of  great  competition  in  trade,  but  Mr.  Farwell  afterward  became  a somewhat 
central  figure  in  the  “ village  ” affairs  of  the  place,  and  was  by  no  means  con- 
signed to  permanent  retirement  as  the  later  pages  of  this  chapter  will  show. 

To  W.  B.  Smith  is  due  the  credit  of  having  erected  the  first  frame  dwell- 
ing in  the  town,  in  the  year  1817,  but  his  first  visit  to  the  locality  was  made 
prior  to  the  war  of  1812.  This  building  stood  at  the  corner  of  Water  and 
Wayne  streets,  on  the  site  afterward  occupied  by  Scott’s  American  Hotel.  The 
second  dwelling  house  stood  near  that  just  mentioned,  and  was  built  during 
the  same  year  by  Cyrus  W.  Marsh.  And  it  was  here  a few  years  later  that  the 


288 


History  of  Erie  County. 


owner  built  a front  portion  to  the  house  and  opened  the  first  hotel  in  the  town, 
known  as  “ Marsh’s  Steamboat  Hotel.”  This  building,  with  its  subsequent 
modifications,  repairs  and  improvements,  made  to  keep  step  with  the  general 
progress  of  the  place,  is  still  standing,  although  its  original  name  has  been 
changed  several  times  as  well  as  its  management.  It  has  been  known  as  “ Port- 
er’s Verandah  Hotel,”  “Raymond’s  Hotel,”  and  lastly  as  “ Scott’s  American  ” 
and  the  “ New  Lake  House  ” which  latter  name  it  bears  to-day. 

Mr.  Marsh  was  quite  a prominent  personage  in  early  times,  and  conducted 
a lively  coach  line  as  well  as  the  hotel.  He  was  a Connecticut  Yankee  and 
came  to  this  place  in  1817.  He  lived  here  about  fifteen  years  and  then  sold 
out  and  moved  to  Canada,  but  later  went  to  Michigan. 

The  second  hotel  in  town  was  presided  over  by  Colonel  Root  and  was 
known  as  the  “ Portland  House,”  taking  its  name  from  that  by  which  the  town 
had  been  called.  This  was  also  on  Water  street,  on  the  ground  on  which  was 
afterward  built  Keech’s  Block.  The  old  Portland  House  also  passed  through 
other  hands  and  was  finally  put  to  use  as  a publishing  and  book  establishment. 
Then  it  was  burned  down.  W.  B.  Smith  seems  to  have  been  a somewhat  en- 
terprising man.  In  addition  to  his  frame  dwelling,  he  is  also  credited  with 
having  erected  the  first  brick  house,  manufacturing  his  own  material,  and  he 
being  architect  and  builder.  It  was  located  in  front  of  his  frame  building. 

There  came  to  reside  in  Sandusky,  in  the  year  1821,  Elentlieros  Cooke. 
In  the  many  projects  looking  to  the  benefit  and  advantage  of  the  place,  that 
were  set  in  motion  at  and  about  this  time,  no  person  was  more  prominent  than 
he.  Mr.  Cooke  was  a lawyer  by  profession,  and  as  such  was  the  pioneer  in 
this  locality  (for  the  reader  must  be  mindful  of  the  fact  that  this  was  then  a 
part  of  Huron  county),  but  in  his  profession  and  out  of  it  he  was  a man  of  de- 
cided ability  and  learning,  a magnificent  orator,  a man  whose  mind  and  capac- 
ity was  held  by  no  narrow  environment,  whose  public-spiritedness  was  un- 
bounded. After  he  became  a citizen  of  the  town  there  was  made  one  grand 
step  forward.  Not  alone  in  building  up  the  town  was  Mr.  Cooke  prominent, 
but  in  railroad  enterprises  and  others  equally  important  was  he  actively  engaged. 
His  first  work  was  in  the  erection  of  a dwelling  on  Columbus  avenue,  of  native 
stone,  the  pioneer  of  its  kind  in  the  town.  Old  heads  said  there  was  not  suf- 
ficient material  to  be  obtained  here  for  that  purpose,  but  notwithstanding  that 
the  building  gradually  approached  completion,  and  after  it  was  done  there  ap- 
pears to  have  been  a few  ( ! ) stones  left,  judging  from  the  amount  of  them  used 
subsequently.  It  may  not  have  been  known  at  the  time  to  these  old  wiseacres 
that  Sandusky  was  “ founded  on  a rock,”  but  this  was  certainly  the  case. 

Having  devoted  some  attention  to  the  “ first  ” structures  of  various  kinds 
in  Sandusky  town,  it  will  be  appropriate  here  to  notice  another  pioneer  venture 
that  was  established  about  the  same  time  by  an  enterprising  individual  in  the 
person  of  David  Campbell.  He  was  associated  in  this  venture  with  Adonijah 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


289 


Champlin,  and  by  their  joint  effort  hoped  to  bring  forth  the  Ohio  Illuminator. 
But  this  paper,  a proposed  weekly  publication,  never  shed  its  light  upon  the 
town  and  surrounding  country.  The  Illuininator  project  was  not  a complete 
success  from  a business  point  of  view.  The  good  people  of  the  country  wanted 
“ light.”  but  they  wanted  more  than  that,  s©  on  the  22d  of  April  of  the  follow- 
ing year,  there  was  heard  the  first  notes  of  the  Sandusky  Clarion.  But  enough 
of  this.  Suffice  it  to  say  that  the  Clairon  lived  and  prospered,  and  though 
changed  in  name  and  appearance,  still  lives,  and  is  now  recognized  as  the  lead- 
ing paper  of  the  county.  The  chapter  devoted  to  the  “ press  ” furnishes  a 
complete  history  of  the  Ilhiminator,  the  Clarion  and  the  other  papers  of  the 
county  as  well. 

The  town  grew  rapidly  in  point  of  population,  industry  and  tra.de  during 
the  first  few  years,  and  among  the  many  who  availed  themselves  of  the  grand 
business  opportunities  that  were  offered,  the  names  of  a few  may  be  recalled, 
as  follows:  Moors  Farwell  was  in  mercantile  trade  representing  Zalmon  Wild- 
man.  There  was  also  Jennings  & Darling,  who  came  from  Connecticut  and 
opened  a dry  goods  store  in  1818,  at  the  corner  of  Water  street  and  Columbus 
avenue.  William  Townsend  started  in  the  same  line  of  business  in  1819,  in  a 
small  frame  building  standing  near  the  corner  of  Water  and  Lawrence  streets. 
Mr.  Townsend  died  of  cholera  in  1849.  David  McMurray,  in  the  fall  of  1817, 
built  a store  on  the  site  of  the  Register  office  building,  in  which  he  started  the 
drug  business.  One  year  later  William  Kelley  became  a partner  of  Mr.  Mc- 
Murray. There  was  in  trade  here,  as  early  as  1819,  a Hebrew  named  Cohn, 
who  had  a small  jewelry  establishment  on  Water  street.  In  this  same  line  was 
John  N.  Sloane,  but  the  latter  did  not  commence  business  until  some  years 
later. 

Others  of  the  early  tradesmen  in  various  branches  of  business,  but  whose 
location  and  time  of  coming  cannot,  in  each  case  be  definitely  fixed,  were  Gal- 
in  Atkins,  1820,  boots  and  shoes;  D.  C.  Henderson,  1820,  baker;  Wheeler  & 
Galloway,  hotel  keepers  and  merchants  (about  1821  or  1822);  A.  ]\I.  Porter, 
1820  or  1821,  tanner  and  currier;  S.  Pennewell  and  S.  H.  Stearns,  both  tan- 
ners; Milton  and  Jennings,  1819,  cabinet  makers  ; Alexander  Clemons,  1820 
or  1821,  cabinet  maker;  J.  C.  Hurd,  1823  or  1824,  hatter;  Colonel  A.  Root, 
1822  or  1823,  saddler  and  harness  maker;  Sylvanus  A.  Cone,  1820  or  1821, 
butcher  ; Bush  & Hollister,  merchants  ; O.  and  L.  Cook,  dry  goods  ; Bassett 
Bethel,  tailor ; D.  H.  Tuttle,  lumber  dealer;  Samuel  and  Leicester  Walker, 
and  Abner  Lyman  were  local  carpenters.  George  Anderson  was  the  pioneer 
physician. 

The  legal  lights  of  the  town  at  this  time  were  Elentheros  Cooke,  Francis 
D.  Parish  and  H.  J.  Harmon.  The  first  two  were  prominent  men  in  the  city 
for  many  years,  but  of  the  last  mentioned,  Mr.  Harmon,  there  appears  no  rec- 
ord or  tradition. 


290 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Having  passed  the  “settlement”  stage  of  its  life  and  taken  upon  itself  the 
more  dignified  name  of  town,  the  enterprising  inhabitants  began  to  look  a lit- 
tle to  the  world  outside  this  place  and  cast  about  for  the  most  convenient  and 
approved  means  of  ingress  and  egress.  Upon  this  subject  we  quote  from  the 
publication  of  W.  D.  Root,  for  the  year  1855: 

“ As  early  as  1821  the  project  of  a canal  across  the  center  of  the  State  be- 
gan to  be  agitated.  In  the  outset  no  other  line  than  the  Sandusky  and  Scioto 
route  was  thought  of  The  monstrous,  suicidal  policy  of  constructing  two 
canals  across  the  State,  to  unite  the  same  waters,  was  wholly  an  after-thought 
— the  offspring  of  a corrupt  bargain  and  sale  between  interested  sections.  In 
the  legislative  session  of  1821  the  first  law  was  passed  authorizing  a survey. 
During  the  season  following  Judge  Geddes,  an  eminent  engineer  from  New 
York,  was  employed  to  make  the  examination  of  several  routes.  Finding  an 
abundant  water  supply  on  the  Central,  or  Sandusky  and  Scioto  route,  he  was 
prepared  to  report  in  favor  of  its  location  for  the  canal,  but  was  prevented 
from  doing  so  by  a portion  of  the  commissioners  interested  in  other  routes, 
and  thereupon  immediately  resigned  his  position,  declaring  that  he  could  not 
consent  to  retain  an  office  while  denied  the  exercise  of  what  he  deemed  its  un- 
doubted prerogatives. 

“The  next  year  a certain  Judge  Bates,  whose  best  recommendation  was  his 
suppleness  in  the  hands  of  interested  commissioners,  was  employed  as  chief 
engineer,  upon  whose  report  the  two  lines  of  canal  were  finally  located.  No 
single  line  had  the  power  to  carry  the  measure  ; it  could  only  be  done  by  the 
corrupt  process  of  bargain  and  sale.  Cuyahoga  had  first  to  conciliate  the 
Muskingum  ally  by  a sop  of  some  two  millions  for  the  river  improvement,  and 
then  buy  up  the  Scioto  Valley  by  encountering  a second  - summit  of  ascend- 
ing and  descending  locks,  and  still,  not  having  votes  enough,  Cincinnati  and 
the  ‘ Miamis’  had  to  be  subsidized.”  It  was  by  this  resort  to  corrupt  methods 
that  the  plan  to  construct  the  canal  by  the  most  convenient,  natural  and  direct 
route  was  defeated  ; and  thus  Sandusky  lost  what  would  given  her  at  least  her 
present  population  fifty  years  ago. 

In  order  in  some  measure  to  compensate  Sandusky  for  the  great  wrong 
done  her  in  depriving  her  of  this  valuable  water-way  communication  with  the 
country  to  the  south,  the  project  of  a railroad  to  connect  with  the  canal  from 
Dayton  to  Cincinnati  was  suggested,  but  it  was  not  until  some  years  later  that 
the  same  was  consummated. 

Although  Sandusky  was  for  a time  defeated  in  every  attempt  to  open  com- 
munication with  the  outside  world  by  a canal,  and  was  long  delayed  in  the 
railroad  project  she,  nevertheless,  held  open  communication  with  the  east  and 
west  by  way  of  the  lake,  and  reached  Columbus  by  stage.  The  steamer,  Walk- 
in-the- Water,  made  regular  trips  up  and  down  the  lake  until  the  year  1821, 
when  she  was  lost.  The  Superior  next  visited  this  place  in  1822,  making  tri- 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


291 


monthly  trips  between  Detroit  and  Buffalo,  touching  a tSandusky  both  going 
and  coming. 

The  Town  of  Sandusky  Incorporated. — From  the  time  of  its  original  platting 
in  1816,  until  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1823,  the  town  of  Sandusky  had  ac- 
quired a population  of  something  like  three  hundred  souls,  and  it  became  a 
matter  of  necessity  that  some  provision  should  be  made  for  local  government 
and  improvement,  independent  of  the  township  organization  of  which  it  had 
hitherto  formed  a part.  Many  things  were  needful,  many  improvements  could 
be  made  and  many  substantial  benefits  derived  if  the  inhabitants  of  the  town 
could  be  allowed  to  act  independently.  The  Legislature  of  the  State,  on  the 
14th  of  February,  1824,  passed  an  act  providing  for  the  incorporation  of  the 
town  of  Sandusky,  and  providing  for  the  election  of  officers  thereof. 

The  limits  of  the  town  as  provided  by  the  act  were  as  follows : Commenc- 
ing at  a point  in  Sandusky  bay,  eighty  rods  from  low  water  mark,  directly  op- 
posite the  north  end  of  McDonough  street;  thence  running  a direct  line  to  the 
said  north  end  of  McDonough  street,  and  along  said  street  to  Washington 
street;  thence  east  along  said  Washington  street  to  Decatur  street ; thence 
south  along  said  Decatur  street  to  Jefferson  street;  thence  east  along  said  Jef- 
ferson street  to  Hancock  street;  thence  north  along  said  Hancock  street  to 
Washington  street;  thence  east  along  said  Washington  street  to  Warren  street; 
thence  north  along  said  Warren  street  to  the  shore  of  Sandusky  bay  ; thence 
to  a point  in  said  Sandusky  bay  eighty  rods  from  low  water  mark,  directly 
opposite  the  north  end  of  Warren  street  ; thence  running  directly  to  the  place 
of  beginning,  shall  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  erected  into  a town  corporate, 
henceforth  to  be  known  and  distinguished  by  the  name  of  Sandusky;  subject, 
however,  to  such  alterations  as  the  Legislature  may  from  time  to  time  think 
proper  to  make  ; and  the  remaining  part  of  said  town,  as  shown  by  the  plat 
thereof  on  record,  shall  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  vacated,  excepting  the 
streets  and  public  grounds  thereof 

On  the  first  record  book  of  proceedings  of  the  authorities  of  the  town  there 
appears  the  following  entry  ; 

“ Be  it  remembered  that  in  pursuance  of  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  the 
State  of  Ohio,  passed  February  14,  1824,  entitled  ‘ An  act  to  incorporate  the 
town  of  Sandusky,  in  the  county  of  Huron, ’ the  qualified  electors  who  had  been 
residents  of  the  said  town  of  Sandusky  six  months  then  immediately  pre- 
ceeding,  convened  at  the  school-house  in  said  town  on  the  first  Monday  of 
May,  1824,  and  then  and  there,  according  to  the  direction  of  the  said  act,  pro- 
ceeded to  the  election  of  nine  suitable  persons,  being  citizens,  house-holders  or 
free-holders,  and  inhabitants  of  said  town,  to  serve  as  mayor,  recorder  and 
common  council  of  said  town,  by  ballot  ; at  which  meeting  John  Weeden  and 
Benjamin  Gregg  were  chosen  and  qualified  as  judges,  and  Frederick  Devoe  as 
clerk. 


292 


History  of  Erie  County. 


“ Whereupon,  after  closing  the  polls  and  canvassing  the  votes  which  had 
been  duly  given  by  the  qualified  electors  aforesaid,  according  to  law,  it  ap- 
peared that  George  Anderson,  Aaron  C.  Corbett,  William  Townsend,  William 
Kelley,  Cyrus  W.  Marsh,  Alexander  Clemons,  Elentheros  Cook,  John  Wheeler 
and  M.  Earwell  were  duly  elected  to  serve  in  the  capacity  aforesaid;  and 
the  said  judges  thereupon  declared  and  in  due  form  certified  the  said  per- 
sons duly  elected,  as  will  more  fully  appear  by  their  certificate  and  return  on 
file.” 

In  pursuance  of  the  act  of  the  common  council  met  at  the  office  of  Elen- 
theros Cook,  in  the  town  of  Sandusky,  on  the  loth  day  of  May,  being  within 
ten  days  from  the  aforesaid  day  of  election,  and  then  and  there  proceeded  to 
elect,  by  ballot,  from  their  own  body,  three  persons  to  serve  as  mayor,  re- 
corder and  treasurer,  with  the  following  result:  Mayor,  M.  Earwell;  recorder, 
William  Townsend  ; treasurer,  William  Kelley. 

Thus  organized  the  council  proceeded  to  elect  a town  marshal,  Wesley  An- 
derson being  the  fortunate  candidate.  He,  however,  resigned  on  the  12th  of 
February  following,  and  Daniel  Newton  was  appointed  in  his  stead. 

The  next  work  of  the  newly  created  board  was  to  determine  the  term  of 
office  of  the  several  members,  with  this  result:  For  one  year,  Cyrus  W.  Marsh, 
William  Townsend  and  John  Wheeler;  for  two  years,  Elentheros  Cooke, 
Aaron  C.  Corbett  and  M.  Earwell;  for  three  years,  William  Kelley,  Alexander 
Clemons  and  George  Anderson.  On  July  30  following  John  K.  Campbell  was 
appointed  as  town  assessor. 

About  the  first  business  transacted  by  these  doughty  old  councilmen  after 
their  organization  had  been  complete,  was  the  passage  of  ordinances  for  local 
government,  which  were  not  of  importance  sufficient  to  warrant  their  publi- 
cation in  these  pages.  One  thing,  however,  seems  worthy  of  mention.  They 
provided  that  the  non-attendance  at  meetings  of  the  council  should  be  pun- 
ishable by  a fine  of  one  dollar,  and  judging  from  the  frequency  with  which  this 
penalty  was  imposed,  as  shown  by  the  proceedings,  the  treasury  must  have 
been  in  good  condition,  that  is,  if  the  fine  was  collected,  which  fact  does  not 
appear.  There  ought  not  to  have  been  any  trouble  in  securing  a full  attend- 
ance at  meetings,  for  many  of  them,  before  a suitable  room  was  provided,  were ! 
held  at  the  “house”  of  Abner  Root,  and  he  was  noted  as  being  one  of  the  ' 
most  genial  and  hospitable  landlords  of  that  day.  Many  a glorious  meeting 
these  worthy  city  fathers  must  have  had  under  the  treatment  of  “ mine  host  ” 
Root. 

M.  Earwell  continued  in  the  office  of  mayor  for  five  years  and  was,  in  1829, 
succeeded  by  George  Anderson,  and  the  latter,  after  two  years,  by  J.  M.  Root. 

Thus  were  passed  the  first  years  of  the  life  of  Sandusky  as  an  incorporated 
town;  and  a smart,  bustling  little  place  it  was.  Water  street  seems  to  have 
contained  the  business  houses  of  various  kinds,  and  in  this  same  locality  was 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


293 


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also  situate  a majority  of  its  dwellings,  although  they  were  scattered  over  the 
tract  generally  as  the  owner  was  best  able  to  afford.  The  town  had  a news- 
paper, the  Clarion,  a school,  the  building  being  situate  at  the  corner  of  Col- 
umbus avenue  and  Washington  row;  but  another  was  built  in  1828,  on  the 
ground  whereon,  in  later  years,  was  erected  the  Episcopal  Church  edifice.  A 
school  was  established  in  town  as  early  as  1818  near  the  Steam  Boat  Hotel, 
but  was  succeeded  by  that  on  Columbus  avenue. 

Nor  were  the  people  unmindful  of  their  spiritual  comfort  and  welfare,  as  a 
church  society  was  organized  as  early  as  1819,  but  no  churchHiome  for  this 
struggling  band  was  provided  before  1836.  This  was  a missionary  station 
under  the  charge  of  the  Connecticut  Missionary  Society.  Revs.  John  Seward 
and  Joseph  Treat  conducted  the  services  for  some  years.  The  first  regular 
minister  came  in  1826,  the  Rev.  W.  M.  Adams. 

That  the  reader  may  have  an  idea  as  to  who  were  the  residents  of  this 
locality  at  or  soon  after  the  incorporation  of  the  town,  we  give  the  names  of 
the  residents  of  Portland  township  for  the  year  1829.  The  list  includes  the 
names  of  those  who  lived  in  the  town  as  well  as  those  within  the  township  and 
outside  the  town. 

This  enrollment  was  made  in  May  of  the  year  named,  by  the  trustees  of 
the  township  for  the  purpose  of  dividing  the  same  into  school  districts,  and  to 
be  numbered  one  and  two,  respectively.  All  that  part  of  the  town  and  town- 
ship lying  east  of  Columbus  avenue  and  a line  drawn  south  in  continuation 
thereof  to  constitute  school  district  number  one,  while  the  land  to  the  west  of 
Columbus  avenue  and  the  line  above  mentioned,  should  form  district  number 
two.  The  resident  householders  of  district  number  one  were  as  follows; 


Thomas  Galaway, 

Isaac  Darling, 

William  Cogswell, 

McGovern, 

Jesse  Withington, 

John  Turk, 

Jerome  Hardenbrook, 

Conrad  Rhodes, 

Charles  F.  Drake, 

David  B.  Smith, 

Thomas  T.  White, 

David  Campbell, 

Chauncey  Terry, 

Presley  Thompson, 

Erastus  Cooke, 

John  Hamer, 

Leicester  Walker, 

George  Anderson, 

William  Chapman, 

Samuel  Walker, 

Cyrus  W.  Marsh, 

James  Foreman, 

Richard  Hill, 

Judah  W.  Ransom, 

James  Wright, 

Daniel  R.  Ellsworth, 

Darwin  H.  Tuttle, 

Michael  Green, 

Lewis  C.  Ellsworth, 

Jacob  Goodrich, 

Marble  Tatie, 

Abner  Lyman, 

Martin  Eldis, 

Gurdon  C.  Burnham, 

Aaron  C.  Corbett, 

Adolphus  Woodbridge, 

Davis  Dougherty, 

Winslow  Corbett, 

Thomas  McGee, 

William  Lisle, 

Abner  Root, 

Hezekiah  Bigford, 

Joseph  Darling, 

Roswell  J.  Jennings, 

Widow  Hurd, 

Widow  Amsden, 

Widow  Cook, 

Widow  Hancock, 

Alexander  Clemons. 


294 


History  of  Erie  County. 


The  householders  of  district  number  two  were  as  follows : 


Benjamin  Gregg, 

Kelley  Smith, 

A.  M.  Porter, 

Francis  D.  Parish, 

Knovvlton  Youngs, 

William  Louther, 

Daniel  Newton, 

Hewitt  Hastings, 

Lucus  Hoskins, 

Erastus  S.  Gregg, 

Augustus  Cook, 

John  Poorman, 

Ezra  Wells, 

Elias  Hand, 

William  Townsend, 

George  Lantes, 

Andrew  Grimes, 

John  Morgan, 

Benjamin  Withington, 

Isaac  Rice, 

John  Wheeler, 

Elijah  Belknap, 

Richard  Martin, 

Henry  Victor, 

Isaac  Tupper, 

Amos  McLouth, 

Russell  Woodruff, 

Jacob  Bouck, 

Samuel  Pennewell, 

, John  Weeden, 

Rufus  G.  Carter, 

Widow  Henderson, 

Widow  Costello, 

Widow  Martin, 

Widow  Bishop, 

Widow  Falley, 

Daniel  Wisopp, 

H.  H.  Wilcoxen, 

A.  M.  Moore, 

George  Dorrell, 

E.  E.  Clemons, 

George  S.  Reynolds, 

Joshua  Fairchild, 

Michael  Gill, 

Henry  I.  Slater, 

W.  D.  Colvin, 

John  Kfr  Sloane, 

Perry  Darby. 

The  question  has  frequently  been  asked  : Why  was  it  that  Sandusky  town^ 
possessed,  as  it  was,  of  every  natural  facility  for  trade,  commerce,  and  manu- 
facture, was  so  seriously  retarded  in  its  early  growth,  after  the  original  propri- 
etors had  made  such  generous  provision  for  a large  city  ? This  might  be 
explained  clearly  and  every  contributing  cause  set  forth,  but  it  is  hardly  within 
the  province  of  this  chapter  to  discuss  these  misfortunes  further  than  they 
become  a part  of  the  city’s  history.  But  there  was  one  leading  reason  that  it 
may  be  well  enough  to  present  at  some  length  at  this  time.  This  injurious 
cause,  stripped  of  an  explanation  of  its  detail  of  facts  and  circumstances,  was 
the  uncertain  title  to  the  lands  on  which  a part  of  the  town  plat  was  laid,  and 
the  conflicting  claims  to  ownership  which  resulted  in  the  famous  litigation  of 
Lockwood  and  others  against  Wildman  and  others.  People  looking  for  a place 
of  residence  in  the  then  new  country  could  hardly  be  expected  to  invest  in 
lands  the  pureness  of  the  title  to  which  was  in  doubt. 

Then,  again,  soon  after  the  year  1830,  there  was  an  investment  made  in 
the  purchase  of  a large  tract  of  land  in  the  town,  which  the  purchasers  hoped 
to  develop  and  build  up,  but  unfortunately,  the  control  of  the  tract  fell  into- 
the  hands  of  a person  who  was,  to  say  the  very  least,  exceedingly  careless  of 
his  own  and  his  associates’  interests. 

It  was  soon  after  the  year  1830  that  Major  John  G.  Camp  visited  the  town 
of  Sandusky  with  a view  of  making  an  extensive  purchase  of  its  lands,  but  it 
seems  that  he  was  not  sufficiently  possessed  of  ready  funds  to  obtain  all  that, 
he  desired  ; so  he  at  once  cast  about  for  associates  in  the  enterprise,  and  suc- 
ceeding in  enlisting  the  support  of  Thomas  N.eill,  who  is  well  remembered  as- 
having  lived  in  this  locality,  a part  of  the  time  in  Margaretta  township,  and 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


295 


afterward  in  Sandusky;  and  who  was,  moreover,  an  honest,  true,  and  conscien- 
tious man.  Also  Oran  Follett,  who  at  the  time  was  a prominent  resident  and 
business  man  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and  Isaac  A.  Mills,  the  son  of  Isaac  Mills,  one 
of  the  original  proprietors  of  the  town  as  laid  out  in  the  year  1818. 

These  gentlemen  became  the  associates  of  Major  Camp,  and  purchased 
from  the  owners,  Wildman,  Mills,  and  Hoadley,  all  that  part  of  the  surveyed 
fractional  township  that  lay  east  of  Wayne  street ; taking  a contract  therefor 
at  a consideration  less  than  fourteen  thousand  dollars.  This  was  late  in  1833, 
or  early  in  the  succeeding  year.  Major  Camp  and  Isaac  Mills  lived  in  the 
town;  Thomas  Neill  in  Margaretta,  and  Mr.  Follett  in  Buffalo,  so  that  for  the 
ready  transaction  of  business  the  management  of  affairs  was  entrusted  to  Major 
Camp  and  Mr.  Mills,  the  former  being  the  leading  spirit. 

Matters  progressed  satisfactorily  for  some  months  ; lots  sold  freely,  and 
cash  appeared  to  be  steadily  filling  the  joint  treasury,  but  there  also  was  ap- 
proaching the  day  of  reckoning,  the  payment  on  the  contract  of  purchase  at 
last  fell  due.  Major  Camp,  unfortunately,  was  addicted  to  excesses,  and  in  his 
indulgences  of  various  kinds  he  had  spent  the  proceeds  of  the  sales,  and  the 
exchequer  proved  to  be  in  a depleted  condition.  The  condition  of  affairs 
steadily  became  worse,  but  something  must  be  done  and  that  very  soon.  This 
brought  Oran  Follett  to  Sandusky  in  May,  1834.  He  called  upon  Major  Camp 
for  an  explanation  and  payment  on  the  contract,  but  received  no  satisfaction 
whatever.  Becoming  disgusted  with  such  management,  he  sold  his  interest  to 
William  J.  Reece,  of  Philadelphia. 

In  the  hands  of  the  new  proprietors  matters  were  delayed  for  some  time 
and  until  the  contract  had  run  to  its  conclusion.  About  this  time  Zalmon 
Wildman  died,  and  in  due  time  thereafter  the  proprietors  came  to  close  the 
matter  and  take  back  the  lands  ; but  numerous  sales  had  been  made  to  pur- 
chasers in  good  faith,  and  the  re-taking  of  the  lands  meant  eviction  to  them. 
After  a season  of  argument  and  negotiation,  an  extension  for  time  of  payment 
of  the  contract  was  made,  and  the  proprietors  executed  a deed  of  their  inter- 
ests in  the  lands  to  Mr.  Follett,  in  trust,  to  make  the  sale  of  lots,  pay  the  pur- 
chase price,  and,  after  accomplishing  this,  to  turn  the  balance  of  the  lands  over 
to  his  former  grantors. 

This,  in  the  course  of  time,  was  done.  The  original  proprietors  were  paid 
in  full,  the  purchasers  of  lots  were  protected,  the  taxes  were  paid,  and  all  need- 
ful things  accomplished  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  all  parties.  And  after  hav- 
ing faithfully  executed  his  trust,  Mr.  Follett  deeded  back  to  Messrs.  Mills, 
Neill,  Camp  and  Reece,  lands  fully  worth  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  to  each 
of  them.  When  all  these  matters  had  been  fully  and  properly  adjusted,  it  was 
near  the  year  1840.  Then  Erie  county  had  been  in  existence  for  some  two 
years. 

The  lands  on  the  west  of  Wayne  street  were,  after  the  sale  to  Neill,  Follett, 


296 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Camp  and  Mills,  still  held  and  retained  by  Zalmon  Wildman  and  others,  and 
they,  as  proprietors,  were  selling  and  developing  the  same,  though  not  without 
hardships  and  trials  ; but  it  is  not  the  purpose  of  this  chapter  to  pursue  them 
in  detail. 

But  while  narrating  the  events  of  these  years  it  will  not  be  deemed  out  of 
place  to  make  some  reference  to  the  action  of  Lockwood  and  others  versus 
Wildman  and  others,  involving  the  title  to  a large  part  of  the  land  on  which 
now  stands  the  city,  and  which  was,  furthermore,  one  of  the  obstacles  that  re- 
tarded the  city’s  early  growth. 

This  action  grew  out  of  an  error  in  the  original  survey  of  the  firelands 
tract,  by  which  the  land  in  this  fractional  township  was  underestimated  by 
something  more  than  a thousand  acres,  and  the  difficulty  arose  in  making  or 
attempting  to  make  an  apportionment  or  annexation  thereof  to  adjoining  sec- 
tions. A subsequent  survey  was  made,  upon  which  the  directors  of  the  fire- 
lands  acted  in  making  their  apportionment,  while  the  parties  in  possession  and 
defendants  in  the  suit  relied,  apparently,  on  the  first  survey  in  which  the  error 
occurred. 

The  case  is  digested  as  follows  : “ The  township  of  Portland,  containing 
four  thousand  five  hundred  acres,  was  estimated,  in  making  the  partition,  to 
contain  but  2,783  acres,  and  was  all  disposed  of  in  three  annexations,  each  hav- 
ing a portion  of  the  base  line,  in  the  proportion  that  its  quantity  of  acres  bore  to 
the  whole  supposed  quantity  of  the  entire  tract.” 

It  is  not  proposed  to  go  into  this  case  further  than  to  explain  that  it 
involved  the  tract  whereon  stands  the  city  ; and  that  because  of  the  uncer- 
tainty of  the  result  no  extensive  operations  for  development  of  the  lands  could 
reasonably  be  made.  The  case  was  finally  settled  and  disposed  of  about  the 
time  that  Sandusky  became  a city. 

Notwithstanding  these  early  misfortunes  there  was  a steady  gain  in  popu- 
lation, and  from  the  natural  attractions  and  advantages  of  the  location  it  could 
not  well  be  otherwise. 

The  loss  of  the  canal,  through  treachery  and  fraud,  was  the  first  serious 
blow  against  the  prospects  of  the  town,  when  by  every  consideration  its  north- 
ern terminus  should  have  been  here.  This  was  the  nearest  point  to  the  navi- 
gable waters  of  the  south  part  of  the  State,  and  a thoroughfare  for  boat  travel 
would  have  not  only  been  of  inestimable  value  to  this  location,  but  its  con- 
struction, by  way  of  the  Sandusky  and  Scioto  route,  would  have  been  com- 
pleted at  a far  less  expense  than  by  the  route  finally  adopted. 

This,  also,  was  the  most  convenient  route  for  the  transportation  of  mer- 
chandise and  passengers  across  the  country  to  Cincinnati,  and  almost  daily 
there  could  be  seen  in  this  little  town  a large  number  of  teams  awaiting  the  ar- 
rival of  goods  by  boat  from  the  east.  One  prominent  gentleman  of  the  city 
remembers  having  seen  encamped  on  the  public  square,  at  one  time,  one  hun- 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


297 


dred  and  fifty  teams  by  actual  count,  ready  to  load  and  start  upon  the  coming 
of  the  boat  from  Buffalo.  This  kept  the  little  town  in  a constant  state  of  ac- 
tivity ; it  kept  business  in  an  enlivened  condition,  and  impressed  all  new  com- 
ers with  its  importance  as  a commercial  center.  So  it  will  be  seen  that  the 
early  life  of  the  town  was  not  one  of  unexceptional  adversity  and  calamity,  and 
there  came  an  occasional  ray  of  sunlight  between  the  clouds  of  misfortune.  In 
1830  the  population  of  the  town  was  not  far  from  four  hundred  souls. 

The  year  1835  was  an  eventful  one  in  the  annals  of  Sandusky,  for  during 
that  year  was  commenced  the  construction  of  the  old  pioneer  Mad  River  Rail- 
road, connecting  this  point  by  direct  and  rapid  transit  with  Dayton,  and  the 
country  to  the  south  of  that  place.  And  although  it  was  some  few  years  be- 
fore the  road  was  completed,  an  impetus  was  given  to  the  town  growth  that 
made  it  at  once  an  important  point  in  the  then  western  country.  The  Mad 
River  road  was  projected  as  early  as  the  year  1822  or  1823,  and  that  project 
was  the  outgrowth  of  a bitter  feeling  created  by  the  defeated  canal  building 
project  from  this  place  south.  A meeting  was  held  at  the  famous  hostelry  of 
Colonel  Abner  Root,  at  which  attended  some  of  the  leading  men  of  the  town, 
and  although  the  plan  was  thoroughly  discussed  and  commented  upon  by  the 
worthies  present,  the  work  of  completing  not  only  the  discussion,  but  of  car- 
rying out  the  plan  and  constructing  the  road  became  the  lot  of  another  set  of 
enterprising  citizens.  In  after  years  this  became  known  as  the  Cincinnati^ 
Sandusky  and  Cleveland  road. 

The  construction  of  the  above  road,  the  pioneer  not  alone  of  Sandusky  in 
its  kind,  but  of  the  State  of  Ohio  as  well,  was  soon  followed  by  another  in 
1837,  the  commencement  of  the  Lake  Erie  Division  of  the  Baltimore  and 
Ohio  road,  and  it  is  difficult  to  determine  which  was,  in  fact,  first  completed,, 
as  both' were  during  the  same  year  ; still,  the  distinction  of  being  the  pioneer 
enterprise  is  generally  and  properly  accorded  the  first  mentioned.  These  rail- 
roads are  elsewhere  made  the  subjects  of  special  chapters  and  need  no  further 
mention  at  this  time. 

The  year  1838  witnessed  an  event  in  the  life  of  Sandusky  that  was  of  far 
greater  importance  than  any  of  previous  or  after  occurrence,  in  the  erection 
and  civil  organization  of  Erie  county  by  which  these  lands  became  separated 
from  the  mother  county — Huron,  to  which  the  people  of  this  locality  had  form- 
erly paid  allegiance, — likewise  tribute. 

The  framers  of  the  act  seem  to  have  assumed  beyond  the  possibility  of  a 
question  that  the  city  of  Sandusky  was  the  only  appropriate  location  for  the 
county  seat  of  the  new  erection,  as,  in  the  act  itself,  it  is  declared  that  the 
county  buildings  shall  be  located  there,  without  resort  to  the  usual  proceeding 
of  appointment  of  three  commissioners  to  view  the  several  suggested  localities 
of  the  county,  hear  arguments,  and  then  decide  upon  the  most  eligible  site  for 
such  buildings.  This  proceeding,  however,  was  afterward  resorted  to  and  com- 


298 


History  of  Erie  County. 


missioners  were  appointed  in  pursuance  of  an  act  of  the  Legislature,  by  which 
it  was  proposed  to  change  the  county  seat,  and  this  act  was  passed  on  account 
of  the  neglect  of  the  proprietors  of  the  lands  here  in  providing  suitable  build- 
ings for  court  and  county  purposes,  as  they  had  pledged  themselves  to  do  in 
case  Sandusky  should  be  selected  for  ^the  county  seat.  And  had  it  not  been 
for  the  prompt  action  of  the  citizens  of  the  town  in  guaranteeing  the  necessary 
buildings  to  the  county  commissioners,  Huron  would  have  been,  unquestion- 
ably, the  county  seat  of  Erie  county  to-day. 

The  final  determination  of  this  matter  in  favor  of  the  city  of  Sandusky  was 
of  the  greatest  importance  to  her,  and  from  that  day  her  future  prospects  be- 
came far  brighter,  her  population  rapidly  increased,  and  that  increase  was 
steady,  healthful  and  permanent. 

With  the  building  of  its  railroads,  the  location  of  the  county  seat,  and  the 
assurance  that  the  people  would  be  undisturbed  in  their  possession  of  lots,  not- 
withstanding the  action  still  pending  and  undetermined,  the  town  had  acquired 
a population  in  1840  of  fifteen  hundred  persons. 

Thus  favorably  conditioned  the  subject  of  a city  charter  began  to  be  dis- 
cussed, and  as  such  transformations  were  not  the  work  of  a day,  some  time  was 
required  to  bring  about  this  organization,  and  it  was  not  until  the  year  1844 
that  it  was  finally  consummated.  By  that  time  the  population  of  the  town  num- 
bered some  three  thousand  or  more  persons. 

But  before  entering  upon  that  branch  of  the  city’s  history  it  will  be  well  to 
present  to  the  reader  the  names  of  those  who  were  identified  with  the  control 
of  its  governmental  affairs  up  to  that  time.  The  first  board  of  cit}'  fathers  com- 
prised the  following  persons; 

1824.  — Moors  Farwell,  mayor;  William  Kelley,  treasurer;  William  Town- 
send, recorder;  and  Cyrus  W.  Marsh,  John  Wheeler,  Elenetheros  Cook,  Aaron 
C.  Corbett,  Alexander  Clemons  and  George  Anderson,  councilmen. 

1825.  — Moors  Farwell,  mayor;  Francis  D.  Parish,  recorder;  Matthew  Mc- 
Kelvey,  John  Wheeler;  Lemuel  Robinson,  marshal. 

1826.  — Moors  Farwell,  re-elected  mayor;  Henry  H.  Wilcoxson,  Henry 
Victor;  Lemuel  S.  Robinson,  marshal. 

1827.  — Moors.  Farwell,  mayor;  councilmen  elected,  George  Anderson 
William  Kelley,  David  Campbell ; Charles  F.  Drake,  marshal. 

1828.  — Moors  Farwell,  mayor;  councilmen  elected,  John  Wheeler,  Elias 
Hand,  Benjamin  Gregg.  Elias  Hand,  recorder;  David  Campbell,  treasurer. 

1829.  — George  Anderson,  mayor;  councilmen  elected,  Henry  Victor,  Eli- 
jah E.  Clemens,  Charles  F.  Drake.  L.  S.  Beecher  elected  in  place  of  Elias 
Hand  resigned  ; Solomon  C.  Moore  elected  in  place  of  William  Kelley  ; Ab- 
ner Root  elected  treasurer,  and  Augustus  Cooke,  marshal. 

1830 — John  Wheeler  elected  mayor;  Solomon  C.  Moore,  Elias  Hand, 
George  Anderson,  councilmen  ; Burr  Higgins,  treasurer,  and  Augustus  Cooke, 
marshal. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


299 


1831.  — John  Turk,  mayor;  George  R.  Peck,  Joseph  M.  Root,  councilmen; 
D.  H.  Tuttle,  recorder,  and  Elijah  E.  Clemons,  marshal. 

1832.  — Joseph  M.  Root,  mayor;  Michael  Gill,  Thomas  White,  James  S. 
Blaine,  councilmen  ; James  Hollister,  appointed  recorder  in  place  of  George  R. 
Peck,  resigned. 

1833.  — Joseph  M.  Root,  mayor;  John  Wider,  Solomon  C.  Moore,  George 
Anderson,  councilmen  elected ; Thomas  T.  White,  recorder. 

1834.  — John  Beatty,  mayor;  James  Hollister,  Austin  Allen,  John  Beatty,, 
elected  councilmen;  R.  J.  Jennings,  marshal. 

1835.  — John  Beatty,  mayor;  Zachariah  Brown,  Thomas  T.  White,  William 
B.  Smith,  councilmen  elected;  John  Wheeler,  treasurer;  William  B.  Smith, 
recorder;  R.  J.  Jennings,  marshal. 

1836.  — John  Beatty,  mayor;  Solomon  C.  Moore,  James  Hollister,  William 
Maraen,  councilmen  elected;  Hollister  refused  to  serve  and  William  M.  Hun- 
ter was  appointed  but  found  ineligible,  whereupon  Charles  F.  Drake  was  ap- 
pointed ; William  Maraen  was  appointed  recorder. 

1837.  — Samuel  B.  Caldwell,  mayor;  S.  B.  Caldwell,  John  Wheeler,  Rod- 
erick Williston,  councilmen  elected. 

1838.  — Samuel  B.  Caldwell,  mayor;  A.  H.  Barber,  Zachariah  G.  Brown, 
John  H.  Williams,  councilmen  elected  ; R.  J.  Jennings,  marshal. 

1839.  — Samuel  B.  Caldwell,  mayor;  Josiah  W.  Hollister,  Erastus  S.  Gregg, 
William  Kelley,  councilmen  elected  ; F.  M.  Follett,  recorder. 

1840.  — John  N.  Sloane,  mayor;  John  Wheeler,  John  G.  Camp,  Daniel  Dib- 
ble, councilmen  elected  ; William  Kelley,  recorder. 

1841.  — John  N.  Sloane,  mayor;  A.  H.  Barber,  Jno.  M.  Sloane,  Henry  P. 
Radcliff,  councilmen  elected  ; De  Witt  C.  Henderson  appointed  to  council  vice 
William  Kelley  resigned.  D.  C.  Henderson,  recorder;  A.  H.  Barber,  treasurer; 
Roswell  J.  Jennings,  marshal. 

1842.  — John  N.  Sloane,  mayor;  Ebenezer  B.  Sadler,  De  Witt  C.  Hender- 
son, Abner  Root,  councilmen  elected ; Abner  Root,  recorder  ; C.  F.  Drake, 
marshal;  Roswell  J.  Jennings,  clerk  of  market. 

1843.  — John  N.  Sloane,  mayor;  David  Campbell,  W.  W.  Witherell,  John 
Wheeler,  councilmen  elected;  George  W.  Smith,  marshal  and  clerk  of  market. 

1844.  — Ebenezer  B.  Sadler,  mayor;  A.  H.  Barber,  Henry  P.  Radcliff,  R. 
B.  Hubbard,  councilmen  elected;  W.  W.  Witherell,  treasurer;  Earl  Bill  ap- 
pointed to  council  and  recorder  vice  Abner  Root  resigned  ; George  W.  Smith,, 
marshal  and  clerk  of  the  market  house. 

In  the  above  record  of  town  officials  there  has  not  been  noted  the  name  of 
every  incumbent  appointed  to  fill  vacancies  that  frequently  occurred.  The 
board  in  every  case  appointed  all  officers  except  councilmen,  three  of  whom 
were  elected  annually  by  the  people;  but  still,  the  council  had  power  to  fill  any 
vacancy  in  their  body.  Resignations  were  of  frequent  occurrence,  and  it  some- 


300 


History  of  Erie  County. 


times  happened  that  more  than  one  member  would  resign  in  the  course  of  a 
year.  This  it  is  believed  will  explain  the  presence  of  some  names  not  found 
among  those  regularly  elected  at  the  annual  meeting  at  the  polls. 

This  was  the  last  board  chosen  under  the  town  incorporation.  During  the 
legislative  session  of  the  winter  of  1844-45  ^^t  was  passed  incorporating  the 

City  of  Sandusky,  and  by  that  act  the  city  became  a municipality  of  a higher 
grade. 

On  the  28th  of  March,  1845,  council  met  and  read  act  entitled  “an  act  to 
incorporate  the  city  of  Sandusky,  and  for  other  purposes,”  after  which  it  pro- 
ceeded to  appoint  places  for  holding  elections  in  the  wards,  as  follows ; For  the 
first  ward,  at  the  mayor’s  office,  and  appointed  David  Campbell,  Henry  P.  Rad- 
cliff  and  John  G.  Pool,  as  inspectors.  For  the  second  ward,  the  West  Market 
House,  and  appointed  Alexander  H.  Barber,  William  W.  Witherell  and  John 
Wheeler  as  inspectors.  For  the  third  ward  the  office  of  the  West  Slaughter 
House,  and  appointed  DeWitt  C.  Henderson,  James  M.  Davidson  and  Samuel 
Eastman  as  inspectors. 

The  last  meeting  of  the  “town”  common  council  was  held  on  the  31st  of 
March,  1845,  at  which  Earl  B.ill  was  paid  the  sum  of  $11.20  for  services,  and 
this  was  the  last  official  act  of  the  board  under  the  old  administration. 

SANDUSKY  CITY  INCORPORATED. 

On  the  6th  day  of  March,  1845,  by  an  act  of  the  General  Assembly  of  the 
State  of  Ohio,  was  incorporated  “Sandusky  City,”  and  thus  did  it  remain  in 
name  until  the  Fegislature,  by  a subsequent  enactment,  made  it  necessary  that 
the  “city,”  should  be  dropped.  From  the  time  of  this  last  mentioned  act  this 
city  has  been  known  and  called  “Sandusky.” 

Of  the  act  of  1845  there  is  not  believed  to  be  more  than  one  or  two  copies 
in  the  city  to-day,  so  that  the  reader  may  have  a complete  knowledge  of  the 
various  provisions  of  the  act  (so  far  as  they  appear  to  be  important).  They  are 
fully  set  forth  as  follows : 

“Section  i . Be  it  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  That 
so  much  of  the  township  of  Portland,  in  the  county  of  Erie,  as  is  contained 
within  the  following  bounds,  to-wit:  beginning  in  the  center  of  Sandusky  Bay 
at  a point  half  a mile  east  of  the  northern  corner  of  the  east  boundary  of  the  1 
town  plat  of  Sandusky  (as  now  recorded  among  the  records  of  Huron  county), 
running  thence  in  a direct  line  parallel  with  the  eastern  boundary  of  said  town 
plat,  until  said  line  strikes  the  shore  of  Sandusky  Bay,  thence  in  a direct  line  at 
right  angles  with  the  eastern  boundary  of  said  town,  until  a line  so  drawn  shall 
intersect  said  eastern  boundary,  thence  along  said  eastern  boundary  in  a direct 
line  to  the  southeast  corner  of  the  annexation  to  Sandusky  plat,  called  South- 
wark, thence  westerly  along  the  south  line  of  Southwark,  and  on  a line  in  the 
aame  direction  with  said  line  to  a point  opposite  to  the  south  end  of  Shelby 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


301 


street,  thence  in  a direct  line  to  the  southeast  corner  of  the  recorded  plat  of  the 
Western  Liberties,  so  called,  and  from  thence  westerly  along  the  southern 
boundary  of  said  Western  Liberties  to  the  western  boundary  thereof,  thence 
northerly  along  said  western  boundary  to  the  shore  of  Sandusky  Bay,  thence 
on  a line  parallel  with  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  recorded  plat  of  the  town  of 
Sandusky  to  the  center  of  said  bay,  and  from  thence  easterly  along  the  center 
of  said  bay  to  the  place  of  beginning,  shall  be,  and  the  same  is,  hereby  declared 
to  be  a town  corporate,  atid  the  inhabitants  thereof  are  hereby  created  a body 
politic  and  corporate,  with  perpetual  succession,  by  the  name  and  style  of  San- 
dusky City,  and  shall,  in  all  respects,  be  governed  by  the  provisions  of  an  act 
entitled  ‘an  act  for  the  regulation  of  incorporated  towns,’  passed  February 
sixteenth,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-nine,  except  as  hereinafter 
provided.” 

“ Section  2.  The  said  Sandusky  city  shall  be  and  is  hereby  divided  into 
three  wards  or  election  districts  as  follows  : the  first  ward  or  district  shall  con- 
sist of  all  that  part  of  said  Sandusky  city  which  lies  east  of  Columbus  avenue  ; 
the  second  ward  or  district  shall  consist  of  all  that  part  of  said  Sandusky  city 
which  lies  west  of  Columbus  avenue  and  east  of  Lawrence  street ; and  the  third 
ward  or  district,  shall  consist  of  all  that  part  of  said  Sandusky  city  which  lies 
west  of  Lawrence  street,  including  the  Western  Liberties.” 

‘‘Section  3.  The  government  of  said  Sandusky  city  shall  be  vested  in  a 
mayor,  recorder  and  nine  councilmen,  any  seven  of  whom,  exclusive  of  the  re- 
corder, shall  constitute  a quorum  for  the  transaction  of  business,  each  ward  to 
elect  three  councilmen,  who  shall  be  electors,  and  reside  in  the  wards  in  which 
they  shall  be  elected.  The  said  mayor,  recorder  and  councilmen  shall  be 
elected  annually,  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  April  in  each  and  every  year,  and 
they  shall  hold  their  respective  offices  until  their  successors  are  elected  and 
qualified,  and  the  said  mayor,  recorder  and  council  shall  exercise  all  the  pow- 
ers and  be  invested  with  all  the  privileges  of  the  mayor,  recorder  and  trustees 
of  incorporated  towns,  under  the  general  law,  in  addition  to  those  herein  granted 
and  shall  be  subject  to  the  same  duties  and  liabilities,  provided  that  the  mayor 
shall  only  be  entitled  to  a casting  vote  when  the  council  is  equally  divided,  and 
the  recorder  shall  not  be  entitled  to  a vote  except  to  give  the  casting  vote 
when  acting  as  mayor.” 

‘‘ Section  4.  The  first  election  of  mayor,  recorder  and  councilmen,  under 
this  act,  shall  be  held  at  such  place  in  the  several  wards  as  the  present  mayor 
and  council  of  the  town  of  Sandusky  may  direct,  who  shall  also  appoint  judges 
of  said  election  for  the  several  wards,  and  the  judges  of  said  election,  so  ap- 
pointed, shall  appoint  their  own  clerks,  and  in  case  such  appointments  shall 
not  be  made,  then,  and  in  that  case,  the  said  election  shall  be  held  on  the  day 
aforesaid,  in  the  several  wards,  as  nearly  in  conformity  as  may  be  to  the  pro- 
visions of  the  general  law  in  relation  to  incorporated  towns.  And  annually 
39 


302 


His'J'ory  of  Erie  County. 


thereafter,  the  said  election’  shall  be  held  in  the  several  wards  at  such  places  as 
the  mayor,  recorder  and  councilmen  may  appoint ; and  the  said  councilmen 
shall  be  judges  of  election  in  their  respective  wards,  and  shall  appoint  clerks  of 
the  election.  The  said  several  clerks  of  election,  so  to  be  appointed  as  above, 
shall  forthwith,  at  the  first  election,  and  at  every  subsequent  election  to  be  held 
under  this  act,  certify  the  true  returns  of  said  election  in  their  respective  wards, 
to  the  mayor  and  recorder  of  said  Sandusky  city,  which  said  certificate  shall  be 
verified  by  the  judges  of  election  under  their  seals.  And  the  said  mayor  and 
recorder  shall  forthwith  canvass  the  votes  given  for  mayor  and  recorder  and 
notify,  in  writing,  immediately  after  such  canvass,  the  persons  elected  to  said 
offices  ; said  returns,  so  to  be  made  as  above,  shall,  at  the  first  election,  be  made 
to  the  present  mayor  and  recorder  of  Sandusky,  who  shall  have  power  to  act 
in  the  premises.” 

Of  the  other  sections  of  the  act  number  five  defines  the  powers  of  the  com- 
mon council  relating  to  the  streets  of  the  city;  number  six  relates  to  real  es- 
tate, buildings,  markets  and  other  places;  number  seven  to  tax  sales  for  non- 
payment of  taxes  and  assessments  ; number  eight  vests  in  the  city  all  property 
acquired  through  the  sales,  and  section  number  nine  relates  to  acts  already 
passed,  and  further  provides  that  this  act  shall  take  effect  on  the  first  day  of 
April  next  (1845). 

In  pursuance  of  the  provisions  of  the  above  recited  act  an  election  of  mu- 
nicipal officers  was  held  at  the  places  designated  by  the  old  council,  on  the  first 
Tuesday  of  April,  1845,  which  time  the  following  officers  were  chosen  for 
the  year  next  ensuing : Mayor,  William  W.  Witherell ; recorder,  William  R. 
Chapman;  councilmen.  First  ward,  Lester  S.  Hubbard,  John  J.  Schock,  John 
W.  Beatty;  Second  ward,  John  Weeden,  Erastus  S.  Gregg,  John  M.  Boalt; 
Third  ward,  M.  G.  Woodbury,  Charles  Cross,  George  W.  Keller. 

These  officers  were  sworn  to  the  faithful  discharge  of  their  duties  by  the 
retiring  mayor,  Hon.  Ebenezer  B.  Sadler,  and  having  been  duly  organized,  on 
the  7th  of  April,  proceeded  to  elect  the  subordinate  city  officers  as  follows: 
Marshal  and  clerk  of  the  markets,  Alonzo  Wade  ; treasurer,  John  Weeden, 

After  transacting  some  unimportant  business  the  council  passed  an  ordi- 
iiiance  for  the  protection  of  the  streets  and  public  grounds  of  the  city  ; also  ap- 
pointed John  Weeden,  Lester  S.  Hubbard  and  John  W.  Beatty  a committee  to 
prepare  a set  of  by-laws  and  ordinances  for  the  government  of  the  city. 

On  the  17th  of  May,  Alonzo  Wade  resigned  his  office  of  marshal  and  clerk 
of  the  markets,  and  Francis  W.  Pomeroy  was  appointed  in  his  stead. 

Thus  commenced  the  municipal  history  of  Sandusky  city.  Its  affairs  pro- 
gressed favorably  and  were  embarrassed  by  no  untoward  event  until  the  year 
1849,  at  which  time  the  country  suffered  greatly  from  the  ravages  of  the  chol- 
era epidemic.  Especially  severe  was  this  visitation  felt  in  the  little  city  of  San 
dusky  where  no  opportunity  was  had  for  the  improvement  of  its  sanitary  con- 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


303 


dition.  Prior  to  this  and  about  1834,  this  dread  disease  threatened  the  town, 
but,  fortunately,  it  did  not  manifest  its  presence  at  that  time,  but  upon  the  oc- 
casion mentioned  its  ravages  were  terrible  in  this  locality  and  many  persons 
were  stricken  and  died.  Three  years  later,  in  1852,  there  came  a similar  visi- 
tation upon  the  people,  and  again  were  its  medical  men  taxed  to  their  utmost 
to  stem  the  tide  of  disease  and  death.  This  subject  will  be  found  noticed  at 
greater  length  in  the  chapter  devoted  to  the  medical  profession,  in  an  earlier 
chapter  of  this  volume. 

The  year  1852  witnessed  a complete  revolution  in  the  municipal  govern- 
ment, by  reason  of  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State,  passed  on  the  3d  day 
of  May.  The  new  State  constitution  had  then  been  recently  adopted  and  this 
enactment  was,  in  a great  measure  brought  about  by  the  provisions  of  that 
constitution.  But  before  setting  forth  the  effect  of  this  act  upon  the  municipal- 
ity of  Sandusky  city,  let  us  look  to  the  record  and  see  who,  up  to  that  time, 
had  been  in  charge  and  control  of  city  affairs.  The  officers  of  the  year  1845 
are  given  on  an  earlier  page,  and  need  no  repetition  here.  From  that  time 
until  the  radical  change  of  1852  took  place,  the  officers  were  as  follows  : 

1846.  — Mayor,  Zenas  W.  Barker;  recorder,  Henry  D.  Ward;  councilmen, 
first  ward,  John  M.  Boalt,  Lester  S.  Hubbard  and  William  P.  Chapman;  sec- 
ond ward,  John  Weeden,  William  H.  Caswell  and  Page  M.  Ring;  third  ward, 
Manley  G.  Woodbury,  Charles  Cross  and  David  Souter  ; council  appointments, 
Charles  Rice,  clerk  of  markets;  Lester  S.  Hubbard,  treasurer.  This  year  the 
council  elected  the  following  officers  under  the  city  ordinances;  city  attorney, 
Alonzo  W.  Hendry  ; city  surveyor,  William  Durbin,  jr.  ; chief  engineer, 
Foster  M.  Follett ; assistant  engineer,  Henry  P.  Radcliff;  fire  wardens,  S.  E. 
Hitchcock  and  R.  Lathrop  for  first  ward;  Charles  Barney,  and  Philandef 
Gregg  for  second  ward  and  Samuel  Eastman  and  William  Spaulding  for  third 
ward. 

1847.  — Mayor,  Ebenezer  Warner;  recorder,  Sylvester  Ross;  councilmen — 
first  ward,  Foster  M.  Follett,  David  Campbell  and  Rice  Harper  ; second  ward, 
John  H.  Ballard,  Erastus  Cooke  and  Smith  Peck  ; third  ward,  David  Souter, 
George  Morris  and  Jacob  Hertel  ; council  appointments,  William  Benschoter, 
marshal,  clerk  of  the  markets,  and  collector  ; David  Souter,  treasurer  ; George 
Reber,  city  attorney;  Foster  M.  Follett,  chief  engineer;  Henry  P.  Radcliff, 
assistant  engineer. 

1848.  — Mayor,  Ebenezer  Warner;  recorder,  Zenas  W.  Barker;  council- 
men — first  ward,  Samuel  E.  Hitchcock,  Charles  Cassiday  and  John  G.  Pool  ; 
second  ward.  Smith  Peck,  Freeland  T.  Barney  and  William  W.  Withered  ; 
third  ward,  Jacob  Hartel,  John  Carr  and  David  Souter;  council  appointments, 
William  Benschoter,  marshal,  clerk  of  the  markets,  and  collector;  David  Sou- 
ter, treasurer  ; George  Reber,  city  attorney  ; Freeland  T.  Barney,  chief  en- 
gineer ; John  G.  Pool,  assistant  engineer;  William  Durbin,  city  surveyor. 


304 


History  of  Erie  County. 


During  this  year  the  mayor,  Ebenezer  Warner,  and  the  recorder,  Zenas 
W.  Barker,  both  resigned.  Zenas  W.  Barker  was  thereupon  elected  mayor^ 
and  William  P.  Chapman  was  elected  recorder. 

1849. — Mayor,  John  M.  Brown;  recorder,  Charles  Barney;  councilmen — 
first  ward,  Henry  C.  Williams,  Daniel  Dibble  and  Rollin  B.  Hubbard;  second 
ward,  Freeland  T.  Barney,  Solomon  C.  Moore  and  Erastus  Cooke ; third 
ward,  David  Souter,  John  H.  Buck  and  Thomas  Comstock;  council  appoint- 
ments, William  Spaulding,  marshal ; I.  W.  Upp,  collector ; David  Souter, 
treasurer;  Walter  F.  Stone,  city  attorney;  I.  W.  Upp,  clerk  of  the  markets; 
E.  S.  Flint,  chief  engineer ; William  H.  Clark,  assistant  engineer  ; William 
Durbin,  jr.,  city  surveyor. 

1850.  — Mayor,  John  M.  Brown;  recorder,  Charles  Cochran;  councilmen 
— first  ward,  C.  C.  Keech,  Cuyler  Leonard  and  John  A.  Wright ; second  ward, 
Freeland  F.  Barney,  Solomon  C.  Moore  and  Christian  Engel ; third  ward, 
Charles  Cross,  George  C.  King  and  George  Homegardner  ; council  appbint 
ments,  O.  Rice,  clerk  of  the  markets,  collector,  and  marshal ; Charles  Cross, 
treasurer ; Walter  F.  Stone,  city  attorney ; W.  H.  Clark,  chief  engineer ; 
Henry  P.  Radcliff,  assistant  engineer;  William  Durbin,  jr.,  city  surveyor. 

1851.  — Mayor,  Horatio  Wildman  ; recorder,  George  J.  Anderson;  coun- 
cilmen— first  ward,  William  P.  Chapman,  William  B.  Smith  and  William  W. 
Withered  ; second  ward,  L.  S.  Beecher,  Elias  H.  Haines  and  Conrad  Wei- 
gand  ; third  ward,  Solomon  C.  Moore,  Charles  Cross  and  George  Homegard- 
ner ; council  appointments,  O.  Rice,  marshal,  clerk  of  the  markets,  and  col- 
lector ; Charles  Cross,  treasurer  ; Homer  Goodwin,  city  attorney;  Henry  P. 
Radcliff,  chief  engineer  ; W.  M.  Pierce,  assistant  engineer  ; William  Durbin, 
jr.,  city  surveyor. 

1852.  — Mayor,  Foster  M.  Follett ; recorder,  Samuel  Lewis;  councilmen — 
first  ward,  Earl  Bill,  Jacob  A.  Camp  and  William  Marshall;  second  ward, 
Frederick  S.  Thorpe,  Michael  Lipsett  and  John  Chapman;  third  ward,  George 
Homegardner,  Charles  Cross  and  William  S.  King  ; council  appointments,  0. 
Rice,  marshal,  collector,  and  clerk  of  the  markets  ; L.  S.  Beecher,  city  at- 
torney ; Charles  Cross,  treasurer ; Foster  M.  Follett,  chief  engineer ; I.  S. 
Thayer,  assistant  engineer  ; William  Durbin,  jr.,  city  surveyor. 

The  act  of  the  State  Legislature,  passed  on  the  3d  of  May,  1852,  was 
brought  about  by  the  new  constitution  then  just  gone  into  effect,  and  its  pro- 
visions materially  affected  this  and  several  other  cities  of  the  State.  Regard- 
ing the  classification  of  municipal  corporations  the  language  of  the  act  is  : “ In 
respect  to  the  exercise  of  certain  corporate  powers,  and  to  the  number,  char- 
acter, powers  and  duties  of  certain  officers,  municipal  corporations  are,  and 
shall  be,  divided  into  the  classes  following  : Cities  of  the  first,  and  cities  of  the 
second  class  ; incorpoi'ated  villages,  and  incorporated  villages  for  special  pur- 
poses. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


305 


“ All  cities  which,  at  the  last  federal  census,  had  or  now  have  a population 
exceeding  twenty  thousand  inhabitants,  shall  be  deemed  cities  of  the  first  class, 
and  all  other  cities  shall  be  deemed  cities  of  the  second  class.” 

A further  provision  declares  that  “any  incorporated  village  which,  at  any 
future  federal  census,  or  at  any  census  taken  under  the  authority  of  the  State, 
as  aforesaid,  shall  have  a population  exceeding  five  thousand  and  less  than 
twenty  thousand  inhabitants,  shall  be  deemed  a city  of  the  second  class.” 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  above  extracts  that  Sandusky  was,  at  the  time  the 
act  was  passed,  a city  of  the  second  class,  as  by  the  census  of  1850  within  the 
corporate  limits  was  a population  of  five  thousand  persons. 

A further  section  of  the  act  provided  that  “ the  corporate  authority  of  citi- 
zens, organized  or  to  be  organized  under  this  act,  shall  be  vested  in  one  prin- 
cipal officer,  to  be  styled  the  Mayor,  in  one  board  of  trustees,  to  be  denomi- 
nated the  Common  Council,  together  with  such  other  officers  as  are  in  this  act 
mentioned,  or  as  may  be  created  under  its  authority. 

“ It  is  also  provided  that  in  cities  of  the  second  class  the  mayor  shall  be 
elected  annually,  on  the  first  Monday  in  April,  by  the  qualified  voters  of  the 
city  ; and  that  he  shall  serve  until  his  successor  is  elected  and  qualified.” 

Section  fifty-nine  provides  “ that  the  qualified  voters  of  each  ward  within 
the  several  cities  shall,  on  the  first  Monday  of  April,  1853,  elect,  by  a plurality 
of  votes,  two  trustees,  who  shall  be  residents  of  the  wards  in  which  they  shall 
be  elected,  and  who  shall  at  the  time  be  qualified  voters  therein  ; and  when  the 
city  council,  elected  under  this  act,  shall  have  been  organized,  as  hereinafter 
provided,  they  shall  proceed  and  determine  by  lot  the  term  of  service  of  each 
trustee,  so  that  one  of  the  trustees  from  each  ward  shall  serve  for  two  years, 
and  the  other  for  the  term  of  one  year  ; and  at  every  succeeding  annual  city 
election,  one  trustee  shall  be  elected  by  the  qualified  voters  of  each  ward,  who 
shall  possess  the  qualification  hereinbefore  required,  and  whose  term  of  service 
shall  be  two  years,  so ' that  the  terms  of  the  two  trustees  of  each  ward  shall 
always  expire  in  different  years.” 

The  same  section  also  provides  that  the  council  shall  elect,  from  their  own 
body,  a president ; they  shall  also  appoint,  from  the  qualified  voters  of  the  city, 
a city  clerk.  A further  section  provides  for  the  election,  by  the  qualified 
voters  of  the  city,  of  all  such  city  officers  as  shall  be  necessary  for  the  good 
government  of  said  city,  and  for  the  due  exercise  of  its  corporate  powers,  etc. 

It  became  necessary  under  this  act  to  substantially  reorganize  the  city 
government.  The  discussion  of  it  occupied  the  minds  of  the  council  for  some 
time,  and  at  their  request  called  forth  a long  and  able  opinion  from  the  city 
attorney,  L.  S.  Beecher.  In  the  course  of  his  observations  this  officer  ex- 
pressed the  belief  that  certain  provisions  of  the  act  would  have  to  be  interpreted 
by  the  courts  before  an  intelligent  understanding  of  their  meaning  could  be 
had. 


306 


History  of  Erie  County. 


The  first  city  election  under  the  above  described  act  was  held  on  the  first 
Monday  in  April,  1853,  at  which  the  following  named  persons  were  chosen  to 
fill  the  respective  city  ofifices  : 

Mayor,  Charles  Cross  ; city  solicitor,  John  G.  Miller,  jr.  ; city  treasurer, 
Nicholas  Buyer  ; city  marshal,  James  E.  Mygatt ; assessors — first  ward,  John 
A.  Wright ; second  ward,  George  A.  Wheeler  ; third  ward,  Vincent  Kerler  ; 
trustees — first  ward,  Lester  S.  Hubbard,  David  Campbell  ; second  ward,  L. 
S.  Beecher,  Henry  H.  White  ; third  ward,  Charles  Cross,  Jacob  Hertel. 

On  the  1 6th  of  April  of  this  same  year  the  council  passed  and  adopted  an 
ordinance  by  which  the  city  was  divided  and  two  additional  wards  created, 
increasing  the  number  to  five. 

A special  election  was  thereupon  ordered  for  the  selection  of  trustees  for 
the  first,  third  and  fifth  wards,  with  the  following  result : First  ward,  William 
St.  John  and  I.  H.  Robinson  ; third  ward,  L.  S.  Hubbard  ; fifth  ward,  John 
Carr  and  George  Homegardner. 

By  this  sub-division  of  the  municipal  territory  the  ward  boundaries  were 
as  follows : 

First  ward. — All  that  portion  of  the  city  lying  east  or  eastwardly  of  the 
center  of  Franklin  street. 

Second  ward. — All  that  portion  of  the  city  lying  west  or  westwardly  of  the 
center  of  Franklin  street,  and  east  or  eastwardly  of  the  center  of  Columbus 
avenue. 

Third  ward. — All  that  part  of  the  city  lying  west  or  westwardly  of  the  cen- 
ter of  Columbus  avenue,  and  east  or  eastwardly  of  Fulton  street. 

Fourth  ward. — All  that  part  of  the  city  lying  west  or  westwardly  of  the 
center  of  Fulton  street,  and  east  or  eastwardly  of  the  center  of  Camp  and  Shel- 
by streets. 

Fifth  ward. — All  that  part  of  the  city  which  lies  west  or  westwardly  of  the 
center  of  Camp  and  Shelby  streets. 

In  1855  Sandusky  had  acquired  a population  variously  estimated  at  from 
six  thousand  to  six  thousand  five  hundred  souls;  and  from  1850  to  i860  its 
growth  was  three  thousand.  It  had,  at  the  time  first  mentioned,  three  lines  of 
rail  communication  with  points  east,  west  and  south.  These  were  the  Mad 
River  and  Lake  Erie  road,  running  to  Dayton  ; the  Sandusky,  Mansfield  and 
Newark  road,  and  the  Cleveland  and  Toledo  road.  These  were  sufficient  for 
the  exportation  and  importation  of  goods  and  material  for  trade  and  manufac- 
ture at  that  time.  Added  to  this  was  the  harbor  and  lake  traffic,  which,  of  it- 
self, was  of  large  extent,  the  year  1850  showing  imports  to  the  value  of  $I3>" 
644,670,  while  the  exports  were  valued  at  $4,656,641.  During  the  next  year 
these  figures  were  nearly  doubled. 

At  this  time  the  population  was  decidedly  mixed  in  characteristics  and  na- 
tionalities, the  German  and  Celtic  combined  nearly  equaling  the  American  res- 
idents in  point  of  numbers. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


307 


The  mercantile  business  of  the  city,  which,  in  early  years,  was  substantial- 
ly confined  to  the  vicinity  of  Water  street,  was  constantly  reaching  to  other 
points,  up  Columbus  avenue  to  the  square,  and  largely  on  Market  street,  both 
east  and  west  of  Columbus. 

Manufacturing  industries  were  then,  and  always  have  been,  kept  as  near 
the  bay  shore  as  possible,  for  here  was  the  railroad  center  as  well  as  the 
harbor. 

Turning  briefly  to  the  mercantile,  manufacturing  and  other  business  insti- 
tutions as  shown  by  the  compendium  of  1855,  the  following  appears: 

Produce  and  Commission  Merchants. — C.  H.  Williams,  S.  W.  Butler,  S.  E. 
Hitchcock,  on  Columbus  avenue ; Boalt  & Smith,  George  Thornton,  A. 
Cheeseborough,  on  the  Mad  River  Railroad  dock  ; James  D.  Whitney,  on  the 
S.  and  C.  Railroad  wharf ; Marshall  Burton,  A.  H.  Barber,  James  A.  Riley, 
Peck  & Norris,  Upp  Brothers,  on  Water  street;  Lockwood  & Smith  at  Bay 
City  Mills  dock. 

Dry  Goods  Merchants. — Charles  Converse,  Monroe  & Peck,  J.  W.  Steven- 
son, Everett,  Drake  & Co.,  John  N.  Sloane,  Hubbard,  Shepard  & Wilcox,  on 
Water  street ; W.  T.  & A.  K.  West,  T.  D.  West,  on  Columbus  avenue. 

Tailors  and  Clothiers. — W.  V.  Latham,  Lytle  & Walter,  J.  Kneale,  J. 
Kronthall,  L.  Monat,  Lewis  Dietz,  L.  Bowman,  C.  Prediger,  Wm.  Guiterman 
& Co.,  G.  Hart,  Cooke  & Bloomfield,  Adolph  Cohen,  on  Water  street;  S. 
Kneen,  on  Market  street. 

Milliners  and  Dress  Makers. — Mrs.  Thomas  Quick,  Mrs.  E.  P.  Smith,  Miss 
Humphrey,  on  Columbus  avenue  ; Mrs.  C.  R.  Souter,  Miss  E.  McGraves,  on 
Market  street ; Mrs.  Kramer,  Wayne  street. 

Hardware,  Iron  and  Stove  Merchants. — L.  T.  Barney  & Co.,  W.  V.  Moss, 
Gibbs  & Sanborn,  Joseph  Llood,  Gale  & Gibbs,  Water  street;  J.  H.  Williams, 
Washington  Dewey,  John  M.  Bailey,  Columbus  avenue;  John  B.  Rickhart, 
Market  street. 

Upholsterers  and  Lurniture  Dealers. — Thorpe,  Norcross  & Thorpe,  J.  B. 
Mayer,  Jacob  Steitz,  Market  street;  J.  H.  Guild,  Jackson  street;  Charles  W. 
Zollinger,  W.  H.  Zurhorst,  Wayne  street. 

Jewelers. — Hiram  T.  Dewey,  William  Simpson,  Robert  Holverscheid, 
Water  street;  V.  Neesley,  Wayne  street. 

Grocers  (wholesale). — S.  S.  Hosmer,  J.  W.  Witherell  & Co.,  Porter  & Ly- 
tle, Smith  & Parsons,  Jacob  Engel,  all  on  Water  street. 

Grocers  (retail). — E.  Rosenbaum,  C.  Wigand,  R.  Hathaway,  C.  Hadley, 
H.  Aplin,  W.  A.  Simpson,  H.  P.  Radcliff,  Lamb  & Eck,  John  Irvine  & Co., 
Straub  & Lezer,  J.  Lammers,  M.  Hexter,  Water  street ; H.  Richenbach,  Car- 
roll  & Gagen,  Thomas  Laden,  Homegardner  & Vogt,  .William  Fox,  Market 
street;  Parsons  & Derr,  Nathan  Bear,  Jackson  street;  Henry  Lutz,  Washing- 
ton street;  Ricker  & Hubbard,  Ira  T.  Davis,  William  Thompson,  N.  L. 
Brown,  Robertson,  Brown  & Co.,  Columbus  avenue. 


308 


History  of  Erie  County. 


f 


Drug  Stores. — Adams  & Fay,  A.  R.  Belden,  F.  R.  Lange,  W.  G.  Brain 
& Co. 

Book  and  Stationery  Stores. — George  J.  Anderson,  William  L.  Cooke  & 
Co.,  Ruemonele  & Ruess. 

Hats  and  Caps. — C.  C.  Keech,  Austin  Ferry. 

Boots  and  Shoes. — Gray  & Son,  J.  P.  Bean,  L.  B.  Schrum,  H.  Walter,  A. 
Moos,  Joseph  Fiedler,  L Olrick,  J.  Ruprecht,  Schneider  & Bright,  E.  Otto, 
John  Lehr,  B.  Esch,  John  Brandle,  John  Kuhn,  C.  Wigand. 

Crockery  Dealers. — L.  H.  Kilbourne,  H.  P.  Merrill. 

Manufacturing,  in  its  several  branches,  seems  to  have  been  well  represented 
by  N.  G.  Olds,  D.  C.  Henderson  & Co.,  C.  J.  Messer,  G.  V.  Griffith,  the  Ful- 
ton Car  Works,  and  the  machine  and  repair  shops  connected  with  the  various 
railroad  companies.  Those  above  mentioned  were  engaged  in  the  machine 
shop  and  foundry  business. 

There  were  engaged  at  the  same  time  in  wood  working  and  lumber  enter- 
prises, J.  D.  Lea  & Co.,  Hubbard  & Pierce,  R.  B.  Hubbard,  Peter  Gilcher,  P, 
Sprague. 

No  less  than  twelve  hotels  were  doing  business  in  the  city  in  1855,  and 
this  will  be  a no  more  surprising  statement  than  the  fact  of  there  being  twenty 
resident  physicians  and  twenty-six  lawyers,  all  in  active  practice.  The  names 
of  the  former  will  be  found  in  the  chapter  devoted  to  the  medical  profession, 
while  the  latter  are  enumerated  in  that  relating  to  the  bench  and  bar.  Of 
architects,  there  were  four  ; of  dentists  two  ; painters  and  glaziers  four;  car- 
riage manufacturers  two  ; liverymen  four  ; confectioners  three  ; photographers 
three  ; soap  and  candle  makers  two,  and  other  branches  of  trade  and  manu- 
facture were  equally  well  represented. 

But  not  these  alone  made  up  the  enterprising  municipality  of  Sandusky,  for 
there  must  be  mentioned  the  other  institutions,  the  schools,  the  churches,  the 
public  buildings,  the  attractive  business  blocks  and  residences.  Then,  again, 
were  its  societies,  secret,  social,  literary  and  benevolent  ; the  fire  and  police 
departments,  and  other  necessary  adjuncts  of  a prosperous  city.  Such  was 
Sandusky  thirty-five  and  more  years  ago,  with  a population  of  less  than  seven 
thousand  persons.  That  the  city’s  growth  has  been  steady  and  healthful,  and 
not  influenced  by  the  later  day  creation,  called  “ booms,”  is  attested  by  the 
fact  that  in  i860  the  federal  census  showed  a population  of  8,000;  1870,  13,- 
000  ; 1880,  15,838,  and  at  the  present  time,  according  to  the  estimate  of  care  - 
ful observers,  the  population  cannot  vary  much  from  20,000. 

Business,  trade,  manufacture  and  commerce  were  never  so  great  as  now. 
Nothing  seems  overdone,  but  all  branches  of  industry  have  kept  even  step 
with  the  general  progress. 

The  natural  advantages  of  situation,  the  excellent  sanitary  condition,  added 
to  which  are  the  local  improvements  for  various  purposes,  all  combine  to 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


309 


make  the  city  of  Sandusky  one  of  the  most  inviting  and  desirable  localities  for 
business  and  residence  to  be  found  in  the  Buckeye  State.  It  will  not  be  nec- 
essary to  trace  here  in  chronological  order,  the  history  of  the  institutions  with 
which  the  city  is  supplied,  nor  its  trade  and  commerce,  nor  its  societies,  nor 
the  several  branches  of  its  government,  as  each  is  made  the  subject  of  special 
notice  in  this  chapter. 

Recurring  again  to  the  subject  of  the  political  history  of  the  city,  at  the 
time  of  re-districting  the  same,  and  the  creation  of  five  wards  out  of  the 
original  three,  and  the  special  meeting  for  the  election  of  additional  ward  offi- 
cers. For  all  time  of  the  life  of  the  town  and  subsequent  city,  it  was  a part  of 
the  township  of  Portland  ; and  it  so  continued  to  remain  until,  by  a proceed- 
ing of  the  common  council,  and  a proper  application  to  the  commissioners  of 
the  county,  the  whole  of  the  township  was  included  within  the  city’s  bounda- 
ries. Thereafter  Portland,  as  a sub-division  of  Erie  county,  passed  out  of  ex- 
istence; and  from  that  time  forth  its  history  was  that  of  Sandusky. 

The  truth  is,  that  Portland  never  had  much  of  a history  save  that  given  it 
by  having  contained  within  its  boundaries  the  shire  town  of  the  county.  It 
possessed  much  good  farming  land  and  a number  of  substantial  citizens,  some 
of  them  pioneers  upon  the  soil.  But  with  the  gradual  increase  in  population, 
business  and  enterprise  of  the  county  seat,  it  became  necessary  that  the  town- 
ship should  surrender  its  name  and  identity  and  become  a part  and  parcel  of 
the  municipality  of  Sandusky. 

The  proposition  for  the  annexation  was  not  readily  accepted  by  the  whole 
people  of  the  township,  many  of  whom  had  no  special  anxiety  to  be  brought 
within  the  range  of  a city  assessment  and  taxation  ; therefore  they  raised  good 
and  valid  objections  to  the  annexation,  but  without  avail  ; the  project  was  a 
necessity  ; the  commissioners  so  viewed  it  and  their  action  carried  it  into  ef- 
fect. 

The  ordinance  of  the  council  under  which  the  proceedings  were  instituted 
was  passed  on  the  l8th  of  November,  1871,  but  the  matter  was  not  fully 
consummated  until  the  following  year.  Ordinances  were  passed  and  adopted 
providing  for  the  annexation  of  the  newly  acquired  territory  to  the  several 
wards  as  they  then  existed,  without  an  increased  number,  nor  was  any  in- 
crease made  in  the  number  of  wards  until  the  adoption  of  an  ordinance  De- 
cember 15,  1884,  by  which  there  was  made  an  increase  of  five. 

During  the  year  succeeding  that  in  which  the  limits  were  extended  over 
the  whole  of  Portland  township,  there  began,  and  was  thereafter  carried  out 
and  accomplished  in  due  time,  some  of  the  most  substantial  and  worthy  local 
improvements.  Besides  the  water-works,  provision  was  made  for  a proper 
system  of  sewerage.  This  was  a substantial  reform  movement  as  well  as  an 
original  effort.  Its  necessity  was  painfully  apparent. 

Upon  this  question  we  quote  the  words  of  a leading  physician  of  San- 
40 


310 


History  of  Erie  County. 


dusky  : “ From  the  first  settlement  of  the  city  to  the  time  the  water- works 
and  sewerage  system  were  completed,  its  sanitary  condition  was,  of  course, 
very  imperfect.  This,  in  part,  was  attributable  to  the  fact  that  the  water  is 
near  the  earth’s  surface.  There  was  very  little  other  than  surface  drainage  to 
carry  rapidly  away  the  accummulated  filthy  and  stagnant  waters,  and  thus  to 
keep  the  soil  and  air  dry  and  healthful. 

The  city,  however,  had  this  natural  advantage.  Instead  of  being  flat  and 
level,  the  ground  over  much  of  its  area  has  a decided  declination  toward  the 
bay,  which,  with  its  inlets,  or  arms,  surround  the  city  largely  on  three  sides, 
and  at  the  same  time  furnishes  the  very  best  natural  fall  and  receptacle  for  all 
surface  drainings.  By  this  means  the  movements  of  the  surface  water  were,  in 
many  parts  of  the  city,  rapid. 

In  the  level  portions  of  the  city,  on  the  other  hand,  the  lack  of  proper 
drainage  bore,  as  it  always  does  in  every  thickly  populated  district,  the  inevit- 
able result — a greater  or  less  decomposition  of  animal  and  vegetable  matter 
which  influences  health  and  promotes  the  development  of  intermittent,  remit- 
tent, bilious,  typhoid  and  scarlet  fevers.  Diphtheria,  diarrhoea  and  dysentery 
also  prevailed  in  some  seasons  to  a considerable  extent. 

Then,  again,  the  rock  being  so  near  the  surface,  it  was  difficult  and  expen- 
sive to  obtain  sufficient  drainage  for  factory  refuse,  stagnant  pools,  and  to 
effectually  get  rid  of  dirty  house  waters.  In  gutters  and  low  spots  of  ground 
in  many  places,  the  gases  showed  themselves  on  the  surface  of  polluted  waters 
in  the  form  of  bubbles,  and  when  they  burst  and  showed  their  noxious  con- 
tents in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  or  under  dwellings  in  those  lower,  flat  dis- 
tricts of  the  city,  especially  after  a rainfall  in  the  summer  season,  they  would 
remain  until  evaporated,  pregnating  the  air  and  seriously  affecting  the  health 
of  the  people.  In  many  parts  of  the  city  were  superficial  and  deep  wells, 
which  were  always  suspicious  sources  of  water  supply,  and  particularly  so 
when  water  is  obtained  by  boring  in  lime  rock  till  a crevice  is  struck  in  which 
it  is  found,  for  in  such  rock  it  is  practically  impossible  to  secure  a supply  free 
from  surface  overflows  and  disease  breeding  seepage. 

During  the  terrible  cholera  scourge  of  1849,  again  in  1852,  it  was  found 
that  in  every  district  in  the  city,  and  also  in  the  outlying  villages  where  the 
disease  was  most  wide  spread  and  fatal,  the  people  were  depending  upon  wells 
cut  in  the  rock  for  their  water  supply.  Several  of  these  were  public  wells,  and 
in  the  immediate  communities  about  them  the  cholera  swept  with  the  most 
terrible  and  death-dealing  force.  One  well,  especially,  in  a thickly  populated 
part  of  the  city,  from  which  water  was  obtained  for  culinary  and  drinking  pur- 
poses by  a large  number  of  citizens,  was  noted  for  its  fatal  power,  and  the  use 
of  its  water  was  prohibited. 

These  are  but  few  of  the  many  reasons  why  it  became  absolutely  neces- 
sary that  there  should  be  inaugurated  and  carried  out  a complete  sewer  system  j 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


311 


for  the  city.  And  it  may  be  said  in  addition  to  what  is  already  stated  that  the 
mercantile  streets  and  localities  were  being  rapidly  built  up  with  large  three, 
four  and  five  story  business  blocks  and  hotels,  and  none  had  any  commendable 
sewer  connection  prior  to  the  year  1872,  except  that  extending  through  Col- 
umbus avenue  as  far  south  as  Market  street. 

On  the  3d  of  June,  of  the  year  1872,  the  council  passed  an  ordinance  to 
“establish  Central  Sewer  District  No.  l,  in  order  to  form  a plan  for  the  drain- 
age of  a small  portion  of  the  city.”  This  was  followed  by  another  ordinance  in 
May,  1873,  for  the  establishment  of  Sewer  District  No.  2 ; and  in  August  of 
the  same  year  by  the  Whiskey  Run  Sewer  District,  No.  3 ; and  in  January, 
1874,  for  the  construction  of  sewers  connecting  with  the  public  sewers;  and 
further,  in  the  year  last  named,  an  ordinance  was  passed  providing  for  the  pro- 
tection of  the  sewers  of  the  city. 

This  was  but  the  beginning,  but  thanks  to  the  enterprise  of  the  council  and 
the  people  who  were  burdened  with  the  tax  for  the  improvement,  it  was  car- 
ried forward  until  to-day  Sandusky  is  as  well  provided  with  trunk  and  lateral 
sewers  as  a means  of  preventing,  so  far  as  may  be  possible,  the  spread  of 
contagious  or  epidemic  germ  diseases.  Accompanying  the  establishment  of 
the  sewer  system  was  the  adoption  of  a city  water  works,  the  work  for  which 
was  commenced  in  the  year  1872.  The  water  is  taken  from  a crib  well  out  in 
the  bay  away  from  the  possibility  of  contact  with  sewerage  discharge.  The 
water  supply  system  of  the  city  needs  no  extended  notice  in  this  place  as  that 
is  made  the  subject  of  special  mention  elsewhere  in  this  chapter. 

These  two  great  improvements,  the  sewerage  and  water  supply  systems, 
being  accomplished,  next  came  the  paving  or  macadamizing  of  the  principal 
streets  with  mainly,  if  not  wholly,  native  stone,  and  this  last  enterprise  was 
accomplished  in  due  time,  satisfactorily  and  well.  The  performance  of  these 
expensive  improvements  was  the  longest  stride  ever  taken  by  the  city  of  San- 
dusky in  th‘e  direction  of  a complete,  metropolitan  appearance;  and  it  certainly 
was  such,  and  it  is,  furthermore,  very  doubtful  if  any  city  within  the  State  of 
Ohio,  having  no  greater  population  than  this,  can  present  to  the  attention  of 
a visitor  as  many  substantial  and  permanent  improvements  as  can  Sandusky. 
And  all  this  work  has  been  accomplished  since  the  year  1872.  Its  benefit  is 
readily  apparent;  manufacture  has  doubled,  and  the  mercantile  business  nearly 
so,  in  this  time;  and  the  city’s  population  has  increased  from  thirteen  thou- 
sand in  1870,  to  at  least  twenty  thousand  at  the  present  day.  If  this  does  not 
speak  well  for  Sandusky,  then  certainly  nothing  does.  The  attention  of  the 
reader  is  directed  to  the  department  relating  to  the  manufacturing  industries, 
later  in  this  chapter,  for  evidences  of  growth  and  the  present  well-being  of  the 
city. 

This  desirable  condition  of  things  has  not  been  brought  about  without  much 
effort,  and  it  does  seem  a fact  that  a people  are  better  able  to  appreciate  the 


312 


History  of  Erie  County. 


1 


value  of  such  work  when  accomplished  in  the  face  of  some  opposition.  For-  | 
tunately  for  Sandusky,  she  has  had  in  the  control  of  her  affairs  men  of  energy,  | i 
determination,  and  sense  ; men  who  possessed  the  firmness  to  argue  and  the 
courage  to  carry  out  a proposition  ; men  of  honesty,  integrity,  and  worth.  M 
To  these,  and  to  the  electors  and  taxpayers  for  their  generous  and  willing  sup- 
port  of  these  several  measures,  is  due  the  honor  and  credit  of  having  beauti- 
fied, adorned,  and  benefited  the  whole  city.  Of  course  the  burden  fell  upon 
the  taxpayer,  but  the  municipality  has  not  been  plunged  hopelessly  in  debt, 
and  there  hangs  over  it  now  a no  greater  burden  than  can  be  easily  borne. 
Sandusky  became  a city  of  the  second  class  under  the  provisions  of  the  law 
passed  by  the  Legislature  in  the  year  1852,  and  had  there  been  no  modification, 
amendment  or  revision  of  that  law,  it  would  now  be  ranked  with  the  cities  of 
the  first  class,  for  it  is  reasonably  certain  that  the  present  population  is  in 
excess  of  twenty  thousand  persons. 

But  the  act  was  subsequently  modified  — materially  and  radically  modified  » 
— and  not  a year  had  elapsed  before  the  Legislature  repealed  and  amended 
many  sections,  but  nothing  that  then  materially  affected  Sandusky  other  than 
the  term  of  the  office  of  mayor  was  extended  from  one  to  two  years.  The 
representatives  of  the  wards  were  called  “ trustees,”  but  when  assembled  for 
the  transaction  of  business  of  the  city  they  constituted  the  ‘‘  common  council.” 

By  the  name  of  trustees  they  were  designated  for  a number  of  years,  when, 
under  proper  authority,  they  became  in  name  as  well  as  in  fact  “ common 
councilmen,”  or  “ members  of  the  common  council.” 

Again,  it  is  found  at  certain  times  the  office  of  city  clerk  was  elective  by 
the  people,  and  again  by  the  council,  but  this  was  due  to  legislative  acts.  The 
first  occasion  upon  which  a clerk  was  elected  by  the  people  was  in  the  spring 
of  1859.  The  law  authorizing  this  passed  but  a very  short  time  before  the 
election,  and  its  provisions  were  unknown  and  unexpected  to  the  great  mass  of 
the  voters.  But  in  some  manner  an  enterprising  young  Democrat,  named 
William  Everingham,  became  cognizant  of  the  fact,  and  managed  to  secure  six 
votes  for  himself  for  the  office  of  clerk  and  thus  displaced  Mr.  Cogswell  for  a - 
single  year.  The  latter,  nevertheless,  resumed  his  old  position  in  the  succeed- 
ing year,  and  this  was  the  only  breach  in  his  long  and  faithful  term  of  service.  . 

Commencing  with  the  first  election  held  after  the  passage  of  the  act  above 
mentioned,  it  is  proposed  to  furnish  a civil  list  of  the  officers  in  the  leading* 
positions  of  the  city  government.  There  are  cases  in  which  members  have 
resigned,  and  their  successors  have  been  appointed  by  the  council,  but  these 
are  exceptional,  and  are  not  intended  to  be  generally  mentioned  ; rather,  only 
those  who  were  elected  at  the  polls,  together  with  the  leading  officers  appointed 
by  the  council  after  that  body  became  organized  for  the  conduct  of  official 
business.  It  will  be  noticed  that  many  of  the  city  officers  that  were  appointive 
prior  to  the  act  of  1852,  were,  by  that  act,  made  elective ; and  as  this  list,  from 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


31J 

year  to  year,  is  perused,  other  changes  in  the  method  of  selecting  officials  are 
made. 

CITY  OFFICERS  SINCE  1852. 

1853.  — Mayor,  Charles  Cross;  city  solicitor,  John  G.  Miller,  jun.;  city 
treasurer,  Nicholas  Buyer;  city  marshal,  James  E.  Mygatt.  Trustees,  first 
ward,  Lester  S.  Hubbard  and  David  Campbell;  second  ward,  L.  S.  Beecher 
and  Henry  H.  White;  third  ward,  Charles  Cross  and  Jacob  Hertel.  Assessors, 
first  ward,  John  A.  Wright;  second  ward,  George  A.  Wheeler;  third  ward, 
Vincent  Kerler.  Council  appointments,  David  Campbell,  president  of  council; 
Frederick  W.  Cogswell,  city  clerk ; Thomas  Hogg,  chief  engineer  fire  depart- 
ment; Hiram  A.  Lyman,  assistant  engineer.  Additional  trustees  subsequently 
elected  to  represent  divisions  or  wards  created  by  resubdivision  of  the  city. 
First  ward,  William  A.  St.  John  and  I.  H.  Robinson  ; third  ward,  L.  S.  Hub- 
bard; fifth  ward,  John  Carr  and  George  Homegardner. 

1854.  — City  treasurer,  Nicholas  J.  Buyer;  marshal,  Oliver  Rice.  Trustees, 
first  ward,  J.  H.  Guild  ; second  ward,  William  P.  Chapman  ; third  ward, 
Charles  F.  Drake;  fourth  ward,  William  G.  Melville;  fifth  ward,  John  Carr. 
Assessors,  first  ward,  William  St.  John  ; second  ward,  William  B.  Smith  ; third 
ward,  Christian  Keating;  fourth  ward,  Jonas  J.  Perry;  fifth  ward,  Jacob  Her- 
tel. Council  appointments,  chief  engineer,  Foster  M.  Follett ; Hiram  A. 
Lyman,  assistant  engineer;  Joseph  B.  Darling,  city  civil  engineer. 

1855.  — Mayor,  Charles  Cross  ; city  solicitor,  A.  C.  McLouth ; treasurer, 
Nicholas  J.  Buyer  ; marshal,  Oliver  Rice.  Trustees,  first  ward,  William  C. 
Deely  ; second  ward,  Earl  Bill ; third  Ward,  Casper  J.  Parsons  ; fourth  ward, 
Solomon  C.  Moore  (long  term),  Lawrence  Cable,  (short  term) ; fifth  ward, 
Jacob  Hertel.  Assessors,  first  ward,  John  Kreup ; second  ward,  Samuel  M. 
White;  third  ward,  Theron  Goodwin  ; fourth  ward,  Joseph  Flood;  fifth  ward, 
Patrick  Gagan.  President  of  council,  Earl  Bill ; city  clerk,  Frederick  W.  Cogs- 
well. 

1856.  — Marshal,  Andrew  Casey;  treasurer,  James  Alder.  Trustees,  first 
ward,  Obadiah  C.  McLouth ; second,  William  P.  Chapman ; third,  William 
Farwell ; fourth,  John  J.  Finch  ; fifth,  George  Lochyer.  Assessors,  first,  John 
A.  Wright;  second,  John  W.  Holland,  jr.  ; third,  Edward  Farrell;  fourth, 
William  H.  Clark,  jr.  ; fifth,  Patrick  Herr.  President  of  council,  Earl  Bill ; 
clerk,  Frederick  W.  Cogswell;  chief  engineer,  Thomas  Hogg;  assistant  engi- 
neer, Frederick  Kelsey. 

1857.  — Mayor,  George  W.  Smith;  treasurer,  George  J.  Anderson;  solic- 
itor, L.  S.  Beecher;  marshal,  Enoch  Weller.  Trustees,  first  ward,  Martin 
Clarkson  ; second,  Frederick  S.  Thorpe  ; third,  George  S.  Patterson  ; fourth, 
John  Carr;  fifth,  John  Homegardner.  Assessors,  first  ward,  William  Boer; 
second,  John  Holland  ; third,  Edward  Farrell;  fourth,  Ezra  Wells  ; fifth,  Peter 
Benn.  President  of  the  council,  George  S.  Patterson  ; clerk,  Frederick  W. 
Cogswell. 


3H 


History  of  Erie  County. 


1858.  — Marshal,  Enoch  Weller;  treasurer,  Casper  J.  Parsons.  Trustees, 
first  ward.  Rice  Harper;  second,  Henry  Canan  ; third,  John  M.  Bailey;  fourth, 
George  Ramsey;  fifth,  Vincent  Fox.  Assessors,  first  ward,  William  Boer; 
second,  Christian  Degensfield ; third,  Thomas  Larch ; fourth,  William  W. 
Cooke;  fifth,  Peter  Benn.  President  of  council,  Martin  Clarkson  ; clerk,  Fred- 
erick W.  Cogswell.  This  year  began  the  election  of  chief  engineer  by  the  fire 
department. 

1859.  — Mayor,  John  G.  Miller;  city  clerk,  William  Everingham  ; treasurer, 
Casper  J.  Parsons;  solicitor,  Abraham  H.  Stryker;  marshal,  Patrick  Herr. 
Trustees,  first  ward,  Martin  Clarkson  ; second,  John  H.  Hudson;  third,  Henry 
J.  Donahue;  fourth,  Calvin  Carr;  fifth,  John  Homegardner.  Assessors,  first 
ward,  D.  Davis;  second,  Henry  Y.  Upp;  third,  Edward  Farrell;  fourth, 
Nicholas  Buyer  ; fifth,  Peter  Benn.  President  of  council,  Martin  Clarkson. 

1860.  — City  clerk,  Frederick  W.  Cogswell;  marshal,  George  Littleton; 
treasurer,  Andrew  Zerbe.  Trustees,  first  ward,  Enoch  Wells  ; second,  John 
Mackey;  third,  James  H.  Stead;  fourth,  George  Ramsey;  fifth,  George  W. 
Barker.  Assessors,  first  ward,  David  Davis ; second,  Charles  C.  McGee ; 
third,  William  Cooke  ; fourth,  August  Seeger  ; fifth,  Peter  Benn.  President 
of  council,  John  H.  Hudson.  During  this  year  the  office  of  mayor  became 
vacant  by  the  resignation  of  John  G.  Miller,  jr.,  whereupon,  in  December, 
Rice  Harper  was  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy. 

1861.  — Mayor,  William  S.  Pierson;  clerk,  Frederick  W.  Cogswell;  treas- 
urer, John  H.  Williams;  solicitor,  Abraham  H.  Stryker;  marshal,  William  K. 
Chapman.  Trustees,  first  ward,  George  Barney  ; second,  Chauncey  C.  Bill ; 
third,  Henry  J.  Donahue ; fourth,  William  Hudson  ; fifth,  Vincent  Fox. 
Assessors,  first  ward,  David  Davis  ; second,  Charles  C.  McGee  ; third,  Wil- 
liam Cooke ; fourth,  August  Seeger ; fifth,  Phillip  Ruppert.  President  of 
council,  Henry  J.  Donahue. 

1862.  — Mayor  (to  fill  vacancy),  Obadiah  C.  McLouth  ; treasurer,  Gottlieb 

Hart;  marshal,  William  R.  Chapman  ; trustees  — first  ward,  Jabez  G.  Bigelow  ; 
second,  John  Mackey  ; third,  Adam  Bauer  ; fourth,  Farrell  Mulvey  ; fifth,  John 
Homegardner;  Assessors  — first  ward,  David  Davis;  second,  John  W.  Hol-_^^ 
land;  third,  Edward  Farrell;  fourth,  Henry  Roos ; fifth,  Phillip  Ruppert.-^ 
President  of  the  council,  John  Mackey.  .f#- 

1863.  — Mayor,  Ferdinand  Geiersdorf ; solicitor,  Obadiah  C.  McLouth;^ 

marshal,  Samuel  C.  Wheeler;  trustees  — first  ward,  James  H.  Steward  (full 
term),  Rudolph  Rummels  (short  term);  second,  Edward  Cassady ; third,  Eb- 
enezer  B.  Sadler;  fourth,  Philip  Graeffe ; fifth,  Peter  Benn.  Assessors  — first 
ward,  James  S.  Rice  ; second,  John  W.  Walters  ; third,  Edward  Farrell ; fourth, 
August  Seeger  ; fifth,  Phillip  Ruppert ; president  of  council,  John  Mackey  ; 
clerk,  Frederick  W.  Cogswell.  " 

1864.  — Marshal,  Samuel  C.  Wheeler;  trustees  — first  ward,  Rudolph  Rum-"^ 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


315 


f — 

mels ; second,  John  Mackey;  third,  James  W.  Cooke;  fourth,  George  Dan- 
iels ; fifth,  Vincent  Fox  ; assessors — first  ward,  James  S.  Rice  ; second,  John 
W.  Walters;  third,  Thomas  J.  Drake;  fourth,  Philip  Weil  ; fifth,  Philip  Rup- 
I pert;  president  of  council,  John  Mackey;  clerk,  Frederick  W.  Cogswell, 
r 1865. — Mayor,  Ferdinand  Geiersdorf ; solicitor,  Elisha  M.  Colver;  marshal, 

I Samuel  Currie  ; trustees — first  ward,  William  G.  Land  (long  term),  Timothy 
t Ingle  (short  term)  ; second,  William  P.  Chapman  ; third,  Peter  Gilcher  (long 
i term),  Jared  Keyes  (short  term) ; fourth,  T.  W.  Torrey  ; fifth,  Charles  Cross  ; 
I assessors — first  ward,  John  A.  Wright ; second,  L.  C.  Loomis  ; third,  Edward 
' Farrell;  fourth,  Daniel  Rohrbacher;  fifth,  Philip  Rupert;  president  of  coun- 
. cil,  John  Mackey  ; clerk,  Frederick  W.  Cogswell. 

1 1866. — Marshal,  Frank  L.  Myers;  trustees  — first  ward,  Timothy  Ingle  ; 

I second,  Charles  N.  Ryan  ; third,  Jacob  Maul  ; fourth,  George  Daniels  ; fifth, 
William  Hoch ; assessors — first  ward,  Henry  Reutsch  ; second,  L.  C.  Loomis; 
third,  Edward  Farrell  ; fourth,  August  Seeger  ; fifth,  Philip  Ruppert ; presi- 
dent of  council,  John  Mackey  ; clerk,  Frederick  W.  Cogswell. 

1867.  — Mayor,  Ferdinand  Geiersdorf ; solicitor,  Elisha  M.  Colver  ; marshal,. 
Thomas  Muldowrey  ; trustees — first  ward,  Christian  E.  Schaflle;  second,  Wm. 
B.  Hudson;  third,  Gottlieb  Hart;  fourth,  William  H.  Wilson;  fifth,  Jacob  Her- 
tel;  assessors — first  ward,  George  Waterfield;  second,  William  B.  Smith;  third,. 
Edward  Earrell;  fourth,  August  Seeger;  fifth,  Philip  Ruppert.  Zenas  W. 
Barker,  justice  of  the  peace,  was  appointed  mayor  pro  tern.,  to  act  only  in  case 
of  absence  or  disability  of  the  regular  officer.  President  of  the  council,  George 
Daniels  ; clerk,  Charles  Cross. 

1868.  — Marshal,  Thomas  Muldowrey;  trustees  — first  ward,  Ira  F.  Davis; 

I second,  John  H.  Williams;  third,  Adam  Bauer;  fourth,  George  Daniel;  fifth, 
Jacob  Ulmer;  assessors  — first  ward,  Henry  Reutch  ; second,  William  B.  Smith; 
third,  Edward  Farrell  ; fourth,  August  Seeger;  fifth,  Charles  Betzler ; presi- 
I dent  of  council,  George  Daniel  ; clerk,  Charles  Cross. 

1869. — Mayor,  Philander  Gregg;  marshal,  Thomas  Muldowrey;  clerk, 

: Charles  Cross  ; city  civil  engineer,  George  Morton  ; solicitor,  Sebastian  F.  Tay- 

\ lor  ; street  commissioner,  Nicholas  Buyer  ; trustees  — first  ward,  Elisha  M. 
Colver;  second,  Frank  E.  Foster;  third,  Clark  Cewter ; fourth,  William  H. 
Wilson;  fifth,  John  Homegardner;  assessors  — first  ward,  John  M.  Ernst;, 
second,  Gottlieb  Stroebel;  third,  Edward  Farrell;  fourth,  August  Seeger;  fifth, 
Charles  Betzler  ; president,  of  council,  George  Daniel  ; clerk,  Charles  Cross. 

1870. — City  solicitor,  Horatio  Wildman  ; treasurer,  Andrew  W.  Prout,  jr. ; 

I chief  engineer,  John  H.  Williams  ; trustees  — first  ward,  Ira  F.  Davis  ; second, 

I James  D.  Chamberlin  ; third,  S.  W.  Dorsey  (long  term),  Christian  Keating 
(shortterm)  ; fourth,  George  Daniel  (longterm),  Bernard  Tierney  (short  term) ; 
fifth,  Jacob  Ulmer;  assessors  — first  ward,  John  C.  Ernst;  second,  John  W. 
Walter;  third,  Edward  Earrell ; fourth,  August  Seeger ; fifth,  Philip  Ruppert ;. 
; president  of  council.  Prank  E.  Poster;  clerk,  Charles  Cross. 


3i6 


History  of  Erie  County. 


1871.  — Mayor,  George  Daniel;  marshal,  H.  G.  Robinson;  chief  engineer, 
David  Myers  ; solicitor,  Horatio  Wildman  ; city  commissioner,  Nicholas  Buyer; 
•councilmen  — first  ward,  I.  B.  Massey;  second,  Frank  E.  Foster;  third,  Gott- 
lieb Hart  (long  term),  John  R.  Miner,  (short  term)  ; fourth,  W.  J.  Haverly ; 
fifth,  John  Homegardner;  assessors  — first  ward,  E.  B.  Schafer;  second,  L.  C. 
Loomis;  third,  Edward  Farrell;  fourth,  August  Seeger  ; fifth,  Phillip  Ruppert; 
president  of  the  council.  Dr.  I.  B.  Massey  ; clerk,  Charles  Cross. 

1872.  — Councilmen  — first  ward,  Elmer  Atwood  ; second,  Charles  V.  Olds; 
third,  Ebenezer  B.  Sadler  ; fourth,  N.  H.  Moore,  George  Whitney  (short  term) ; 
fifth,  Jacob  Ulmer;  assessors — first  ward,  E.  B.  Schafer;  second,  L.  C.  Loomis; 
third,  Edward  Farrell;  fourth,  August  Seeger;  fifth,  Philip  Ruppert;  chief 
engineer,  Richard  C.  Cuthbert ; civil  engineer,  George  Morton  ; president  of 
council.  Dr.  I.  B.  Massey  ; clerk,  Charles  Cross. 

1873  — Mayor,  George  Daniel;  marshal,  William  Berrigan ; solicitor  Ho- 
ratio Wildman;  city  commissioner,  Lee  Chambers  ; justices  of  the  peace,  Ze- 
nas  W.  Barker,  Gottlieb  Stroebel  and  Thomas  Drake  ; councilmen  — first  ward, 
A.  H.  Barber;  second,  Frank  E.  Foster;  third,  William  H.  Wilson,  William 
Zimmerman  (short  term) ; fourth,  Patrick  Quinn;  fifth,  John  Homegardner; 
assessors — first  ward,  E.  B.  Schafer  ; second,  Clifton  Hadley;  third,  Edward 
Farrell;  fourth,  August  Seeger;  fifth,  Philip  Rupert;  president  of  council, 
William  H.  Wilson. 

1874. — Councilmen — first  ward,  Jacob  A.  Barker;  second,  B.  F.  Ferris; 
third,  William  Zimmerman  ; fourth,  Constantine  Zipfle  ; fifth,  Henry  Zim- 
merman ; assessors — first  ward,  E.  B.  Schafer;  second,  Clifton  Hadley;  third, 
Edward  Farrell;  fourth,  August  Seeger;  fifth,  Philip  Ruppert;  constables, 
Henry  Eichler  and  Charles  Bang  ; president  of  council,  William  H.  Wilson  ; 
clerk,  Charles  Cross.  At  the  polls,  also  during  this  year  were  elected  cemetery 
trustees  and  a board  of  education.  The  former  were  E.  Alvord  and  Christian 
C.  Keech  for  long  term,  Adam  Stoll  and  Neil  H.  Moore,  for  short  term.  Board 
of  education,  H.  J.  Donahue,  George  J.  Anderson  and  Winsen  Fox,  for  two 
years,  Isaiah  B.  Massey,  James  D.  Lea  and  William  Hudson  for  one  year. 

1875  — Mayor,  George  Daniel;  marshal,  William  Berrigan  ; solicitor,  Ho- 
ratio Wildman  ; street  commissioner,  Nicholas  Buyer;  cemetery  trustee,  John 
J.  Finch  ; trustees  of  water  works,  James  D.  Lea  for  three  years,  C.  C.  Keech 
for  two  years,  and  Peter  Gilcher  for  one  year.  Councilmen  — first  ward,  Lewis 
F.  Taubert , second,  John  C.  Zillinger  ; third,  W.  Scott  Sanford  ; fourth,  Pat- 
rick Quinn  ; fifth,  John  Homegardner;  assessors  — first  ward,  E.  B.  Schafer; 
second,  Clifton  Hadley;  third,  Edward  Farrell;  fourth,  August  Seeger;  fifth, 
Henry  Mall;  president  of  council,  Jacob  A.  Barker;  clerk,  Wm.  W.  Wltherell. 

1876. — Councilmen  — first  ward,  W.  T.  West;  second.  Perry  G.  Walker; 
third,  Henry  Jordon;  fourth,  Philip  Graeffe;  fifth,  Christian  Miller ; assessors 
— first  ward,  E.  B.  Schafer;  second,  Gottlieb  Schleichrum;  third,  Edward  Far- 
rell; fourth,  August  Seeger ; fifth,  Henry  Moll ; president  of  council,  John  C. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


317 


Zollinger ; clerk,  William  W.  Witherell.  Mayor’s  appointments  : Edwin  Graves, 
civil  engineer;  A.  Y.  Stoll,  chief  of  fire  department;  James  Farrell,  assistant 
fire  engineer  ; Andrew  Brown,  captain  of  police. 

1877.  — Mayor,  William  H.  Wilson;  marshal,  William  Berrigan  ; solicitor, 
Horatio  Wildman  ; street  commissioner,  Jacob  Schwab;  cemetery  trustee,  M. 
F.  Cowdry  ; trustee  of  water  works,  C-  C.  Keech  ; chief  engineer,  J.  B.  Kae- 
ferle ; councilmen  — first  ward,  A.  Motry  ; second,  John  C.  Zollinger;  third, 
Charles  Keyes;  fourth,  R.  Schenck ; fifth,  John  Homegardner ; assessors  — 
first  ward,  J.  J.  Kepley;  second,  G.  Schleichrum;  third,  Edward  Farrell;  fourth, 
August  Seeger;  fifth,  Philip  Ruppert ; president  of  council,  John  C.  Zollinger; 
clerk,  William  W.  Witherell. 

1878.  — Councilmen  — first  ward,  Dr.  Elwood  Stanley;  second.  Perry  G. 
Walker;  third,  Fyman  A.  Spencer;  fourth,  W.  B.  H.  Hunt;  fifth,  James  Flynn  ; 
assessors  — first  ward,  Joseph  J.  Kepley  ; second,  Gottlieb  Schleichrum;  third, 
Edward  Farrell ; fourth,  John  Augst ; fifth,  Philip  Ruppert ; president  of  coun- 
cil, John  C.  Zollinger  ; clerk  of  council,  William  W.  Witherell. 

1879.  — Mayor,  Rush  R.  Sloane  ; marshal,  John  Gleason;  solicitor,  John 
T.  Beecher;  city  commissioner,  F.  A.  Fyman;  councilmen — first  ward,  Henry 
Dehul  (long  term),  Elwood  Stanley  (short  term) ; second,  Simon  Schacht ; 
third,  John  Krupp  ; fourth,  John  Quinn;  fifth,  Charles  Cross;  assessors  — 
first  ward,  James  B.  Sanderson;  second,  Gottlieb  Schleichrum;  third,  Sylves- 
ter Brengartner ; fourth,  August  Seeger;  fifth,  Philip  Deitrich  ; president  of 
council,  Charles  Cross  ; clerk,  William  W.  Witherell. 

1880.  — Councilmen  — first  ward,  F.  W.  Alvord  ; second.  Perry  G.  Walker  ; 
third,  Lyman  A.  Spencer  ; fourth,  William  B.  H.  Hunt ; fifth,  James  Flynn  ; 
assessors- — first  ward,  James  B.  Sanderson;  second,  Gottlieb  Schleichrum; 
third,  Sylvester  Brengartner;  fourth,  Nicholas  Buyer;  fifth,  Philip  Deitrich; 
president  of  council.  Perry  G.  Walker;  clerk,  William  W.  Witherell.  This  year 
the  people  voted  to  build  a city  hall  and  prison. 

1881.  — Mayor,  William  B.  H.  Hunt;  marshal,  John  Gleason;  solicitor, 
Walter  W.  Bowen  ; street  commissioner,  Charles  Schoeffle  ; councilmen — first 
ward,  Henry  Deuhl;  second,  Edmund  B.  King;  third,  Byron  Gager;  fourth, 
Samuel  Irvine  ; fifth,  Frank  Stang  ; assessors  — first  ward,  George  J.  Roegre  ; 
second,  Gottlieb  Schleichrum  ; third,  .Sylvester  Brengartner;  fourth,  J.  M.  Dei- 
bold  ; fifth,  Philip  Deitrick ; * president  of  council.  Perry  G.  Walker ; clerk, 
William  W.  Witherell. 

1882.  — Councilmen  — first  ward,  Samuel  C.  Wheeler;  second,  August 
Kuntzman ; third,  William  Zimmerman;  fourth,  Robert  Haylor ; fifth,  John 
B.  Kafferly  ; assessors — first  ward,  George  J.  Koegle  ; second,  F.  Dahm  ; 
third,  Sylvester  Brengartner  ; fourth,  John  M.  Deibold  ; fifth,  Philip  Dietrich  ; 
president  of  council,  Edmund  B.  King  ; clerk,  William  W.  Witherell. 

1883.  — Mayor,  James  F.  De  Witt;  marshal,  Andrew  Bowen;  solicitor, 
Walter  W.  Bowen;  street  commissioner,  Charles  Schoeffle;  councilmen — first 

ii 


3i8 


History  OF  Erie  County. 


ward,  John  H.  Smith  ; second,  Edmund  B.  King  ; third,  Thomas  N.  Sloane  ; 
fourth,  Patrick  Glancy  ; fifth,  Charles  Wildenthaler ; assessors — first  ward, 
George  J.  Koegle  ; second,  Jacob  Schnell  ; third,  Sylvester  Brengartner ; 
fourth,  John  M.  Deibold  ; fifth,  Charles  Reider;  president  of  council,  Thomas 
N.  Sloane ; clerk,  William  W.  Witherell. 

1884.  — Councilmen — first  ward,  H.  H.  Knight  ; second,  Daniel  Kunz  (long 
term),  Paul  Miller  (short  term);  third,  G.  Hart;  fourth,  Albert  Bernmoser ; 
fifth,  J.  B.  Kafferle  ; assessors — first  ward,  Lewis  Metzgar  ; second,  G.  Schlei- 
cher; third,  Sylvester  Brengartner;  fourth,  F.  Heberlein;  fifth,  Charles  Kessler; 
president  of  council,  Thomas  N.  Sloane;  clerk,  William  W.  Witherell. 

1885.  — Mayor,  James  L.  De  Witt;  marshal,  Andrew  Bowen;  solicitor, 
George  C.  Beis ; street  commissioner,  George  J.  Koegle;  councilmen — first 
ward,  Thomas  L.  McEwen  ; second,  George  B.  Hodgman ; third,  John  R. 
Lea ; fourth,  Patrick  Glancy  ; fifth,  Charles  Wildenthaler ; sixth,  Michael 
Hommel  ; seventh,  George  Gosser  and  Chris.  Berner ; eighth,  William  C. 
Smith  and  Adam  Bauer;  ninth,  John  H.  Biehl  and  J.  F.  McCrystal  ; tenth, 
James  R.  Davies  and  Barney  Callan  ; assessors — first  ward,  John  Metzgar; 
second,  J.  D.  Chamberlain  ; third,  S.  Brengartner  ; fourth,  F.  Haberlein  ; fifth, 
Charles  Kessler;  sixth,  John  Diehr,  seventh,  George  A.  Free;  eighth,  Lewis 
Abele  ; ninth,  G.  Schleichrum  ; tenth,  Lewis  Metzgar ; president  of  council,  J 
B.  Kafferle  ; clerk,  Albert  W.  Miller. 

1886.  — Councilmen — first  ward,  H.  B.  Breining;  second,  Daniel  Kunz; 
third,  M.  Fischer  ; fourth,  M.  M.  Doyle ; fifth,  J.  B.  Kafferle ; sixth,  A.  G. 
O’Donnell;  seventh,  Jacob  Schmid;  eighth,  Henry  Graefe ; ninth,  John 
Strickland  ; tenth,  Christian  Zimmerman  ; assessors — first  ward,  Lewis  Metz- 
gar ; second,  C.  Hadley;  third,  S.  Brengartner;  fourth,  F.  Haberlein;  fifth, 
Charles  Kessler;  sixth,  John  Diehr;  seventh,  George  A.  Free;  eighth,  J.  B. 
Keyes;  ninth,  G Schleichrum;  tenth,  William  Clark;  president  of  council,  John 
B Kafferle  ; clerk,  Albert  W.  Miller. 

1887.  — Mayor,  William  B.  H.  Hunt;  marshal,  Andrew  Bowen;  city 
isolicitor,  George  C.  Beis  ; street  commissioner,  George  J.  Koegle. 

COUNCILMEN.  ASSESSORS. 

First  ward John  Waterfield Lewis  Metzgar. 


Second 

Third 

Fourth 

Fifth 

Sixth 

Seventh 

Eighth 

Ninth 

Tenth 


.Carl  Meilsen C.  Hastings. 

.George  D.  Lewin S.  Brengartner. 

.Frank  Link Frank  Haberlein. 

.Philip  Burkle John  Gruelch. 

.Michael  Hommel John  Diehr. 

.John  De  Witt George  A.  PTee. 

.Adam  Moos C.  Roade. 

( Charles  Wellmes  and  ) 

\ William  Dedidius.  ) 

.Charles  Weschke William  Clark. 


.John  G.  Abele. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


319 


To  the  councilmen  above  named  may  be  added  those  elected  in  1886,  and 
all  constitute  the  present  Common  Council  of  the  city. 

The  justices  of  the  peace  at  the  present  time  are  Jacob  Schnell,  Philip  Diet- 
rich  and  Thomas  McKenna;  cemetery  trustees,  W.  G.  Hastings,  John  G. 
Strobel  and  Lewis  Duennisch  ; constables,  John  Diehr  and  Charles  Kessler; 
chief  of  police,  appointed  by  mayor,  John  Langanberger  ; chief  of  fire  depart- 
ment, appointed  by  mayor,  Daniel  Myers  ; assistant  engineer,  John  Unckrich  ; 
city  member  of  board  of  infirmary  directors,  Albert  W.  Miller. 

THE  CITY  OF  SANDUSKY  — ITS  PRESENT. 

As  now  constituted  Sandusky  belongs  to  the  third  grade  of  the  second  class 
of  the  cities  of  the  State,  having  shown  at  the  last  federal  census  a population 
of  less  than  twenty  thousand  inhabitants.  This  is  provided  by  the  laws  of  the 
State.  Prior  to  the  year  1869  it  was  known  as  “ Sandusky  City,”  and  was  of 
the  second  class  at  that  time. 

By  an  act  of  the  Legislature  passed  the  7th  of  May,  1869,  it  was  provided 
that  “all  municipal  corporations,  now  organized  and  established,  including 
special  road  districts,  and  all  municipal  corporations  organized  under  the  pro- 
visions of  this  act,  shall  be  and  they  are  hereby  declared  to  be  bodies  politic 
and  corporate,  under  the  name  and  style  of  the  city  of ; the  incor- 
porated village  of ; the  village  of ,”  etc.  By  this  act  it 

became  necessary  to  somewhat  modify  the  style  of  this  municipality  from  that 
by  which  it  had  up  to  that  time  been  designated  ; that  is,  Sandusky  City. 
And  in  order  to  conform  to  the  law  so  passed,  the  “city”  was  dropped 
from  its  place  ; thenceforth  the  name  was  changed  to  “ the  city  of  Sandusky.” 

It  is  proposed  to  devote  the  remaining  pages  of  this  chapter  to  a descrip- 
tive record  of  the  various  institutions  and  enterprises  of  the  city  of  Sandusky, 
municipal,  federal,  public  and  private  Not  that  it  is  sought  in  recording  pri- 
vate or  individual  interests  to  have  this  work  appear  to  be,  in  any  manner,  a 
directory,  but  rather  to  place  upon  record  the  various  institutions  and  enter- 
prises that  have  been  established  in  the  past,  and  that  have  endured  to  the 
present,  with  a hope  and  prospect  for  future  usefulness.  Such  is  the  purpose 
of  the  following  pages. 

The  Market  Places. — This  is,  perhaps,  the  most  appropriate  manner  of 
designating  these  two  localities,  for  should  they  be  called  “The  Markets,”  the 
presumption  would  at  once  arise  that  the  city  was  possessed  of  such  places 
wherein  was  transacted  business  incident  to  market  places  in  general,  but  such 
seems  not  now  to  be  the  case  ; that  is,  so  far  as  this  city  is  concerned. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  the  proprietors,  Wildman,  Mills  and  Hoadley, 
in  their  plat  of  the  city  made  in  the  year  1818,  mentioned  two  separate  par- 
cels which  they  dedicated  to  the  prospective  city  in  the  words  following  : “The 
two  open  spaces  on  Market  street,  marked  BB,  are  appropriated  as  and  for 


320 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Public  Market  grounds,  and  forever  to  remain  for  that  purpose  and  for  no 
other.” 

In  due  course  of  time  the  city,  or,  as  it  then  was,  town,  became  sufficiently 
large  to  warrant  the  erection  of  buildings  for  the  purpose  indicated  in  the  ded- 
ication. The  first  record  mention  of  official  action  in  this  direction  by  the 
authorities  of  the  town  was  made  in  the  year  1835,  and  thereafter  the 
buildings  were  erected  by  citizens  of  the  town.  They  were  frame  structures, 
one  story  in  height,  with  a projecting  roof,  and  in  dimensions  about  thirty  by 
fifty  feet.  Each  lot  was  provided  with  a market  house,  and  it  was  not  until  a 
few  years  ago  that  they  were  removed.  A solitary  hay-scale  now  marks  the 
spot  where  for  many  years  stood  what  was  known  as  the  East  Market ; while 
on  the  other  site  stands  a substantial  stone  building,  erected  within  the  last 
few  years  and  for  the  express  purpose  of  a “ market  house  ” ; but  a later 
idea  seems  inclined  to  make  the  building  useful  for  an  additional  purpose,  not- 
withstanding the  emphatic  and  clear  language  of  the  dedication.  The  propo- 
sition to  utilize  this  site  for  a city  hall  went  before  the  people  for  determina- 
tion some  few  years  ago  but  it  was  defeated  overwhelmingly. 

A subsequent  council,  however,  submitted  to  the  people  a proposition  to 
erect  a market  house  on  the  lot,  and  that  was  carried.  As  was  provided,  this 
was  to  be  a one-story  stone  building,  forty  by  two  hundred  feet  in  size;  but 
after  the  work  had  progressed  somewhat,  the  council  determined  to  add  a sec- 
ond story,  which  was  done  at  an  additional  cost  of  about  four  thousand  dollars, 
the  original  contract  price  being  ten  thousand  dollars.  Only  the  lower  floor 
is  fitted  for  occupancy.  The  news  in  some  manner  got  afloat  that  the  upper 
story  was  to  be  arranged  with  apartments  for  city  officials.  The  question  then 
arose  whether  such  an  occupancy  would  not  work  a forfeiture  of  the  land  and 
building,  and  the  matter  finally  reached  the  court,  where  a construction  was 
put  upon  the  dedication,  and  it  was  held  that  such  a use  of  the  building  would 
not  subject  the  city  to  a forfeiture  of  the  land.  So  the  matter  now  stands  and 
arrangements  are  making  for  the  occupation  of  the  upper  portion  of  the  build- 
ing for  city  officers. 

The  Fire  Department. — It  was  back  as  early  as  the  year  1830,  and  at  a 
time  that  the  town  of  Sandusky  had  a population  of  less  than  five  hundred 
persons,  and  when  there  were  not  even  seventy  buildings  within  its  limits, 
that  measures  were  taken  to  provide  for  security  against  loss  by  fire.  At  a 
meeting  of  the  town  council,  held  in  the  latter  part  of  Eebruary  of  that  year,.^ 
an  ordinance  was  adopted  providing  for  the  organization  and  discipline  of  reg-  . 
ular  fire  companies,  as  understood  at  that  day,  whose  experience  and  knowl-  | 
edge  in  the  proper  course  and  conduct  to  be  pursued  in  case  of  fire,  “will.-., 
render  their  assistance  highly  important  and  useful.” 

Eor  the  proper  organization  of  this  primitive  fire  brigade  the  town  was 
divided  into  two  wards,  to  be  known  as  numbers  one  and  two,  being  separated 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


321 


by  Columbus  avenue.  The  mayor  was  authorized  to  and  did  comply  with 
the  ordinance  of  the  council  by  appointing  Henry  H.  Wilcoxsen  as  chief  fire- 
man ; James  Hollister  as  fire  warden  number  one  of  ward  number  one  ; Will- 
iam Kelley  as  fire  warden  number  two  of  ward  number  one  ; Erastus  Gregg 
as  fire  warden  number  one  of  ward  number  two  ; and  Ezra  Wells  as  fire  war- 
den number  two  of  ward  number  two  ; Isaac  Carling  and  Moors  Earwell  as 
the  committee  of  safety  of  ward  number  one,  and  William  Leonard  and  Thomas 
Chesnut  as  committee  of  safety  of  ward  number  two.  Also  Cyrus  W.  Marsh 
as  captain  of  the  fire  company  of  ward  one,  and  Elias  Hand  as  captain  of  the 
fire  company  in  ward  two.  Josiah  W.  Hollister  was  appointed  first  engineer, 
and  Amos  L.  Patterson  as  second  engineer  in  ward  one,  while  John  Chesnut 
and  John  Mumford  were  to  perform  the  same  duties  respectively  in  ward 
number  two. 

A further  provision  was  made  that  men  be  enlisted  for  each  company  ; and 
that  each  man  should  provide  himself  with  one  substantial  bucket,  and  in  case 
of  fire  to  appear  “ equipt  ” with  his  bucket.  This  was  the  original  fire  and 
bucket  brigade  of  the  town  of  Sandusky,  and  from  the  number  of  men  ap- 
pointed to  positions  of  rank  therein,  it  would  seem  that  every  man  in  the  place 
was  in  some  manner  connected  with  the  department.  One  bucket  and  one 
hook  was  afterward  provided  for  each  company,  and  to  be  paid  for  out  of  the 
funds  of  the  town.  From  this  outlay  it  is  not  surprising  that  Sandusky  has  a 
large  bonded  indebtedness. 

During  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1834  the  subject  of  the  purchase  of  a 
more  approved  and  suitable  means  of  fighting  fire  was  under  discussion,  but 
it  was  not  until  February  of  the  following  year  that  the  desire  was  consum- 
mated. The  council  then  appointed  Thomas  T.  White  and  John  Wheeler  a 
select  committee  to  make  the  purchase.  They  entered  into  negotiations  with 
James  Smith,  of  New  York  city,  and  that  person  offered  to  sell  the  town  a 
hand  engine  of  such  pattern  as  was  then  in  use  in  his  city  for  the  sum  of  seven 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  The  finances  of  the  town  were  then  in  a somewhat 
reduced  condition,  and  voluntary  subscriptions  by  the  citizens  of  the  town 
were  received,  and  this,  with  the  funds  in  the  treasury,  was  used  and  the  pur- 
chase made.  This  engine  was  named  Ogontz,  and  the  company  that  manned 
it  was  called  Ogontz  Fire  Company  No.  i. 

In  1839,  with  the  growth  of  the  town  it  was  thought  desirable  to  make 
some  further  provision  for  this  branch  of  municipal  service  ; so  the  council,  on 
the  7th  of  February,  passed  an  ordinance  providing  for  more  efficient  means 
of  safety  and  security  of  the  citizens  against  fire,  and  elected  officers  for 
the  department  as  follows:  Foster  M.  Follett,  chief  engineer;  Ebenezer  B. 
Sadler,  assistant  engineer ; and  William  W.  Witherell,  William  B.  Smith, 
Page  M.  Ring,  A.  H.  Barber,  Abner  Root  and  Isaiah  W.  Hollister  as  fire 
wardens. 


322 


History  of  Erie  County. 


In  the  year  1848  there  was  organized  a new  company  which  was  provided 
by  the  council  to  contain  not  less  than  forty,  nor  more  than  sixty  men,  to  be 
designated  as  “ Buckeye  Company,  Number  2 ” and  for  this  company  was  pur- 
chased the  engine  that  was  named  “ Buckeye.”  Not  long  after  this  a hook 
and  ladder  company  was  organized.  In  1853  Hornet  Compan}^  Number  3, 
was  formed.  , 

Thus  well  equipped  and  organized  for  business  the  city  seemed  well  pro- 
vided against  a severe  fire  loss.  To  make  the  old  hand  engines  available  wells 
were  dug  in  various  parts  of  the  city  from  which  water  was  to  be  taken.  In 
1858  the  officers  of  the  department  were  F.  C.  Ford,  chief  engineer;  Enoch 
Weller,  first  assistant;  Charles  Ruemmelle,  second  assistant.  In  1859  Foster 
M.  Follett  was  chief,  Casper  J.  Parsons,  first  assistant  and  William  Cook,  sec- 
ond assistant.  In  i860  Enoch  Weller  was  chief,  Casper  J.  Parsons,  first  and 
William  Cook  second  assistant  engineer. 

But  the  time  came  when  the  old  hand  engines,  like  all  other  ancient  contriv- 
ances, must  give  place  to  more  modern  inventions.  In  1865  the  council,  as- 
sisted by  the  contributions  of  citizens,  made  a purchase  of  a steam  engine  of  the 
Amoskeag  manufacture.  This  is  still  in  use  in  the  city  although  it  has  fre- 
quently undergone  repairs.  Three  years  later  a Silsby  engine  was  purchased, 
and  again  in  1869,  another  of  the  same  pattern.  With  this  improved  appara- 
tus and  the  purchase  of  a hook  and  ladder  truck,  it  became  necessary  to  re- 
organize the  whole  department,  and  the  council  wisely  concluded  to  make  it  a 
paid  department.  By  their  ordinance,  passed  May  27,  1872,  it  was  provided 
that  each  engineer  should  receive  sixty  dollars  per  month,  the  firemen  or  as- 
sistant fifty  dollars,  each  teamster  fifty  dollars,  and  each  minute-man  ten  dol- 
lars per  month.  Richard  C.  Cuthbert  was  elected  chief  engineer. 

This  ordinance,  with  some  subsequent  amendments,  remained  in  force  and 
by  it  the  department  was  governed  until  the  ordinance  as  passed  and  amended 
in  1884,  came  into  effect.  This  provided  that  the  fire  department  “shall  con- 
sist of  three  hose  companies  and  one  hook  and  ladder  company.  Each  of  said 
hose  companies  shall  be  composed  of  six  men,  and  said  hook  and  ladder  com- 
pany shall  be  composed  of  seven  men.  One  of  said  men  in  each  hose  company 
shall  be  know  as  plugman,  one  as  teamster  and  the  other  four  as  minute  men. 
One  of  the  men  of  said  hook  and  ladder  company  shall  be  known  as  captain, 
one  a teamster  and  the  other  five  as  minute  men.  The  hose  carts  and  hook  and 
ladder  trucks  shall  have  one  hose  each.”  The  compensation  provided  to  be  paid 
under  this  ordinance  was:  Each  plugman,  forty- five  dollars  per  month;  each 
teamster,  forty-five  dollars  per  month  ; each  minute  man,  ten  dollars  per  month. 

The  present  officers  are  Daniel  Myers,  chief  engineer  ; John  Unckrich,  as- 
sistant ; Christian  Zimmerman,  chairman  of  fire  company.  The  apparatus  is 
located  as  follows:  Engine  House  No.  i,  foot  of  Hancock  street;  Frank  Cassady, 
plugman ; A.  Windisch,  driver.  Engine  House  No.  2,  corner  Market  and 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


323 


Lawrence  streets;  Frank  S.  Erney,  engineer;  Thomas  Aliurray,  driver.  En- 
gine House  No.  3,  corner  of  Elm  and  Monroe  streets;  Adam  E.  Hartung, 
plugman  ; Charles  Spaith,  driver.  Germania  Hook  and  Ladder  Company,  No. 
I,  corner  of  Market  and  Lawrence  streets  ; August  Widemann,  foreman  ; 
Daniel  Sprau,  driver. 

It  may  properly  be  stated  in  this  connection  that  since  the  construction  of 
the  present  system  of  city  water  works  the  steam  engines  of  the  fire  depart- 
ment have  become  practically  useless,  but  they  are  held  in  reserve  for  an\^ 
emergency  that  may  arise,  in  case  of  fire  occurring  out  of  reach  from  the  water 
mains.  In  the  thickly  populated  portions  of  the  city  the  mains  are  of  sufficient 
size  and  the  pressure  upon  them  so  great  that  water  can  be  thrown  over  the 
top  of  the  highest  buildings,  thus  is  rendered  unnecessary  the  pressure  of  the 
steamers  at  fires. 

The  Police  Department. — This  department  of  the  local  government  was  or- 
ganized almost  as  soon  as  the  town  was  created,  although  under  a name  and 
style  somewhat  different  from  that  which  entitles  this  sketch.  It  is  found  that 
in  the  year  1825  Lemuel  Robinson  was  appointed  town  marshal,  and  in  him 
was  invested  the  police  authority  of  the  place.  But  as  the  population  of  the 
town  increased  it  was  found  necessary  to  enlarge  this  department.  In  the  year 
1854  the  council  adopted  an  ordinance  in  pursuance  of  the  act  of  the  Legisla- 
ture passed  May  3,  1852,  and  relating  to  incorporated  villages,  by  which  the 
powers  and  duties  of  the  marshal  were  defined  and  further  providing  for  the 
appointment  of  deputies  of  the  marshal  to  such  number  as  would  ensure  pro- 
tection against  law  breakers. 

Under  this  protection  the  city  lived  until  the  ordinance  of  1870,  by  which 
the  department  was  reorganized,  and  provision  made  for  policemen  and  night 
watchmen.  Erom  1825  until  1870  the  following  named  persons  acted  as  mar- 
shals of  Sandusky ; 1825-26,  Lemuels  Robinson;  1 827-28,  Charles  F.  Drake  ; 
1829-30,  Augustus  Cooke;  1830-31-32—33,  Elijah  E.  Clemons;  i834to  1841 
inclusive,  Roswell  J.  Jennings;  1842,  Charles  E.  Drake;  1843-44,  George  W. 

Smith;  1845,  Alonzo  Wade,  Francis  W.  Pomeroy  ; 1846, ; 1847—48, 

William  Benschoter;  1849,  William  Spaulding;  1850—51—52,  Oliver  Rice; 
1853,  (elected)  James  E.  Mygatt ; 1854-55,  Oliver  Rice;  1856,  Andrew  Casey; 
i857~58,  Enoch  Weller;  1859,  Patrick  Herr ; i860,  George  Littleton;  1861-62, 
William  R.  Chapman;  1863-64,  Samuel  C.  Wheeler ; 1865,  Samuel  Currie; 
1866,  Frank  L.  Myers  ; 1867-68-69,  Thomas  Aluldowrey. 

The  ordinance  of  1870  provided  for  the  appointment  by  the  mayor,  by  and 
with  the  advice  and  consent  of  the  city  council,  of  one  chief  watchman,  and  one 
person  from  each  ward  to  perform  the  duties  of  policeman  and  night  watchman, 
each  to  hold  office  for  one  year.  The  same  ordinance  also  provided  for  the  like 
appointment  of  five  persons  from  each  ward  as  a reserved  watch,  subject  to 
duty  if  called  upon  by  resolution  of  the  council. 


324 


History  of  Erie  County. 


But  this  ordinance  by  no  means  abolished  the  office  of  marshal,  but  contin- 
ued the  same  as  established  by  the  ordinance  of  1854,  and  modified  by  that  of 
1871,  which  latter  law  materially  abridged  his  powers  and  duties. 

Under  the  provisions  of  the  ordinance  adopted  on  the  2d  of  February,  1880, 
and  amended  June  6,  1882,  the  department  of  police  was  organized  as  it  at  the 
present  time  substantially  exists.  By  the  terms  of  this  local  enactment  it  was 
provided  that  there  shall  be  nominated  in  writing  by  the  mayor  of  said  city,  at 
the  first  meeting  of  the  new  council  in  each  and  every  year,  for  their  approval, 
twelve  persons  as  policemen  and  night  watchmen,  who  shall  hold  such  position 
for  the  term  of  one  year,  unless  sooner  removed  for  cause,  etc.  Also  that  one 
of  the  persons  so  nominated  shall  be  designated  as  captain.  A further  section 
also  provides  for  the  compensation  to  be  paid  the  captain  and  policemen. 

The  present  force  of  police  of  the  city  consists  of  one  marshal,  a captain  of 
police  and  eleven  patrolmen.  The  council  committee  on  police  is  composed  of 
Carl  Nielson,  Charles  Wellmus  and  George  D.  Lewin;  marshal,  Andrew  Bow- 
en; captain  of  police,  John  C.  Langenberger. 

The  headquarters  of  this  arm  of  the  city  government  is  at  the  mayor’s  office 
on  Columbus  avenue,  the  chief  executive  officer  of  the  city  having  magisterial 
power  for  the  trial  of  offenders  against  the  ordinances  of  the  municipality.  The 
patrolmen  meet  in  an  old  and  dilapidated  building  on  Water  street,  that  was 
formerly  used  for  housing  fire  apparatus.  Here,  to,  is  the  city  lockup  in  w'hich 
petty  offenders  are  temporarily  confined. 

The  City  Water  Works. — The  accomplishment  of  this  vast  undertaking  wfith 
its  attendant  expense,  was  the  most  important  of  the  city’s  achievements,  and 
was  brought  about  by  the  public-spiritedness  and  generosity  of  its  citizens.  It 
was  not  the  result  of  an  extravagant  idea  hastily  carried  to  an  end,  but  rather 
the  result  of  mature  reflection  and  deliberation.  There  has  been  no  half  way 
work  in  the  whole  enterprise  from  beginning  to  end,  and  the  effect  is  clear ; 
Sandusky  is  abundantly  supplied  with  pure  and  wholesome  water,  and  to  an 
amount  sufficient  to  meet  the  future  growth  of  the  place  for  many  years.  The 
plan  was  well  discussed  and  arranged,  so  that  when  once  under  way  nothing 
was  required  to  be  done  a second  time. 

For  many  years  prior  to  the  establishment  of  the  city  water  works  system 
its  necessity  was  seriously  apparent  to  the  people,  and  the  city  council  as  early 
as  the  year  1853  discussed  the  subject  of  constructing  both  water  and  gas 
works,  but  for  a variety  of  reasons  no  steps  were  taken  in  the  matter  beyond 
agitating  the  question,  and  the  real  burden  of  the  work  fell  upon  the  people  of 
twenty  years  later. 

In  the  year  1875,  by  an  ordinance  passed  the  i ith  of  January,  the  question 
was  submitted  to  the  electors  of  the  city  for  them  to  determine  whether  the  wa- 
ter works  should  be  established  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  the  city  with  wa- 
ter, to  increase  its  manufacturing  facilities,  to  aid  in  the  extinguishment  of  fires 
and  prevent  the  destruction  of  property. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


325 


The  election  was  held  on  the  15th  day  of  February,  1875,  and  at  the  polls 
it  was  determined  by  a fair  majority  to  make  the  improvement  contemplated. 
It  will  be  observed  that  the  question  was  submitted  to  the  electors  of  the  city, 
and  not  restricted  to  tax-payers.  Had  the  latter  course  been  pursued  the  meas- 
ure would  have  been  defeated  by  a wider  majority  than  that  by  which  it  was 
carried,  for  the  proposition  to  bond  the  city  to  the  extent  of  three  hundred  and 
seventy-five  thousand  dollars,  at  a rate  of  eight  per  cent,  annual  interest,  was 
calculated  to  strike  terror  to  the  hearts  of  the  most  liberal  of  tax-payers,  there- 
fore a majority  of  them  voted  against  the  measure,  but  it  was  carried  by  the 
votes  of  enthusiastic  non-tax  paying  electors. 

By  a further  ordinance  passed  March  8,  1875.  it  was  provided  “That  water 
works  are  hereby  ordered  to  be  constructed  in  the  city  of  Sandusky,  the  water 
for  which  shall  be  supplied  from  the  Sandusky  Bay,  in  accordance  with  the 
plans  of  J.  D.  Cooke,  civil  engineer,  made  to  the  council,  or  a modification  of 
such  plans  as  to  reservoirs,  unless  a better  quality  of  water  can  be  procured 
from  the  lake  or  other  source  of  supply  at  a cost  not  exceeding  the  estimate 
made  by  said  J.  D.  Cooke  in  said  report,”  and  further,  that  “a  board  of  trust 
ees  is  hereby  established  consisting  of  three  members  to  be  known  as  trustees 
of  the  water  works,  who  shall  have  all  the  power,  and  perform  the  necessary 
duties  prescribed  by  the  municipal  code  and  the  amendments  thereto,”  etc. 

At  the  annual  city  election  held  on  the  first  Monday  in  April,  1875,  there 
were  elected  trustees  of  the  water  works:  James  D.  Lea,  for  the  term  of  time 
years;  C.  C.  Keech,  for  the  term  of  two  years,  and  Peter  Gilcher  for  the  term 
•of  one  year.  This  board  of  trustees  met  and  organized  on  the  first  of  May  fol- 
lowing: James  D.  Lea  being  made  president,  and  D.  M.  Arndt,  secretary.  J. 
D.  Cooke  was  appointed  chief,  and  Erwin  Graves  assistant  engineer. 

“From  the  3d  day  of  May  until  the  27th  day  of  May  sealed  proposals  were 
solicited  to  furnish  two  thousand  six  hundred  and  sixty- three  tons  of  cast-iron 
water-pipes  and  special  castings.”  Sixteen  bids  were  received  for  this  work 
from  various  sources,  and  the  contract  was  awarded  to  H.  R.  Smith  & Co.,  of 
Columbus,  for  the  sum  of  thirty-seven  dollars  and  eighty-three  cents  per  ton 
for  the  cast-iron  pipes,  and  fifty-five  dollars  per  ton  for  the  special  castings  ” 

For  the  work  of  trench-digging  and  pipe-laying  Hochstader  and  Hartman, 
of  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y.,  were  the  lowest  bidders,  and  the  contract  was  awarded 
to  them  at  the  following  prices:  For  digging  trenches  and  laying  twenty-inch 
pipe,  $1.80  per  lineal  foot;  for  sixteen-inch  pipe,  $i.6o;  for  twelve-inch  pipe, 
$1.18  ; for  eight-inch  pipe,  eighty-five  cents  ; for  six-inch  pipe,  sixty-three 
cents  per  lineal  foot. 

“On  the  3d  of  June  the  trustees,  in  company  with  the  chief  engineer,  started 
on  a tour  to  inspect  the  practical  workings  of  pumping  machinery,  fire  h}’- 
drants,  etc.,  with  a view  of  adopting  the  most  efficient  and  economical  plan.  On 
their  return  the  trustees  reported  to  the  council  that  they  visited  the  water 
42 


326 


History  of  Erie  County. 


works  of  Erie,  Buffalo,  Rochester,  Poughkeepsie,  Brooklyn,  New  York,  Boston, 
Lynn,  Salem,  Lowell,  Cambridge,  Jersey  City,  Newark,  Rahway,  Philadelphia, 
Pittsburg,  Cleveland  and  Toledo,  and  that  after  due  deliberation,  they  were 
unanimously  in  favor  of  the  Stand-pipe  system. 

“ Having  determined  upon  the  general  plan  of  the  works,  and  having 
selected  a site  for  the  erection  of  the  stand-pipe,  engine  house,  bay  crib  and 
influent  pipe,  sealed  proposals  were  asked  from  contractors  (opened  Septem- 
ber 20)  to  furnish  the  labor  and  materials  to  complete  the  above  as  per  speci- 
cations.”  The  contract  for  the  construction  of  the  stand-pipe,  for  the  sum  of 
$46,297,  and  for  the  erection  of  the  engine  and  boiler  house  for  the  sum  of 
$9,690  were  awarded  to  John  Carr,  of  this  city. 

The  contract  for  furnishing  materials  and  laying  the  influent  pipe  was 
awarded  to  Neil  H.  Moore,  of  Sandusky,  for  the  sum  of  $19,790. 

The  pumping  machinery  was  furnished  by  H.  R.  Worthington,  of  New 
York,  at  the  contract  price  of  $32,500. 

Statement  showing  the  cost  of  the  Sandusky  water  works  and  the  several 
accounts  charged  therewith;  also  the  amount  paid  out  during  the  year  1878. 


Water  Pipes  and  Branches, 

Pipe  Laying 

Stand-pipe, 

Engine,  Boilers  and  Appurtenances 

Influent  Pipe  and  Conduit, 

Bay  Crib 

Pump  Well, 

Hydrants 

Gates  and  Valves, 

Engine  House 

Dwelling  House  for  Engineer, 

Smoke  Stack, 

T raveling  and  telegraphing  expens’s 

Implements  and  Tools 

Office  and  Engine  House  Furniture, 

including  Iron  Safe 

Filling  and  Ornamenting  Engine 

House  Grounds, 

Office  Expenses,  Stationery,  Adver- 
tising and  Printing, 

Sundries  and  Incidentals,  and  anal- 
ysis of  Water 

Ferrules,  Stops,  Boxes  and  Service 

connections 

Officers’  Salaries 

Engineering,  Superintendence  and 
Inspection 

Total  amount  paid  out 

Deduct  for  Construction,  and  Ma- 
terials sold  at  sundry  times 

Net  cost  of  the  Works, 


Amount  paid  prior 

Amount  paid  in 

Amount  paid  in 

to  December  30, 

(876. 

the  year  1877. 

the  year  1878. 

$ 106,827  27 

$ 1,530  95 

$ 98  86 

88,202  30 

3,248  58 

43  68 

20,981  87 

26,046  20 

1,079  98 

5.543  47 

27.137  15 

19,819  62 

12  50 

3,753  03 

1,462  28 

2 65 

9.135  15 

579  50 

7,660  12 

398  09 

‘3  50 

II, HI  54 

2,056  91 

5'3  50 

757  62 

2,081  45 

10  00 

610  04 

8 61 

704  87 

172  23 

34  02 

477  20 

69  63 

769  62 

1,177  71 

1,061  16 

1,136  i6’ 

178  62 

12  40 

580  68 

288  03 

2,034  65 

5,099  76 

1,255  70 

3.733  99 

525  00 

7.016  45 

500  00 

1301,740  46 

$ 69,555  26 

$ 4.356  92 

289  69 

194  77 

94  25 

Total  Cost. 


$108,457  o8. 
91,494  56 
48,108  05 
32,680  62 
19,832  12 

3.753  03' 

1,464  93 
9.714  65 
8,071  71 
13,168  45 
1,271  12 
2,091  45 
618  65 
91 1 12 

546  83. 

3.008  49 

1,326  82 

868  71 

8,390  1 1 
4.258  99- 

7.516  45 
$375,652  64 
587  71 


$375,064  93, 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


327 


The  city’s  water  supply  is  taken  from  a crib  in  the  bay  located  some  eight- 
een hundred  feet  from  the  stand-pipe  and  station.  The  crib  has  an  outside 
diameter  of  forty  feet,  and  on  the  inside  of  twenty-five  feet,  the  space  between 
being  filled  with  broken  stone.  From  the  crib  a wrought  iron  pipe,  three  feet 
in  diameter,  and  one-fourth  of  an  inch  in  thickness,  extends  to  the  pumping 
well.  From  the  well  the  water  is  pumped  directly  into  a metallic  stand-pipe, 
one  hundred  and  eighty  feet  high,  and  twenty-five  feet  in  diameter,  and  from 
here  it  flows  gradually  into  the  street  mains.  Inside  the  main  stand-pipe  is  an 
auxiliary  stand-pipe,  three  feet  in  diameter  and  reaching  to  a height  of  two 
hundred  and  twenty-five  feet.  Than  this  there  does  not  exist  in  this  country 
a more  complete  and  desirable  water  works  system  ; and  in  justice  to  all  con- 
nected with  its  construction,  in  every  branch,  it  may  truthfully  be  said  that 
the  work  was  faithfully  and  honestly  performed,  in  which  there  appears  no 
material  defects  due  to  careless  performance  after  a service  of  ten  years. 

The  City  s Cemeteries. — The  first  ground  within  the  limits  of  the  city  as 
now  constituted,  that  was  used  for  burial  purposes,  was  located  in  rear  of  the 
Second  National  Bank,  on  Columbus  avenue,  and  not  far  distant  from  the  spot 
on  which  stood  the  cabin  of  Ogontz,  the  recognized  Indian  chief  and  ruler  of 
the  place.  Tradition  says,  we  have  no  record,  that  this  was  used  as  late  as  the 
year  1810,  at  which  time  the  redoubtable  John  Garrison  first  appeared  in  the 
locality  with  his  stock  of  goods  for  Indian  trade  and  barter.  But  this  place 
was  not  by  any  means  used  by  the  white  residents  after  they  became  resi- 
dents of  the  locality.  A small  lot  is  said  to  have  been  set  apart  as  a burial 
ground  near  the  foot  of  Shelby  street  as  early  as  1817.  However  this  may 
have  been  there  appears  no  record  of  its  existence,  and  it  was  closed,  so  it  is 
also  said,  in  the  year  1820. 

The  first  action  of  the  town  council  looking  to  the  establishment  of  a burial 
place  was  taken  in  the  year  1830,  upon  the  presentation  of  a petition  of  citi- 
zens of  the  town  praying  that  a suitable  “ burying  ground  ” be  selected. 

For  this  purpose  the  council  authorized  councilmen  Root  and  Tuttle  to 
make  a purchase  of  a parcel  of  land  containing  between  two  and  three  acres 
on  the  southeast  corner  of  lot  number  forty-nine  in  Portland  township.  This 
the  committee  did,  at  the  cost  of  one  hundred  dollars;  and  here  the  first  regu- 
lar burying  ground  of  which  definite  knowledge  is  to  be  had  was  laid  out. 

In  the  year  1849  a committee  of  the  council  consisting  of  F.  T.  Barney, 
John  M.  Brown  and  Foster  M.  Follett  was  appointed  to  again  select  a location 
for  a larger  and  more  appropriate  cemetery  tract ; and  in  1850  another  com- 
mittee, consisting  of  councilman  Solomon  C.  Moore,  was  appointed  for  the 
selection  and  purchase  of  a tract  of  land  for  the  purpose  of  a cemetery  and  city 
poor  farm.  The  negotiations  of  this  committe  resulted  in  contracting  for  a 
tract  in  Perkins  township,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-six  acres  in  extent, 
with  Jane  S Williams,  at  the  agreed  price  of  four  thousand  seven  hundred 

'.'4} 


328 


History  of  Erie  County. 


and  one  dollars  and  ninety  cents.  It  was  on  this  tract  that  the  beautiful  Oak- 
land Cemetery  was  laid  out.  The  project  of  erecting  a poor  house  for  the  city 
seems  to  have  failed,  and  the  city  sold  such  part  of  the  land  as  was  not  re- 
quired for  the  purpose  of  a cemetery.  The  portion  retained  comprises  be- 
t veen  fifty  and  sixty  acres,  and  only  a portion  of  it  is  as  yet  laid  out. 

The  Oakland  Cemetery  is  well  adapted  for  burial  purposes,  the  grounds 
being  laid  out  in  exceedingly  good  taste.  A large  and  convenient  superin- 
tendent’s residence  is  built  upon  the  tract.  Although  not  within  the  city 
limits  Oakland  Cemetery  is  one  of  the  institutions  of  the  city,  and  owned  by 
it.  Its  management  and  control  is  vested  in  a board  of  cemetery  trustees,  a 
body  created  by  an  ordinance  of  the  common  council  of  the  city,  and,  at 
present,  is  comprised  of  the  following  persons  : W.  G.  Hastings,  John  G. 
Strobel  and  Louis  Duennisch. 

In  addition  to  the  institutions  and  properties  owned  and  controlled  by  the 
city,  it  also  possesses  a tract  of  land  on  Market  street,  just  west  of  Columbus 
avenue.  This  parcel  has  a frontage  on  Market  street  of  four  rods  and  extends 
back  a distance  of  ten  rods.  The  land  was  acquired  for  the  purpose  of  city 
buildings  and  offices,  but  as  yet  no  move  has  been  made  looking  to  the  erec- 
tion of  a building  for  that  use. 

Likewise  the  city  exei'cises  control  over  the  parks,  Washington  and  those 
situate  on  the  Huron  and  Miami  avenues,  which  were  provided  by  the  pro- 
prietors in  their  platting  and  laying  out  of  the  town  in  i8i8.  The  immediate 
control,  however,  of  these  parks  is  vested  in  a board  of  park  commissioners, 
which  board  was  created  by  an  ordinance  of  the  common  council  passed  Au- 
gust 29,  1879,  and  supplemented  by  further  provisions  adopted  January  19, 
1880. 

The  City's  Bonded  Indebtedness. — These  several  institutions  of  the  city,  and 
the  many  local  improvements  made  during  the  last  eighteen  years,  while  they 
h ive  been  a source  of  burden  upon  the  taxpayers,  have,  nevertheless,  been  of 
the  greatest  benefit  to  the  people  and  have  given  Sandusky  an  enviable  posi- 
tion among  the  municipalities  of  the  State.  Every  citizen  has  received  a 
benefit  from  them  and  the  taxpayers  are  paying  for  them  ; but,  fortunately 
perhaps,  the  area  of  the  city  is  so  great  that  the  severity  of  taxation  is  much 
relaxed  through  the  wide  scope  of  assessable  property. 

From  the  year  1871  to  the  year  1888  the  annual  statement  of  the  bonded 
indebtedness  of  the  city  has  shown  as  follows:  1871,  $17,500;  1872,  $18,- 

500;  1873,  $22,500  ; 1874, ; 1875,  $33,000  ; 1876,  $316,000;  1877, 

$448,500;  1878,  $458,500;  1879,  $465,900;  1880,  $453,600  ; 1881,  $401,- 
600;  1882,  $413,400 ; 1883,  $505,600;  1884,  $583,400;  1885,  $575,500 ; 
1886,  $537,500;  1887,  $520,500. 

This  statement  includes  bonds  issued  for  all  purposes,  whether  municipal 
or  for  the  encouragement  and  assistance  of  corporate  enterprises  outside  the 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


329 


government.  For  instance  : The  statement  for  the  year  1882  shows  an  in- 
crease of  more  than  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  over  that  of  the  previous 
year.  This  increase  was  in  part  occasioned  by  the  bonding  to  assist  a railroad 
enterprise. 

The  County's  City  Property. — The  county’s  interest  in  the  property  within 
the  city  limits  is  comprehended  by  the  magnificent  court-house  and  the  attrac- 
tive appearing  and  substantial  jail  building,  both  of  which  were  erected  during 
the  years  in  which  the  city’s  greatest  improvements  were  being  made.  The  old 
court-house,  while  it  was  a well  built  structure,  and  served  the  purposes  of  the 
county  for  many  years,  was  by  no  means  an  ornament  to  the  city  from  an 
architectural  point  of  view,  and  while  ornamentation  appears  not  to  have  been 
a factor  in  the  old  building  the  new  more  than  compensates  for  the  former 
lack  of  attractiveness. 

The  subject  relating  to  the  erection  of  the  several  county  buildings  within 
the  city  of  Sandusky,  as  the  county  seat,  having  already  been  fully  discussed,^ 
nothing  beyond  a mere  mention  of  the  fact  is  necessary  in  this  connection  ; but 
among  the  proceedings  that  led  to  the  establishment  not  only  of  that  seat  of 
justice,  but  to  the  creation  of  a new  county,  which  was  named  Erie,  there 
appears  one  interesting  feature  not  before  mentioned. 

As  is  well  known,  the  proposition  to  divide  Huron  county  and  to  establish 
Erie  county  met  with  much  opposition  from  residents  of  the  former,  and  espe- 
cially from  those  in  the  vicinity  of  Norwalk.  Of  course  the  people  of  this 
locality  were  almost  a unit  in  favoring  the  project,  and  to  get,  if  possible,  a 
majority  of  the  whole  people  interested  in  the  division,  it  became  necessary  for 
the  advocates  of  the  new  county  to  resort  to  a little  strategem.  The  people 
of  Norwalk  and  vicinity  became  somewhat  alarmed  lest,  should  the  new  county 
be  formed,  their  county  seat  would  be  removed  to  a point  further  south  and 
nearer  the  geographical  center  of  that  county’s  territory  as  it  would  exist. 
Such  a change,  of  course,  would  be  pleasing  to  the  people  in  the  south  part  of 
Huron,  and,  in  order  to  accomplish  their  main  purpose  (having  the  new  county 
set  off)  the  strategic  sons  of  this  town  sent  a “ missionary”  to  labor  among  the 
southern  residents  of  Huron  county,  representing  to  them  that  a change  in  the 
location  of  their  county  seat  would  greatly  benefit  them.  This  in  a measure 
succeeded,  and  by  it  the  new  county  project  found  many  warm  supporters  in 
the  remote  parts  of  Huron.  The  representative  of  Sandusky  in  this  laudable 
effort  was  Colonel  John  N.  Sloane,  who  went  among  the  southern  people  armed 
with  the  following  document  proclaiming  his  authority : 

“ To  whom  it  may  concern  : This  may  certify  that  Colonel  John  N.  Sloane 
is  authorized  in  behalf  of  the  citizens  of  this  town  to  confer  with  the  people  in 
the  south  and  west  parts  of  the  county  of  Huron  on  the  proposition  of  attending 
the  proposed  convention  at  Norwalk,  on  the  12th  instant,  and  to  make  arrange- 
ments for  a full  and  punctual  attendance.  Sandusky,  September  5th,  1835. 


330 


History  of  Erie  County. 


(Signed)  Moors  Farwell,  Abner  Root,  Oran  Follett,  James  N.  Davidson,  Charles 
F.  Drake,  Ebenezer  B.  Sadler,  M.  L.  Babcock,  John  Beatty,  John  Weeden, 
James  Hollister,  Zenas  W.  Barker,  William  Neil.” 

The  advocates  for  the  new  county  erection  eventually  succeeded  in  their 
part  of  the  undertaking,  and  in  the  year  1838  Erie  county  was  formed,  but  the 
expected  results  hoped  for  by  the  people  in  the  south  and  west  parts  of  Huron 
county  were  not  so  fully  realized  as  Norwalk  continued  to  be  the  county  seat, 
notwithstanding  its  location  in  the  extreme  northern  portion  of  that  county. 
After  the  county  was  set  off  Colonel  Sloane  ceased  his  missionary  labors,  and 
he  and  his  advisory  council  soon  lost  interest  in  the  welfare  of  that  people,  at 
least  so  far  as  the  removal  of  the  county  seat  of  Huron  county  was  con- 
cerned. 

The  Fish  Hatchery. — In  the  eastern  part  of  the  city,  on  the  same  lot  on 
which  stands  the  City  Water  Works  buildings,  is  the  State  Fish  Hatchery. 
This  institution  was  established  in  Sandusky  as  the  most  available  location  for 
the  purpose  of  propogating  fish  from  spawn,  or  eggs,  taken  from  captured 
fish. 

The  number  of  fish  produced  here  is  simply  incalculable,  there  being  in  the 
hatchery  building  no  less  than  four  hundred  and  twenty  jars,  each  containing 
about  one  gallon  of  eggs.  From  this  production  it  is  estimated  that  the  em- 
ployees of  the  State  in  this  enterprise  place  in  the  lake,  annually,  from  thirty 
to  forty  millions  of  young  white  fish  and  pickerel.  The  hatchery  was  built  in 
this  city  some  seven  or  eight  years  ago,  upon  which  a similar  institution  at 
Toledo  was  abandoned.  This  is  the  only  hatchery  now  in  the  State,  and  is 
under  the  superintendence  of  James  Douglass. 

The  Ohio  Soldiers'  and  Sailors'  Home. — Although  the  buildings  of  the  Sol- 
diers’ and  Sailor’  Home  are  not  within  the  limits  of  the  city  proper,  but  in  Per- 
kins township,  still  the  institution  is  regarded  and  looked  upon,  and  in  fact  is, 
a part  and  parcel  of  the  city’s  work ; for  its  establishment  at  this  point  was 
made  possible  only  through  the  magnanimity  and  generosity  and  public  spirit- 
edness of  the  people  of  the  city.  The  city  will  derive  benefits  from  this  insti- 
tution in  a hundred  different  ways. 

Provision  was  made  for  the  establishment  of  a Soldiers’  and  Sailors’  Home 
by  an  act  of  the  Legislature  of  1885-86,  under  which  act  a board  of  trustees 
was  appointed  as  follows:  R.  B.  Brown,  of  Zanesville  ; Durbin  Ward,  since 
deceased,  and  the  vacancy  filled  by  the  appointment  of  Thomas  B.  Paxton,  of  ; 

Cincinnati ; W.  P.  Orr,  of ; T.  T.  Dill,  of  Mansfield,  and  Isaac  F. 

Mack,  of  Sandusky.  The  board  was  organized  on  the  3d  of  June,  1886,  by 
the  election  of  Isaac  F.  Mack  as  president,  and  R.  B.  Brown  as  secretary. 

Subsequently,  and  on  the  ist  of  July,  the  board  met,  after  due  notice  given, 
at  Sandusky,  at  which  time  propositions  from  towns  and  cities  desiring  to  offer 
sites  for  the  Home  were  duly  considered,  and  thereafter,  and  between  the  12th 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


331 


and  31st  of  July,  the  board  visited  Newark,  Mount  Vernon,  Canton,  Wooster, 
Perrysburg,  Kenton,  Springfield,  South  Charleston,  Yellow  Springs,  Spring- 
boro,  McArthur,  Zanesville,  and  Piqua,  and  on  the  31st,  at  Dayton,  decided  to 
locate  the  home  at  or  near  the  city  of  Sandusky,  provided  the  terms  offered  by 
the  people  of  that  city  were  satisfactorily  guaranteed.  These  terms  were : A 
clear  title  to  the  State  of  the  ninety-acre  tract  of  land,  the  building  of  a sewer 
from  it  to  the  Augustine  inlet,  an  arm  of  Lake  Erie,  the  extension  of  an  eight- 
inch  water  main  from  the  city  to  the  grounds,  the  extension  of  the  gas  main 
and  the  electric  light  lines,  the  extension  of  street  car  lines,  and  the  extension 
of  a side  track  from  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad  to  the  grounds.  The 
citizens  of  Sandusky  performed  each  and  every  of  the  acts  they  had  pledged 
themselves  to  do.  At  their  expense  a main  sewer  was  built  six  thousand  and 
seventy- five  feet  in  length,  extending  from  the  grounds  of  the  Home  to  an 
inlet  of  Lake  Erie  ; an  eight-inch  water  main  was  extended,  without  expense 
to  the  State,  to  the  grounds  ; the  right  of  way  from  the  main  line  of  the  Balti- 
more and  Ohio  Railroad  was  donated  by  the  citizens  to  the  State,  and  cost 
$1,650;  the  railroad  company  promptly  extended  a branch  road  over  this 
right  of  way,  one  mile  in  length,  and  reaching  the  boiler-house  on  the  grounds  ; 
at  the  expense  of  the  county  the  two  highways  leading  from  the  city  to  the 
site  of  the  Home,  have  been  widened  to  ninety-nine  feet,  and  substantially 
rebuilt,  and  the  street  railway  company  are  extending  their  line  of  track  over 
the  same. 

The  Home  buildings  are  now  in  course  of  erection.  They  are  of  stone  with 
brick  partitions.  The  plan,  in  substance,  calls  for  a main,  or  administration 
building,  a general  dining-room  and  kitchen,  laundry,  chapel,  hospital,  power- 
house, and  cottage  dormitories  for  about  fifty  men  each. 

Regarding  the  capacity  and  cost  of  the  Home,  the  trustees  report  of 
December,  1887,  says:  “When  the  plans  already  approved  have  been  carried 
out  the  Home  will  accomodate  six  hundred  inmates  and  the  employees,  and  the 
cost  will  be,  on  the  basis  of  present  contracts,  about  three  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  dollars.  To  increase  its  capacity  thereafter  for  additional  inmates 
will  call  for  about  twelve  thousand  dollars  for  each  fifty  inmates,  or  about 
ninety-five  thousand  dollars  for  four  hundred  additional  inmates,  making  a 
total  of  one  thousand,  or  double  that  for  eight  hundred  additional  inmates,  a 
total  of  from  $500,000  to  $540,000  for  fourteen  hundred  inmates.  This  esti- 
mate includes  cottages  for  fourteen  hundred,  the  administration  building, 
domestic  building,  boiler-house,  laundry  and  bath-houses,  chapel,  hospital, 
stables,  workshop,  and  such  other  buildings  as  the  board  regards  necessary  to 
a complete  institution.’’ 

The  expense  of  furnishing  the  Home  is  not  included  in  the  above,  but  it  is 
confidently  believed  the  entire  cost  of  buildings  and  furnishing  sufficient  for  the 
accommodation  of  fourteen  hundred  inmates  will  cost  not  to  exceed  the  sum 
of  seven  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars. 


332 


History  of  Erie  County. 


The  work  of  construction  is  under  the  immediate  supervision  of  H.  C 
Lindsay,  of  Zanesville,  as  architect,  and  Charles  C.  Barnett,  of  Piqua,  as 
■clerk  of  the  works.  Herman  Haerlin,  of  Cincinnati,  is  the  landscape  gar- 
dener, and  Colonel  Thomas  T.  Dill  has  charge  of  the  improvement  of  the 
grounds. 

T/^e  Custom  House  and  Post-office. — The  establishment  of  a custom  house 
at  this  point  was  by  no  means  the  result  of  accident,  but  rather  through  the 
earnest  efforts  of  Colonel  James  Kilbourne.  By  the  act  of  1805  Sandusky  Bay 
was  declared  to  be  a port  of  entry,  and  was  included  in  the  district  of  Miami, 
but  by  the  act  of  1812  was  changed  to  Sandusky.  At  this  time  the  seat  of  the 
district  was  located  at  Danbury,  on  the  peninsula,  and  it  was  through  the 
influence  of  Colonel  Kilbourne  that  the  seat  was,  in  1821,  moved  to  Sandusky, 
then  a little  struggling  town  in  the  factional  township  of  Portland. 

In  this  connection  it  is  proper  to  state  that  to  the  labors  of  Colonel  Kil- 
bourne was  due  not  only  the  establishment  of  the  port  here,  but  several  other 
prominent  acts  of  great  importance  at  that  time. 

Somewhere  about  the  year  1815  James  Kilbourne  was  in  the  employ  of  the 
Worthington  Manufacturing  Company,  of  Worthington,  near  Cincinnath  .This 
company  desired  to  find  a northern  outlet  for  their  goods,  and  sent  Kilbourne 
to  survey  a route  to  the  lake,  or  at  least  to  look  up  the  most  favorable  route  for 
the  opening  of  a road  to  the  lake.  This  being  the  point  where  the  waters  ex- 
tended farthest  south,  he  naturally  concluded  that  it  would  afford  the  best  out- 
let; but  on  reaching  the  place  found  no  white  residents,  only  Indians.  He  in- 
quired for  their  chief  and  was  directed  to  the  cabin  of  Ogontz.  The  latter  in- 
formed Kilbourne  in  answer  to  a query,  that  the  land  hereabouts  was  owned  by 
a man  in  Connecticut.  The  Colonel  then  returned  to  Worthington,  and  sub- 
sequently went  to  Connecticut,  where  he  found  the  owner,  Zalmon  Wildman, 
and  found,  furthermore,  that  he  and  Isaac  Mills  were  engaged  in  a dispute  re- 
garding the  ownership  of  the  lands  which  they  were  unable  to  amicably  settle. 
Kilbourne  represented  to  them  the  folly  of  their  course,  and  said  if  they  would 
come  to  an  agreement,  and  lay  out  a town  on  the  site,  that  he,  Kilbourne,  would, 
get  a turnpike  established  from  the  lake  running  south  to  the  Ohio  River;  that 
he  would  get,  through  influence  at  Washington,  the  customs  port  removed  to 
the  place,  a post-office  established,  and,  as  his  compensation,  would  take  an  in- 
terest in  the  town  lands.  The  proposition  was  agreed  to,  the  dispute  was  set- 
tled, the  town  laid  out,  Kilbourne  making  the  survey,  the  turnpike  company 
was  formed  and  the  road  built,  the  customs  port  was  changed  to  this  point,  and 
the  post-office  established  here,  all  just  as  was  promised.  Kilbourne  eventually 
got  his  land  but  not  until  a number  of  years  after  his  part  of  the  agreement  had 
been  fulfilled.  The  post-office  was  established  here  in  1820,  with  Hector  Kil- 
bourne, son  of  James  Kilbourne,  as  postmaster.  From  that  until  the  present 
time  the  incumbents  of  the  office  have  been  as  follows:  Hector  Kilbourne, 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


333 


Francis  D.  Parish,  Erastus  Cooke,  D.  Caswell,  E.  Brink,  W.  B.  Smith,  D. 
Powers,  J.  M.  Brown,  T.  C.  McEwen,  Ebenezer  B.  Sadler,  A.  C.  Van 
Tine,  John  M.  Boalt,  Charles  M.  Keyes,  and  the  present  incumbent,  George 
Daniel. 

In  the  year  1854  the  government  purchased  a tract  of  land  at  the  south- 
west corner  of  Columbus  avenue  and  Market  street,  for  the  sum  of  eleven  thou- 
sand dollars.  On  this  lot  during  the  years  1856  and  1857  was  erected  a sub- 
stantial three- story  stone  building,  costing  about  $65,000,  thenceforth  to  be 
used  as  a custom-house  and  post-office  and  revenue  office.  The  building  was 
erected  by  John  Carr,  a contracting  builder  of  Sandusky. 

The  custom  business  at  the  Port  of  Sandusky  during  the  last  thirty  years 
shows  a large  excess  of  exports  over  imports.  An  effort  was  made  to  have  pre- 
pared from  the  collector’s  books  a statement  showing  the  gross  amount  of  both 
exports  and  imports  annually,  since  the  establishment  of  a port  at  that  place,, 
but  this  information  could  not  be  acquired  through  the  local  offices.  Recourse, 
therefore,  was  had  to  the  treasury  department  at  Washington  ; but  it  appears 
that  the  accounts  of  collectors  of  customs  were  not  rendered  to  the  Washington 
office  by  districts  prior  to  1856,  and  further,  that  during  the  years  1862-63 
and  1864  the  transactions  of  the  custom  district  of  Sandusky  were  not 
separately  stated,  but  were  included  in  “Cuyahoga  and  Lake  Ports  of  Ohio’' 
reports. 

Through  the  courtesy  of  the  officers  in  charge  of  the  Bureau  of  Statistics 
at  Washington,  we  are  enabled  to  furnish  a statement  of  the  gross  amount  of 
exports  and  imports  from  1856  to  1887  inclusive,  excepting  for  the  years  1862, 
1863  and  1864,  before  mentioned. 

Statement  showing  the  exports  of  domestic,  and  the  imports  of  foreign  mer- 
chandise, from  and  into  the  custom  district  of  Sandusky,  O.,  during  the  years 
ending  June  30,  1856  to  1887  inclusive. 


Years  Ending  June  30. 

Exports. 

Imports. 

Years  Ending  June  30. 

Exports. 

Imports. 

1856  

123,859 

.$8,222 

1873 

$53,209 

^36.753 

1857 

14,568 

19,712 

1874 

264,914 

26,240 

1858  

3,260 

12,475 

1875 

8C406 

17,867 

1859  

IT354 

87.783 

1876 

71.132 

15.951 

i860 

1,858 

22,174 

1877  

61.945 

14,262 

1861  

29,391 

26,927 

1878 

39.035 

16,01 1 

1862,  63  and’64  separately  stated. 

1879 

67,126 

19.941 

1865 

24,023 

17,066 

1880 

17,003 

30.689 

1866 

5.532 

.35,007 

1881  

24.083 

32,828 

1867 

3.252 

8,127 

1882 

56,396 

54,999 

1868  ...  . 

12,515 

20,771 

1883 

48,544 

50,716 

1869 

18,666 

28,562 

1884 

126,704 

40.375 

1870  .... 

38.673 

25,956 

1885  

27.818 

42.531 

1871  ..  . 

14.933 

30,554 

1886 

129,846 

40.834 

1872  .. 

137. 145 

29,655 

1887  

239,589 

53.662 

’ No  foreig'n  exports. 

43 


334 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Statement  giving  names,  dates  of  appointment,  and  term  of  office  of  col- 
lectors of  customs  in  the  customs  collection  district  of  Sandusky,  O.,  since  its 
creation  by  act  of  March  2,  i8ii,  §2  (2  stat.  p.  657). 


NAME. 

Date  of  Commission. 

Served  from 

Served  to 

Epaphras  W.  Bull 

Peter  P.  Ferry 

Moors  Farwell 

YVilliam  H.  Hunter, 

Elias  H.  Haines, 

April  15,  181 1. 
April  20,  1816. 
June  14,  1822. 
Nov.  5,  1829. 
July  I,  1837. 

April  19,  1816. 
June  13,  1822. 
Nov.  4,  1829. 
June  30,  1837. 
April  20,  1846. 

William  Patterson 

April  3.  1846. 

April  21,  1846. 

June  13,  1849. 

John  Youngs, 

May  24,  1849. 

June  14,  1849. 

June  15,  1851. 

Harlow  Case, 

May  23,  1851. 

June  16,  1851. 

Feb’y  28,  1853. 

James  A.  Jones, 

April  4,  1853. 

April  12,  1853. 

May  6,  1857. 

George  S.  Patterson, 

April  9,  1857. 

May  7,  1857. 

April  23,  1861. 

John  Youngs, 

March  30,  1861. 

Api'il  24,  1861. 

March  3,  1874. 

John  G.  Pool, 

Febr’y  17,  1874. 

March  4,  1874. 

June  14,  1882. 

Clark  Rude, 

John  J.  Finch 

June  2,  1882. 
July  12.  1886. 

June  15,  1882. 
July  26,  1886. 

July  25,  1886. 

United  States  Signal  Service. — A station  under  the  control  and  direction 
of  the  war  department  was  established  at  Sandusky  in  1877,  and  placed  under 
charge  of  Sergeant  E.  F.  McComas.  This  signal  station  is  of  great  impor- 
tance to  those  engaged  in  lake  traffic,  and  has  proved  a benefit  to  the  whole 
people  of  the  county.  Succeeding  Sergeant  McComas  was  Charles  R.  Dow, 
and  subsequent  to  that  officer,  W.  A.  Massey,  M.  H.  Parry  and  Benjamin  F. 
Hough  have  been  in  charge,  the  last  named  being  the  present  incumbent. 
The  station  is  under  orders  of  discontinuance  on  account  of  a lack  of  funds  at 
the  command  of  the  department  officers. 

EDUCATION  AND  TFIE  EDUCATIONAL  INSTITUTIONS  OF  SANDUSKY. 

Among  the  first  cities  in  the  State  to  take  advantage  of  the  laws  favoring 
common  school  education,  Sandusky  has  endeavored  uniformly  to  keep  pace 
with  the  progressive  spirit  of  the  age.  Any  failure  which  may  have  occurred 
can  be  safely  credited  to  errors  in  judgment  rather  than  lack  of  a hearty  ap- 
preciation of  the  advantages  to  be  gained  by  general  culture  and  enlighten- 
ment. 

To  deny  that  such  errors  have  occurred  from  time  to  time  would  be  to 
assume  that  the  citizens  are  more  than  mortal.  To  state  that  any  school  sys- 
tem is  not  necessarily  imperfect  would  be  worse  than  pedantic,  and  to  discuss 
school  methods  at  any  considerable  length  is  not  the  province  of  the  historian, 
hence  we  will  at  once  take  up  the  subject  of  our  chapter.  An  old  manuscript 
dated  May  29,  1829,  and  in  the  hand  writing  of  Judge  Parish,  declares  that 
the  trustees  of  Portland  township,  in  the  county  of  Huron,  do  certify  that  they 
have  divided  said  township  into  two  school  districts  as  follows,  to  wit:  All  that 
part  of  the  township  lying  east  of  the  center  of  Columbus  avenue,  and  a line 


* Cannot  give  dates  of  commissions  of  these  officers. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


335 


running  in  the  same  direction  therefrom  to  the  south  line  of  the  township  to 
constitute  school  district  number  one,  and  all  that  part  lying  west  of  said 
avenue  and  line  to  constitute  school  district  number  two. 

An  annexed  list  of  house  holders  shows  that  there  are  forty  - nine  in  num- 
ber one,  and  forty  eight  in  number  two. 

Very  few,  if  any,  of  the  men  whose  names  appear  on  the  list,  are  among  the 
living  to-day,  but  their  descendants’  names  may  be  found  among  those  who 
have  been  honored  by  the  nation,  as  highly  as  the  true  Ohio  man  could  wish. 

We  are  told  by  local  historians  that  Miss  Sallie  Stimpson  started  a school 
in  a log  cabin  on  lot  one.  Water  street,  in  i8i8,  but  another  writer  states  that 
the  Steamboat  Hotel,  now  called  New  Lake  House,  was  built  in  1817  on  the 
same  ground.  The  foregoing  statements  may  be  harmonized  perhaps  by 
assuming  that  the  lots  in  those  days  were  large  in  proportion  to  the  scarcity 
of  people. 

Though  there  were  numerous  private  schools  existing  from  time  to  time 
previous  to  1838  it  seems  most  proper  to  date  the  direct  beginning  of  the 
present  public  schools  September  10  of  that  year,  when  Lucas  S.  Beecher,  S. 
B Caldwell  and  M.  Farwell  were  appointed  local  school  directors  by  John  F. 
Campbell,  superintendent  of  common  schools.  These  gentlemen,  on  the  day 
of  their  appointment,  met  the  Portland  township  board,  and  arranged  for  the 
anexation  of  the  township  to  the  city  district  for  school  purposes. 

For  some  reason  not  explained  in  the  records  examined  by  the  writer  an 
election  was  held  on  the  21st  of  September,  and  Oran  Follett,  Francis  D.  Par- 
ish and  Samuel  B.  Caldwell  were  chosen  directors,  and  in  October  this  new 
board  passed  resolutions  to  the  effect  that  two  female  teachers  be  employed, 
and  schools  lasting  three  months  from  the  beginning  of  November  be  estab- 
lished in  convenient  parts  of  the  town. 

Mr.  O.  Ransom,  Miss  Ann  Gustin  and  Miss  E.  Hendry  were  employed 
that  year,  the  rooms  were  engaged,  and  school  was  kept  at  an  aggregate  cost 
of  three  hundred  and  fifty-five  dollars  ; as  to  the  number  of  children  in  attend- 
ance, their  ages,  and  the  branches  taught,  the  records  are  mute  for  several  suc- 
ceeding years.  In  October  of  the  year  1839  entirely  new  board  was  elected, 
J.  N.  Davidson,  William  B.  Smith  and  Henry  F.  Merry.  They  met  Novem- 
ber g,  and  resolved  to  rent  three  rooms  in  the  Methodist  chapel,  one  room  in 
the  Western  Liberties,  one  room  in  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  two  rooms 
in  Grace  Church.  Noah  Merrill,  at  twenty  five  dollars  a month  ; D.  Higbie, 
at  thirty  dollars  per  month  ; Mary  L.  Brown,  twenty-four;  Annie  Gustin  and 
Sarah  A.  Brown,  fourteen  dollars  each,  and  Martha  J.  McElwain,  at  fifteen 
dollars,  constituted  the  corps  of  teachers  for  1839-40. 

During  the  winter  months  of  1840-1  there  was  a new  male  teacher,  and  five 
1 female  teachers,  at  about  the  same  salaries  as  had  been  given  the  year  before  ; 
but  the  year  following  there  were  two  male  teachers  again,  and  the  same  num- 


336 


History  of  Erie  County. 


ber  of  ladies.  Rev.  B.  H.  Hickox  was  required  to  ring  the  church  bell  in  ad- 
dition to  his  duties  in  the  school  room,  and  he  received  for  the  double  service 
thirty  dollars  per  month.  The  records  do  not  state  whether  or  not  he  was  to 
preach  an  occasional  sermon  by  way  of  recreation  ; but  it  is  fair  to  assume  that 
he  was. 

In  September  of  this  year  Earl  Bill,  Zenas  W.  Barker  and  W.  W.  Weth- 
erell  were  elected  directors — ^just  why  the  election  occurred  in  that  month  does 
not  appear ; but  schools  were  run  on  very  peculiar  lines  at  that  time,  so  it  is 
most  probable  that  the  date  happened  to  be  convenient.  The  gentlemen  did 
not  qualify  however,  and  Superintendent  Cochran  appointed  a board  composed 
of  the  same  membership,  excepting  Mr.  Bill,  whose  place  was  filled  by  F.  M. 
P'ollett. 

A school  report  made  in  1842  by  A.  Root  is  the  earliest  definite  statistical 
record  that  the  writer  has  been  able  to  find.  It  shows  that  the  total  enroll- 
ment amounted  to  three  hundred  and  seventy-seven  pupils,  of  whom  one  hun- 
dred and  ninety-three  were  males  and  one  hundred  and  eighty-four  females. 
The  expenses  for  rent  of  school-rooms,  and  other  expenses  not  enumerated, 
amounted  to  the  immense  sum  of  one  hundred  and  seventy-four  dollars,  not 
including  a desk  costing  four,  and  a stove  costing  twelve  dollars,  which  swells 
the  grand  total  to  one  hundred  and  ninety  dollars.  This  school  furniture  seems 
to  be  the  first  property  either  personal  or  real  belonging  to  the  public  schools 
of  Sandusky.  The  report  also  declares  that  a tax  of  two  mills  on  the  dollar 
had  been  levied  for  public  school  purposes,  and  two  hundred  and  forty-twn 
dollars  was  the  amount  of  the  total  assessment,  one  hundred  and  seventy-five 
having  been  paid  in,  and  the  remainder  was  delinquent;  but  later  in  the  year 
the  fund  was  swelled  by  money  from  other  sources  to  no  less  than  three  hun- 
dred and  ninety-four  dollars  and  nine  cents. 

At  this  time  the  best  accessible  statistics  place  Sandusky’s  population  at 
something  over  twelve  hundred  souls.  A very  short  calculation  in  percentage 
will  also  show  that  the  valuation  of  taxable  property  w'as  $121,000.  If  the 
citizens  understood  the  under- valuation  scheme  of  the  present  day  as  thor- 
oughly as  they  apparently  did  the  delinquent  tax  matter,  the  valuation  re- 
corded may  be  solely  multiplied  by  ten.  The  branches  taught  at  that 'time 
were  reading,  writing,  arithmetic,  grammar,  geography,  and  philosoph)c  Not 
a very  extensive  list  of  studies,  but  still  something  more  than  the  three  R’s. 

The  first  school  buildings  owned  by  the  city  were  built  in  1844-45 
accordance  with  plans  suggested  by  a special  committee  consisting  of  Messrs. 
M.  Farwell,  A.  M.  Porter,  and  Z.  W.  Barker,  appointed  at  a convention  of  the 
voters  of  the  school  district  called  for  the  purpose.  Elentheros  Cooke  was  a 
prominent  mover  in  the  enterprise  as  he  was  in  other  matters  of  public  interest. 

The  committee  recommended  the  erection  of  three  buildings,  one  in  the 
West  Liberties,  and  one  each  near  the  east  and  west  markets  respectively  ; also 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


337 


.a  high  school  building  on  the  public  square  ; the  plan  of  the  last  named  build- 
ing to  be  such  as  should  be  creditable  and  ornamental  to  the  town. 

In  1844-45  there  were  four  men  and  three  ladies  employed  as  teachers,  Mr. 
H.  Goodwin,  since  so  prominent  in  the  legal  profession,  was  among  the  former. 
In  this  year  we  find  Latin  added  to  the  course  laid  down  in  1842.  The  ex- 
penses for  tuition  amounted  to  five  hundred  and  nineteen  dollars  and  twenty- 
four  cents,  and  six  thousand  fifty  dollars  was  the  cost  of  the  four  school-houses 
completed. 

In  1845-46  we  find  the  force  of  teachers  increased  to  nine.  Mr.  A.  C. 
Heustes  as  principal  of  the  high  school,  and  E.  Merry,  jr.,  since  prominent  in 
Erie  county  official  work,  as  a teacher  in  one  of  the  outer  districts,  having  been 
added  to  the  corps. 

The  attendance  was  three  hundred  and  seventy-one,  a trifle  lower  than  that 
of  1842.  French,  chemistry,  and  physiology  had  been  added  to  the  course. 
The  tuition  expenses  had  been  increased  to  eight  hundred  and  eight  dollars 
and  sixty- one  cents. 

A “ Programme  for  the  exhibition  of  the  students  of  the  Sandusky  City 
high  school,  Friday  evening,  February  6,  1846,”  contains  no  less  than  forty 
numbers,  original  and  selected,  embracing  orations,  colloquies,  recitations, 
songs,  compositions,  beginning  with  prayer  and  closing  with  a benediction. 

This  paper  is  of  peculiar  interest  as  illustrating  the  ideas  of  the  time  on 
commencement  exercises,  and  because  of  the  fact  that  it  contains  the  names  of 
many  citizens  since  quite  prominent  in  public  affairs.  In  their  order  on  the 
paper  they  are  : T.  H.  Goodman,  H.  Annis,  Elizabeth  Thompson,  Sarah  P. 
Corbett,  Adelaide  Van  Vleet,  E.  A.  Williams,  Thomas  Laden,  Mary  C.  New- 
ton, Caroline  Dibble,  Julia  F.  Farwell,  Catherine  Earl,  Elizabeth  and  Francis 
Roosevelt,  Jane  Davidson,  James  Currie,  F.  E.  Parish,  John  T.  Beecher,  Sarah 
A.  Moore,  Sebastian  Graff,  Louisa  Sloane,  Sarah  L.  Gregg,  Lucretia  Gregg, 
Levancia  Monroe,  Annette  Tilden,  Cynthia  Davidson,  Leverett  Hall,  James  E. 
Darling,  M.  Y.  Graff,  Mary  S.  Strong,  Minerva  E.  Wells,  Cordelia  A.  Hitch- 
cock, A.  R.  Bodley,  Miranda  Brooks,  Jemima  Johnson,  E.  G.  Ross,  R.  R. 
Sloane,  G.  A.  Cooke.  Several  names  appear  twice. 

In  September  of  this  school  year  was  held  the  first  teachers’  institute  in 
Ohio,  for  the  benefit  of  all  grades  of  teachers. 

Hon.  E.  Lane,  Rev.  L.  Hull,  C.  B.  Squires,  and  others,  were  proniinently 
connected  with  the  work  of  securing  lecturers  and  creating  an  interest  in  the 
then  new  undertaking  for  the  advancement  of  educational  interests.  Wise  as 
they  were  in  projecting  this  effort,  how  little  could  they  have  realized  its  true 
import  to  the  schools  of  Ohio. 

There  were  ninety-seven  teachers  in  attendance,  and  the  work  of  instruc- 
tion was  performed  by  Hon.  S.  Town,  of  New  York,  Hon.  E.  Lane,  M.  F. 
Cowdery,  A.  D.  Lord,  C.  B Squii'es,  and  Lyman  Pi'eston.  The  meetings  con- 


338 


History  of  Erie  County. 


tinued  one  week,  being  ably  conducted,  and  very  satisfactory  to  all  interested 
in  the  cause  of  education.  Mr.  Cowdery  afterwards  became  superintendent  at 
Sandusky,  holding  the  position  for  many  years  with  honor  to  himself  and  last- 
ing benefits  to  the  schools. 

In  1846-47  the  enrollment  of  pupils  reached  four  hundred  and  ninety. 
Algebra  and  astronomy  were  added  to  the  course  of  study  in  the  high  school. 

This  brings  the  history  of  our  schools  up  to  their  first  grading  under  the 
original  of  the  present  school  law,  and  it  is  perhaps  necessary  to  explain  that, 
while  the  general  public  had  for  a period  of  nineteen  years  enjoyed  such  schools 
(during  a limited  portion  of  the  year)  as  the  most  advanced  citizens  of  the 
State  at  that  time  deemed  proper  at  public  expense,  still  the  era  that  followed 
was  a great  stride  in  advance  of  the  general  sentiment  in  regard  to  such  matters, 

In  November,  1848,  F.  M.  Follett,  H.  F.  Merry,  and  C.  Leonard — the 
school  board  — elected  F.  M.  Cowdery  as  superintendent  of  instruction  with 
power  to  classify  the  pupils  in  such  a degree  as  the  buildings  and  circumstances 
in  general  would  permit. 

On  the  first  Monday  in  December  of  that  year  the  pupils  were  assembled 
and  classified  as  primary,  secondary,  grammar,  and  high  school  students. 

During  the  first  week  of  school  four  primary  classes  were  established  with 
an  aggregate  membership  of  two  hundred  and  sixty,  three  secondary,  with  one 
hundred  and  eighty,  two  grammar  schools  with  one  hundred  and  sixty  pupils, 
and  a high  school  numbering  about  sixty ; six  hundred  and  sixty  in  all.  It  is- 
not  to  be  inferred  that  this  grading  was  entirely  satisfactory  to  those  who  had 
brought  it  about,  but  it  was  an  evident  improvement  on  the  old  method  or  lack  | 

of  method  which  had  existed  in  the  fullest  sense  of  the  word  for  a number  of  ! 

years.  j 

Under  the  new  order  of  things  Mr.  Cowdery  acted  as  superintendent  and  J 
principal  of  the  high  school,  Mrs.  Cowdery  and  Miss  L.  A.  McElwain  as  assist-  l 
ants.  Mr.  W.  H.  Nye  with  Misses  A.  Osborne,  E.  Barker  and  Helen  Barker  i 
took  charge  of  the  grammar  schools.  Misses  E.  Lewis,  H.  M.  Hoyt  and  E.  " 
Moore  took  the  secondaries,  and  Misses  L.  Barney,  M.  Barrett,  A.  Smith  and  | 
Fannie  B.  Stone  were  appointed  to  the  primary  schools.  Nearly  thirty  years  |j 
later  Mr.  Cowdery  in  preparing  a paper  for  the  Centennial  of  U.  S.  Independ-  ! 
ence  speaks  with  enthusiasm  of  the  spirit  and  ability  manifested  by  these  teach-  j| 
ers,  and  the  members  of  the  board  who  helped  to  bring  the  change  about.  He  j 
omits  to  mention  what  the  writer  may  add  that  M.  F.  Cowdery  is  entitled  to  a 
full  measure  of  the  honor  due  those  who  thus  early  saw  something  of  the  future 
possibilities  of  our  great  graded  school  system,  and  was  willing  to  labor  for  its  j' 
advancement,  even  against  a general  public  sentiment  of  distrust  or  apathy,  or  j 
worse  at  times,  active  opposition. 

As  soon  as  the  school  law  of  eighteen  forty- nine  was  received  at  Sandusky 
after  its  passage  in  February  of  that  year,  it  was  resolved  unanimously  by  public 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


339 


election  to  adopt  the  new  law  for  the  control  of  the  city  schools.  F.  T.  Barney, 
E.  Bill  and  D.  Souter,  were  added  to  the  membership  of  the  board  elected  the 
fall  before.  Many  difficulties  were  experienced  by  these  pioneer  graded  school 
workers  that  have  been  lessened  somewhat  by  time,  experience  and  observa- 
tion. They  had  no  neighboring  school  systems  organized,  and  going  forward 
as  those  of  the  present  day  are  doing.  They  had  comparatively  few  educational 
works  and  papers,  few  meetings  of  experienced  educators,  and  in  fact  they  had 
more  disadvantages  than  it  would  be  profitable  to  undertake  enumerating,  let 
alone  discussing  at  length. 

A feature  of  this  new  system  was  an  unclassified  school  which,  as  its  name 
implies,  was  made  up  of  pupils  of  vastly  different  dispositions,  qualifications, 
ages  and  surroundings,  who  for  various  reasons  could  not  be  easily  distributed 
among  the  various  classes  of  the  regular  grades.  This  school  was  kept  up  with 
satisfactory  results  for  over  twenty  years. 

The  average  attendance  at  this  school  was  eighty  pupils,  two-thirds  boys. 
Miss  M.  Kelley,  Miss  Julia  A.  Hitchcock  and  Mrs.  F.  Hull  had  charge  at  differ- 
ent times.  Pupils  were  promoted  at  all  times  during  the  year  to  any  grade  in 
the  city  that  they  were  prepared  for,  and  this  practice,  doubtless,  aided  these 
excellent  lady  principals  in  disciplining  their,  at  times,  somewhat  irrepressible 
classes. 

The  first  plan  under  which  the  schools  were  graded  contemplated  teaching 
in  the  primary  grade  the  simplest  elements  of  language,  numbers,  geography 
and  vocal  music,  with  object  lessons  adapted  in  kind  and  extent  to  the  capacity 
of  children  from  six  to  eight  years  of  age.  The  qualifications  for  promotion 
from  this  grade  were  fluency  in  reading  in  the  Second  Reader,  familiarity  with 
half  the  multiplication  table,  ability  to  name  from  the  maps  all  the  countries 
and  large  bodies  of  water  in  North  America,  and  one  term  of  practice  in  out- 
line drawing.  Cleanliness  and  morality  were  always  encouraged,  and  Bible 
reading  as  an  opening  exercise  was  quite  generally  practiced  for  some  years  in 
all  the  schools.  Mr.  Cowdery  mentions  with  particular  commendation  the  suc- 
cess Mrs.  Mary  N.  Clarke,  who  is  still  in  the  schools,  and  after  a service  of 
thirty-eight  year's,  doing  excellent  work  for  the  little  ones.  Mrs.  M.  C.  Dewey, 
now  principal  of  the  fourth  ward  building,  and  for  twenty-six  years  a faithful 
teacher,  is  also  commended.  Kind  mention  is  also  made  by  him  in  his  centen- 
nial article  of  Mrs.  F.  Hull  and  Miss  Fannie  McFall. 

The  primary  grade  occupied  two  years,  fi'om  six  to  eight;  the  secondary 
schools  were  expected  to  give  fluency  in  reading  the  Thii'd  Reader,  ability  to 
construct  maps  of  the  United  States  and  other  countries,  to  answer  mental 
questions  in  text-books  of  arithmetic,  to  parse  and  analyze,  etc.,  vocal  music, 
and  essay  writing  also  received  attention  in  this  grade.  The  pupils  were  kept 
here  nominally  two  years  but  in  practice,  nearer  two  and  a half  Among  the 
teachers  who  deserve  honorable  mention  Mr.  Cowdery  names  in  this  grade  Miss 


340 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Mary  Comstock,  Misses  Fannie  Harris,  Annie  Aplin,  Hattie  Fisher  and  Sarah 
Clarke;  the  latter  is  still  at  work  in  the  grade.  Prior  to  i860  he  mentions 
Misses  E.  Moore,  E.  Lewis,  F.  B.  Stone,  M.  Loomis,  C.  M.  Walker,  S.  L. 
Sprague,  E.  M.  Jackson,  E.  D.  Bartlett  and  E.  S.  Booth. 

The  grammar  schools  comprised  a four  years  course  in  the  work  already  be- 
gun in  the  other  two  grades,  and  fitted  the  classes  to  enter  the  high  school. 
Messrs.  W.  H.  Nye,  L.  E.  Walker,  G.  C.  Woollard,  J.  Chandler,  M.  H.  Lewis 
and  W.  H.  Rayl,  and  Misses  Helen  Follett,  F.  B.  Stone,  L.  A.  McElwain,  E.  W. 
Jackson,  L.  Perry,  E.  Hutchinson,  E.  Moore  and  S.  J.  Moore  (the  latter  still  in 
the  work)  were  very  successful  as  principals  in  the  grammar  schools  between  the 
years  1850  and  1887.  The  high  school  was  established  in  1845,  by  1847 
Latin,  French,  physiology,  chemistry,  astronomy  and  algebra  had  been  added 
to  the  course.  The  high  school  was  then  an  experiment,  but  to  use  the  lan- 
guage of  a recent  educator,  it  is  at  this  time  no  longer  an  experiment,  but  a 
mansard  roof  on  the  public  school  system.  In  1848  it  was  decided  that  the 
English  branches  (whatever  they  may  be),  should  alone  be  taught,  and  this  ac- 
tion excluded  French  and  Latin  from  the  schools  up  to  i860,  when  on  petition 
of  R.  B.  Hubbard  and  others  Latin  and  Greek  were  introduced.  A sort  of 
compromise  was  effected  that  gives  pupils  a chance  to  graduate  in  an  English 
course  in  three  years,  or  to  take  a full  course  in  four  years,  thus  making  the 
complete  school  course,  as  at  the  present  time,  cover  twelve  years. 

Mr.  S.  S.  Colton,  principal  of  the  high  school  from  1852  to  1867,  with  his 
assistant.  Miss  A.  A.  Breck  and  others,  is  credited  with  establishing  the  high 
school  on  a permanent  basis  by  means  of  the  popularity  secured  through  con- 
ducting it  so  successfully.  The  present  high  school  building  was  erected  at  the 
close  of  his  administration  at  a cost  of  $92,033.88. 

Volumes  I and  II  of  the  Gleaner,  a monthly  magazine  edited  under  the  aus- 
pices of  the  high  school  and  superintendent,  lies  before  us  as  we  write.  Con- 
siderable matter  contained  therein  is  worthy  of  special  mention,  if  not  of  repro- 
duction, did  our  space  permit,  but  we  must  be  content  for  the  present  with  a 
limited  notice  of  its  general  characteristics. 

Mr.  Cowdery  is  nominal  editor,  but  for  some  time  this  work  seems  to  have 
devolved  upon  the  brighter  members  of  the  high  school  class. 

About  this  time  contributions  of  books  and  curiosities  were  commenced  for 
the  benefit  of  the  schools,  and  the  June  number  of  1850  contains  a list  of  such 
contributions  as  do  other  numbers  later  in  the  year.  Misses  Martha  Hastings  ' 
and  Henrietta  T.  Day  are  the  editors  of  this  number,  which  is  the  first  one  print- 
ed, and  e.stablishes  the  following  terms:  Single  copies  five  months,  fifteen  cents;  ! 
three  copies,  forty  cents  ; five  copies,  sixty-two  and  one-half  cents  (not  stating 
who  shall  make  the  change);  ten  copies,  $1.10;  twenty  copies,  $2.00 — cash  al-’’' 
ways  in  advance.  The  editors  began  this  publication  with  over  three  hundred  11 
paid  subscriptions,  and  the  money  thus  received  was  deposited  in  the  bank  sub- 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


341 


ject  to  the  draft  of  the  publishers  as  they  complied  with  the  terms  of  the  con- 
tract made  with  the  editor-in-chief  The  paper  was  to  be  stopped  promptly  as 
the  advance  money  of  individual  subscribers  ran  out ; but  its  editors  hoped  to 
continue  the  publication  on  and  on  into  the  inscrutable  future  as  they  said,  mak- 
ing it  a record  of  the  knowledge,  the  improvements  and  virtues  of  the  young 
minds  arounds  us.  While  happy  to  exchange  with  all  school  papers,  they  were 
determined  to  pay  and  receive  the  difference  between  their  publication  rates 
and  those  of  their  exchanges.  In  short,  they  enjoyed  a happy  state  of  abso- 
lute independence  seldom  attained  by  newspaper  publishers  in  this  part  of  the 
world. 

An  inquirer  discusses  the  question  on  an  inside  page  “ Do  worms  fall  from 
the  clouds?”  leaning  strongly  to  the  opinion  that  they  do  not,  and  criticising 
some  contemporary  who  has  evidently  maintained  the  opposite  opinion  in  a 
number  published  while  the  paper  was  published  in  manuscript  form. 

Another  item  informs  certain  lads  in  our  town  that  it  isn’t  polite,  when  in- 
vited to  a party,  to  drink  lemonade  enough  to  run  a saw-mill  three  months  in 
the  year,  and  eat  cake  and  candy  enough  to  stock  two  confectionery  shops. 
This  number  also  contains  a poem  by  Leonora,  on  the  burning  of  the  steamer 
Griffith  on  Lake  Erie,  with  three  hundred  souls  on  board.  Number  two,  pub- 
lished in  October,  1850,  takes  up  the  subject  of  punctuality  in  the  schools,  and 
discloses  what  at  the  present  time  would  be  regarded  as  next  door  to  anarchy 
by  our  teachers  and  the  patrons  of  the  public  schools.  Seventy-one  excep- 
tions are  noted  in  the  High  School  in  four  weeks.  The  First  Grammar  School 
Las  293  cases,  the  Second  193,  West  Market  66,  West  Liberties  156,  West 
Prairie  44,  East  Prairie  85,  total  908.  The  total  enrollment  at  this  time  was 
less  than  800,  so  the  little  ones  must  have  been  absent  or  tardy  more  than 
■once  around,  or  some  of  them  were  kept  pretty  busy  to  bring  the  delinquency 
up  to  these  imposing  proportions. 

■ ■,  Later  issues  of  this  paper  contain  letters  and  statistics  from  Milan,  Norwalk 
r|  and  other  towns.  A correspondent  from  Norwalk  glories  in  the  fact  that  they 
Vi  have  (1851)  a four-room  school  building  located  on  what  is  to  be  the  principal 
ti,  street  when  a certain  railroad  is  completed.  Mechanic  street  it  is  called,  and 
)|  the  information  is  also  furnished  that  Prof  De  Wolf,  since  school  commissioner, 
I*  was  principal  at  that  time  in  Norwalk. 

L Their  High  School  course  was  much  like  Sandusky’s,  but  our  correspon- 
dent informs  us  that  in  the  secondary  school  they  study  young  studies,  such 
as  mental  arithmetic,  geography,  reading,  writing  and  spelling,  while  the  pri- 
mary  scholars  he  says  study  “ Infant  studies,  such  as  the  A B C’s,  Ab’s,  etc.” 
4;  The  correspondent  is  evidently  a pupil,  as  he  goes  over  the  rules  of  the  school 
with  the  remark  that  they  are  all  “ I can  think  of,  or  at  least,  all  I care  to  re- 
til'  member.”  Among  those  enumerated  are  no  whispering,  and  pupils  must  fold 
their  hands  during  opening  prayers. 

' 44 


342 


History  of  Erie  County. 


A correspondent  writing  from  St.  Louis  tells  of  his  trip  there  via  Chicago; 
from  the  latter  city  they  went  by  canal  boat  to  La  Salle,  and  he  tells  how  on 
the  way  their  toiv  boat  passed  a steam  canal  boat  going  in  the  same  direction 
at  its  best  speed,  all  enjoying  the  exciting  race. 

Lrom  La  Salle  they  took  the  steamer  Prairie  Bird,  which  he  says  flew 
over  the  water,  giving  them  scarcely  time  to  behold  the  beautiful  scenery  as 
they  passed.  Volume  I,  No.  i,  of  this  interesting  and  valuable  little  paper  is 
edited  by  Misses  Martha  Hastings  and  Henrietta  T.  Day;  No.  2,  by  Messrs. 
Wm.  Tilden  and  Isaac  Mills  ; No.  3,  by  Misses  Mariette  Larwell  and  Emma 
L.  Coan  ; No.  4,  by  Messrs.  D.  Lampman  and  L.  W.  Alvord;  No.  5,  by  Misses 
Lrances  Jennings  and  Sarah  Root.  Volume  II,  No.  i,  is  the  work  of  Super- 
intendent Cowdery  and  contributors,  as  are  the  other  numbers  of  this  volume; 
most  of  them  contain  communications  from  the  schools  of  surrounding  towns. 
Number  2 contains  an  announcement  of  the  Huron  and  Erie  County  Teachers’ 
Association  to  be  held  at  Milan  on  the  first  Saturday  in  June,  1851  ; all  inter- 
ested in  education  are  invited,  and  it  intimated  that  teachers  who  care  for 
professional  standing  had  better  attend,  also  that  the  number  attending  will 
determine  whether  they  meet  at  Milan  again. 

Mr.  Cowdery  was  about  this  time  connected  with  the  editorial  staff  of  the 
Ohio  Journal  of  Education.  A report  in  this  paper  for  1852,  places  the  city 
fifth  in  population  and  sixth  in  school  enrollment ; Cincinnati,  Cleveland,  Co- 
lumbus and  Dayton  being  larger,  and  Lancaster,  though  but  one-third  as  large^ 
having  a greater  number  of  pupils  enrolled, — probably  outsiders  mostly. 

Sandusky’s  population  at  that  time  was  10,000,  and  her  schools  enrolled 
1,01 1 pupils.  The  library  was  valued  at  $625.  Three  male  and  nineteen  fe- 
male teachers  were  employed,  the  former  at  an  average  salary  of  $700,  and 
the  latter  $180.  The  school  tax  was  four  mills,  which  taking  into  account  the 
purchasing  power  of  money  was  nearly  double  that  of  the  present  time.  By 
an  article  furnished  this  journal  in  1854,  we  find  that  in  the  primary  schools  of 
the  city  ten  minutes  were  given  to  religious  exercises,  ten  to  moral  lessons  and 
ten  to  physical  exercises  each  morning. 

Professor  U.  T.  Curran,  a man  of  energy,  professional  spirit  and  marked 
ability,  in  1872  succeeded  Mr.  C.  R.  Dean,  who  had  followed  Mr.  Cowdery  in 
1871.  His  administration  of  eight  years  was  marked  by  numerous  improve- 
ments in  the  previous  excellent  management  of  the  schools.  The  fourth  ward 
building  was  erected  in  1872,  costing  about  $15,000.  Drawing  and  music  were 
embodied  in  the  course  during  the  same  year.  In  1873  the  schools  were 
regraded  on  substantially  the  same  basis  as  the  present.  In  1874  the  present 
board  room  in  the  high  school  building  was  fitted  up ; the  fifth  (now  sixth) 
ward  building  was  erected  at  a cost  of  $22,778.  A training  school  for  young 
teachers  was  also  established.  Mr.  Curran  left  the  schools  in  1880  for  the 
more  lucrative  legal  profession,  and  his  withdrawal  from  school  work  has  been, 
and  is,  regretted  by  many  friends  both  in  and  out  of  the  profession. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


343 


In  the  fall  of  1880  Dr.  Alston  Ellis  was  elected  superintendent  of  schools, 
and  held  the  position  until  1887,  when  he  resigned  to  accept  a position  in 
Hamilton,  O.,  where  he  had  served  for  eight  years  previous  to  his  election  in 
Sandusky.  Like  Messrs.  Cowdery  and  Curran,  he  was  an  active  educational 
worker  outside  the  school  room,  and  on  his  retirement  was  presented  with  a me- 
mento in  the  shape  of  a valuable  pin,  by  the  Erie  County  Teachers’  Association, 
of  which  he  was  an  ever  active  and  brilliant  member.  In  1887-8  he  was  ap- 
pointed a State  school  examiner,  elected  president  of  the  Ohio  State  Teachers’ 
Association,  tendered  degrees  by  an  Ohio  college,  and  received  many  other 
tokens  of  the  high  esteem  in  which  he  is  held  by  Ohio  educators.  During  his 
administration  at  Sandusky  many  improvements  were  made  in  the  school  sys- 
tem ; a remarkably  fine  discipline  was  maintained,  the  cases  of  absence  and 
tardiness  were  reduced  to  a minimum,  and  the  Campbell  school  building  was 
erected  in  1885-6  at  a cost  of  about  $30,000.  Notwithstanding  the  fact  that 
this  building  cost  but  one-third  as  much,  many  consider  it  much  finer  in  archi- 
tectural beauty  and  finish  than  the  high  school.  The  Campbell  street  building, 
like  the  sixth  ward  building,  was  erected  by  Sandusky  builders : V.  Kerber 
built  the  latter,  and  Adam  Feick  & Brother,  the  former. 

Dr.  H.  A.  Balcam,  of  New  York,  but  more  recently  superintendent  of  the 
Fostoria  College,  succeeded  Dr.  Ellis  in  the  schools,  and  is  conducting  them  at 
the  present  time  on  nearly  the  same  general  plan,  but  there  are  indications  of 
changes  in  some  directions  at  least.  Dr.  Balcam  is  a man  of  wide  experience 
in  school  work,  and  his  efforts  will  be  supplemented  by  his  cultured  wife,  who 
is  a lady  of  rare  elocutionary  abilities. 

Wm.  H.  Rayl,  for  over  twenty  years  principal  of  the  grammar  schools,  re- 
signed at  the  same  time  with  Dr.  Ellis.  His  place  was  filled  by  Miss  M.  J. 
Healy,  for  many  years  a successful  teacher  in  our  city. 

The  present  public  schools  employ  sixty-two  teachers,  of  whom  five  are 
specially  employed  to  teach  German,  for  which  purpose  a room  has  been  as- 
signed in  each  of  the  five  large  buildings. 

The  principals  are:  High  school.  Miss  Emma  Paddock  ; A,  grammar.  Miss 
M.  J.  Healy;  fourth  ward,  Mrs.  M.  C.  Dewey;  fifth  (sixth)  ward,  Mr.  A.  A. 
Bartow;  eighth  (Campbell  street).  Miss  E.  A.  Cassidy;  first  (tenth)  ward, 
Miss  M.  E.  Ferguson;  Washington,  Mrs.  Mary  N.  Clarke;  East  Market,  Miss 
C.  Polley ; West  Market,  Miss  Fannie  Loomis;  Huron  Park,  Mrs.  M.  E.  Fors- 
ter. 

There  are  nine  buildings  in  the  city,  the  A grammar  and  high  schools 
both  being  in  the  Central  building.  The  present  complete  school  system 
embraces  twelve  D primaries,  enrolling  563  pupils;  eleven  C primaries  en- 
rolling 443  ; eight  B primaries  with  419  ; seven  A primaries  with  320. 
There  are  six  D grammar  classes  with  310  pupils;  four  C grammars 
with  203  ; three  B grammars  with  145  ; two  A grammars  with  100,  and 


344 


History  of  Erie  County. 


four  high  school  grades  with  145  pupils  enrolled.  The  complete  school 
course  covers  twelve  years,  beginning  with  the  D primary  and  taking  the 
course  followed  above  in  enumerating  the  grades.  The  complete  course  in- 
cludes instruction  in  reading,  spelling,  writing,  drawing,  geography,  grammar, 
arithmetic,  physiology,  German,  Latin,  rhetoric,  English  and  American  litera- 
ture, natural  philosophy,  science  of  government,  botany.  United  States  and 
general  history,  algebra,  geometry,  astronomy  and  composition. 

Of  course  with  the  present  efficient  corps  of  teachers,  there  is  much  intel- 
lectual and  moral  culture  secured  to  the  pupils  in  all  parts  of  the  course. 

The  graduates  are  quite  generally  well  prepared  to  enter  on  the  active 
duties  of  life  or  complete  their  studies  in  higher  educational  institutions. 

Platt  R.  Spencer  was  in  1856  connected  with  our  schools  as  teacher  of 
penmanship  ; he  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  J.  Hornbeck,  and  he  by  L.  S.  Thomp- 
son. From  time  to  time  other  special  teachers  of  music,  drawing,  etc.,  have 
been  employed,  but  at  present  the  only  special  teachers  are  those  of  German. 
They  are  Mr.  Charles  VVommelsdorf,  and  Misses  Herckener,  Kate  Seitz,  Marie 
C.  Weier,  and  Sophie  Kiefer. 

There  was  at  one  time  a separate  school  for  colored  pupils  in  the  city,, 
under  the  control  of  three  directors  of  their  own  race,  but  it  was  done  away 
with  during  Mr.  Cowdery’s  administration. 

Sandusky  City  Business  College. — Among  the  educational  institutions  of 
the  city,  the  Sandusky  City  Business  College,  organized  in  1887  by  R.  L. 
Meredith  and  R.  B.  Harris,  is  worthy  of  special  notice.  Though  a compara- 
tively new  enterprise,  it  has  an  enrollment  of  nearly  a hundred.  As  its  name 
implies,  pupils  are  thoroughly  fitted  for  business.  A teacher’s  training  depart- 
ment is  also  conducted  in  connection  with  this  institution  of  learning.  This 
department  has  been  eminently  successful  thus  far,  and  the  reputation  of  its 
managers  is  a guarantee  of  future  prosperity. 

PAROCHIAL  SCHOOLS. 

The  city  receives  State  funds  for  all  the  children  of  school  age,  and  collects 
taxes  from  all  citizens  alike.  It  is  a fact  that  nearly  one-third  of  these  pupils 
however,  receive  their  education  from  private  schools  supported  by  the  Cath- 
olic churches.  If  other  congregations  should  take  the  same  course,  what  a 
reduction  in  taxes  would  be  necessary  to  keep  down  the  surplus. 

SCHOOLS  OF  ST.  MARY’S  CONGREGATION  (GERMAN). 

Since  the  year  1855  this  congregation  has  supported  a parochial  school. 
With  the  increase  of  population  it  became  necessary  to  erect  buildings,  and  in 
1863,  under  the  pastorate  of  Rev.  N.  Moes,  a stone  building  with  four  spacious 
rooms,  was  built  on  the  lot  at  the  corner  of  Decatur  and  Jefferson  streets, 
fronting  on  the  latter  street.  In  1887  a similar  structure  was  erected  at  a cost 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


345 


of  $6,000,  all  paid  by  the  congregation.  This  building  fronts  on  Decatur 
street,  and  is  quite  tastily  designed.  During  the  past  ten  years  the  attendance 
at  these  schools  has  ranged  from  five  hundred  and  seventy-five  to  six  hundred 
and  fifty  pupils.  The  highest  class  of  boys  is  taught  by  Joseph  Gerhardstein. 
The  remaining  pupils  are  taught  by  seven  “ Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart”  from 
Cleveland,  and  one  lay  teacher. 

The  children  from  six  to  fourteen  learn  besides  their  religious  instruction  in 
the  catechism  and  Bible  history,  English  and  German  reading,  writing  and 
composition,  United  States  history,  geography,  arithmetic,  and  music.  At 
the  option  of  the  parents  they  are  taught  bookkeeping,  algebra,  and  geometry, 
and  the  girls  needlework.  All  these  schools  are  under  the  immediate  direc- 
tion of  Rev.  Moes.  the  pastor,  the  general  direction  of  a board  of  school  direc- 
tors for  the  whole  diocese  of  Cleveland,  and  a special  board  of  examiners  for 
various  districts.  Rev.  N.  Moes,  of  St.  Mary’s  church,  is  president  of  the 
board  for  the  district  in  which  Sandusky  belongs. 

These  schools  put  a yearly  burden  of  $3,000  on  the  congregation  which 
supports  them.  They  rank  high  among  Sandusky  educational  institutions. 

SAINTS  PETER  AND  PAUL’S  CHURCH  SCHOOLS, 

Under  the  charge  of  Rev.  Father  Sidley,  owns  a large  lot  on  the  corner  of 
Jackson  and  Jefferson  streets,  where  are  located  a three-room  brick  building, 
costing  about  $2,000,  and  a stone  building  worth  in  the  neighborhood  of 
$4,000.  The  former  is  for  girls,  and  has  an  attendance  of  about  200  ; the  lat- 
ter for  boys,  and  has  not  far  from  125  in  attendance  on  the  average.  These 
schools  are  under  the  superintendency  of  Rev.  Sidley,  and  are  conducted  by 
the  “ Ladies  of  the  Sacred  Heart,”  by  whom  the  girls  are  taught.  The  boys  are 
instructed  by  lay  teachers.  The  schools  are  kept  open  during  ten  months  of 
the  year.  The  age  of  pupils  range  from  seven  to  thirteen  years. 

Semi-annual  promotions  are  made.  These  schools  were  established  in 
1856,  and  have  been  conducted  since  that  time  by  the  ladies  of  the  order  men- 
tioned above,  with  marked  success,  graduating  many  bright  scholars.  Miss  H. 
Fitzgerald  has  acted  as  principal  for  twenty-three  years  past,  and  is  still  at  her 
post  of  duty  with  excellent  prospects  for  the  future. 

THE  HOLY  ANGELS  CHURCH,  LOCATED  ON  TIFFIN  AVENUE, 

Has  a fine,  little  two-story  brick  school  building  on  Jefferson  street  near  Tiffin 
avenue.  About  one  hundred  children  are  in  attendance  at  present,  though 
there  are  accommodations  for  nearly  twice  that  number 

This  school  is  under  the  supervision  of  Rev.  Father  Tracy,  the  pastor 
of  the  church,  and  is  taught  by  lay  teachers  Misses  McGushen  and  O’Don- 
nell. The  course  of  study  is  similar  in  this  school  to  that  of  the  grammar  de- 
partment of  the  public  schools. 


346 


History  of  Erie  County. 


CHURCHES  OF  SANDUSKY. 

Wayne  Street  Baptist  Church,  west  side  of  Wayne,  between  Adams  and 
Washington,  Rev.  Granger  W.  Smith,  pastor.  As  early  as  1838,  Rev.  S.  B. 
Webster,  of  Monroeville,  made  an  unsuccessful  effort  to  gather  together  all  the  ^ 
Baptists  living  in  Sandusky,  and  organize  them  into  a church  of  that  denomi- 
nation. After  his  attempt  seven  years  passed  before  such  an  organization  was 
actually  made.  There  is  no  record,  however,  that  it  existed  longer  than  three 
or  four  years.  It  died  during  the  cholera  plague  of  1848  and  1849.  Its  only 
pastor  was  Rev.  R.  W.  Henderson.  Of  its  members,  one  is  a member  of  the 
Baptist  Church  now  in  existence,  i.  e.,  Mrs.  Lewis  Benjamin. 

The  Wayne  street  Baptist  Church  was  organized  in  1854,  by  Rev.  L.  Ray- 
mond, and  the  succeeding  pastors  , were  Rev.  J.  D.  Fulton,  D.D.,  1855-1859; 
Rev.  William  Cormac,  1859—1860;  Rev.  Edward  Jones,  1865-1867  ; Rev.  C. 

H.  DeWolf,  1867— 1868;  Rev.  E.  P.  Roberts,  1876-1878  ; Rev.  James  Samis, 
1879;  Rev.  C.  W.  Palmer,  1879-1881,  and  Rev.  Granger  W.  Smith,  1881. 
Two  men  have  served  no  stated  supply,  Rev.  L.  Bailey,  1862,  and  Rev.  C. 
Havens,  1875.  Previous  to  the  present  the  longest  pastorate  was  that  of  Dr. 
Fulton.  He  was  with  the  church  nearly  three  and  one-half  years,  during 
which  time  quite  a large  number  were  received  into  its  membership,  although 
but  little  was  added  to  its  permanent  strength. 

The  church  was  organized,  and  for  a short  time  worshiped  in  what  was 
known  as  Campbell’s  Hall,  on  Water  street.  Early  in  1855,  however,  the 
church  purchased  of  the  Wesleyan  Methodists  their  house  of  worship,  situated 
upon  the  northwest  corner  of  the  Court-House  square.  At  that  time  only  the 
basement  of  the  house  was  finished,  but  the  year  following,  under  the  leader- 
ship of  Dr.  Fulton,  the  church  finished  and  furnished  the  room  above.  To 
accomplish  this,  a debt  was  incurred,  which  became  so  burdensome  that  in 
1862  they  exchanged  buildings  with  the  German  Lutheran,  thus  coming  into 
possession  of  their  present  meeting-house  on  Wayne  street.  In  1880  the 
church  decided  to  enlarge  its  house  of  worship,  but  the  city  council  having 
raised  a question  as  to  the  legal  rights  of  its  ownership  of  the  land  upon  which 
it  stands,  the  matter  was  necessarily  and  indefinitely  postponed.  The  final  de- 
cision of  the  court  was  not  rendered  until  November,  1887,  by  which  the  right  | 
to  the  property  was  confirmed  and  given  all  that  it  had  claimed. 

During  the  history  of  this  church,  extending  over  a period  of  thirty  years,  j 
there  have  been  three  hundred  and  thirty-nine  members.  Of  this  number  one 
hundred  and  eighty-one  were  received  upon  profession  of  faith  and  baptism. 
Two  of  those  first  baptized  are  still  members  of  the  church,  Mrs.  John  Kel- 
ham  and  Mrs.  Thomas  Browning.  The  following  brethren  have  served  the  1 
church  as  deacons:  H.  B.  Green,  J.  E.  Norcross,  A.  H.  Gale,  Thomas  Brown- 
ing, John  Kelham,  Edward  Corbett,  A.  D.  Kinney,  J.  S.  Chandler  and  Daniel 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


347 


G.  Olds.  William  Marshall  served  the  church  as  clerk,  for  more  than  sixteen 
years.  The  present  clerk  has  held  the  office  for  ten  years.  The  church  has 
had  but  two  treasurers,  A.  H.  Gale  from  1854  to  1867,  and  Thomas  Browning 
from  1867  to  the  present  time.  The  following  persons  have  been  members  of 
the  church  for  a quarter  of  a century  or  more,  viz. : Mrs.  Louisa  Benjamin, 
Mrs.  E.  Kelham,  Deacon  Thomas  Browning,  Mrs.  T.  Browning,  Mrs.  Wm.  Mar- 
shall, A.  Williams,  Mrs.  A.  Williams,  Mrs.  C.  Clemens,  Harvey  Warren,  Mrs. 
Harvey  Warren,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Sulton,  Mrs.  M.  A.  Owen,  Mrs.  Neil  Moore, 
Mrs.  F.  Francisco,  Mrs.  J.  W.  Upp,  and  Mrs.  Helen  Stanley. 

The  pastorate  of  the  present  pastor.  Rev.  Granger  W.  Smith,  began  Octo- 
ber I,  1881.  Present  deacons  are:  Thomas  Browning,  J.  S.  Chandler;  D.  G. 
Olds,  clerk  ; secretary  and  treasurer  of  benevolent  fund,  Charles  L.  Polley  ; 
treasurer,  Thomas  Browning ; corresponding  secretary,  J.  S.  Chandler  ; trus- 
tees : Thomas  Browning,  J.  S.  Chandler,  D.  G.  Olds,  William  Kelham,  C.  Ben- 
jamin. 

From  its  first  organization  this  church  has  taken  a very  positive  position  on 
the  questions  of  slavery  and  intemperance,  and  this  at  a time  when  it  meant 
more  than  it  now  does.  In  its  church  covenant  is  included  a total  abstinence 
pledge,  and  it  holds  its  position  firmly  on  this  basis  to-day.  The  church  is 
now  healthy  and  vigorous  and  hopeful  of  a successful  and  bright  future. 

It  would  not  be  fitting  in  this  brief  history  of  Sandusky’s  first  Baptist 
Church,  to  omit  an  allusion’ to  one  of  its  former  pastors.  Dr.  Fulton,  who  has 
since  earned  for  himself  a wide  reputation  as  an  avowed  opposer  of  Romanism. 
After  a settlement  in  other  cities,  and  a charge  in  Boston  and  Brooklyn,  he 
has  at  last  abandoned  the  pulpit  to  give  himself  entirely  to  the  work  of  oppos- 
ing this  evil  that  menaces  American  institutions. 

Zio7i  Baptist  Church  {colored^,  west  side  of  Decatur,  between  Washington 
and  Adams.  In  the  year  1856  Elder  Norman  Campbell  organized  this  church 
with  only  seven  members,  viz.,  William  Hamilton,  E.  P.  Reynolds,  J.  Reynolds, 
Mrs.  M.  French,  Mrs.  Harper,  Mrs.  Susan  Jones,  Mrs.  Hamilton.  Trustees,  E. 
P.  Reynolds,  J.  Reynolds  and  William  Hamilton.  Deacons,  E.  P.  Reynolds 
and  William  Hamilton. 

Elder  Campbell  took  charge  of  the  church  and  remained  its  pastor  for  three 
years.  During  that  time  the  church  increased  in  membership,  and  in  March 
the  following  year  a revival  was  held  that  resulted  in  the  accession  of  thirty 
nev/  members.  Among  the  number  was  Nathaniel  Jones. 

In  the  spring  of  1857  a building  was  purchased  and  partially  paid  for 
through  the  agency  of  Elder  Campbell,  who  was  appointed  to  collect  funds  for 
that  purpose.  In  the  fall  of  1859  he  left  and  was  succeeded  by  Elder  H.  H. 
Hamilton,  who  became  pastor  and  labored  here  during  1859.  In  that  year  the 
society  was  incorporated,  and  the  following  persons  chosen  trustees:  Nathaniel 
Jones,  Laurence  Johnson  and  E.  P.  Reynolds. 


348 


History  of  Erie  County. 


During  the  year  i860  the  members  made  a great  effort  to  pay  off  the  debt 
still  remaining  on  the  lot,  but  notwithstanding  all  their  exertions  they  did  not 
succeed,  and  Nathaniel  Jones  met  the  difficulty  by  mortgaging  his  own  house 
and  lot,  for  means  to  pay  the  debt.  About  this  time  William  Hamilton,  one  of 
the  principal  deacons  died,  praying  that  the  debt  might  be  removed.  There 
was  no  regular  pastor  at  that  time,  but  in  the  autumn  of  1861  Elder  Dardes 
took  charge  of  the  church  as  pastor  but  failed  to  add  to  the  church  financial  or 
spiritual  power. 

In  1862  they  called  Elder  Bowser  to  be  pastor.  In  1863  there  was  a divi- 
sion the  church  caused  by  E P.  Reynolds,  and  as  it  could  not  be  satisfactorily 
adjusted  by  the  church  itself,  it  was  referred  to  the  association,  and  it  recom- 
mended that  two  sister  churches  be  called  in  to  settle  the  matter.  Churches 
•of  Columbus  and  Urbana  were  selected,  and  the  matter  settled  by  a committee 
of  three — Elder  Poindexter  and  Mr.  John  Cooper  of  Columbus,  and  Brother 
Chaffee  of  Urbana.  Soon  after  this  E.  P.  Reynolds  left  the  city  taking  with  him 
the  church  books  and  papers.  Elder  Bowser  continued  to  serve  as  pastor  a 
year,  and  then  for  two  or  three  years  the  pulpit  was  supplied  by  different  min- 
isters until  about  1865,  when  James  Shoecroft  was  called  to  be  the  pastor,  and 
filled  that  office  for  two  years,  during  which  time  twenty- five  members  were 
added  to  the  church.  He  was  succeeded  by  D.  B.  Huston,  who  remained  in 
charge  for  four  years.  Elder  McViney  succeeded  him  and  remained  two  years. 
During  his  pastorate  the  church  was  greatly  blessed  in  a large  accession  of  mem- 
bers, twenty-two  being  added  in  the  two  years.  L.  Burley  followed  him  and 
remained  one  year,  and  he  was  succeeded  by  Elder  P.  Williams,  who  filled  the 
pulpit  for  six  months,  when  it  was  again  occupied  by  Mr.  Viney  for  six  months. 
This  was  about  one  year  ago  and  during  the  interregnum  there  has  been  no 
settled  pastor.  Brother  W.  Shelton  from  Cincinnati  has  supplied  the  pulpit  as 
missionary  for  about  five  months.  The  present  membership  of  the  church  is 
forty-nine.  Present  trustees  are  Harrison  Bartlett,  Harrison  Washington  and 
Nathaniel  Jones.  Deacons,  Harrison  Washington,  Nathaniel  Jones,  Moses 
Washington,  Moses  Thompson. 

Church  of  the  Holy  Angels,  corner  of  Jefferson  street  and  Tiffin  avenue,  Rev. 
John  Tracy,  pastor.  Half  a century  ago,  in  Northern  Ohio  there  were  but 
few  Catholic  Churches,  and  these  were  widely  separated.  There  are  those 
still  living  who  relate  the  difficulties  they  met  in  trying  to  attend  the  first  meet- 
ing called  in  Sandusky  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a church.  After  walk- 
ing from  Bellevue,  they  reached  Sandusky  in  time  to  see  the  people  dispers- 
ing. Rev.  P.  Machebeuf  had  taken  steps  to  bring  about  the  desired  result, 
and  the  meeting  was  held  in  a vacant  store-room  which  now  forms  a part  of 
Mr.  Kunzman’s  carriage-shop,  on  Water  street. 

That  year  the  walls  were  partly  built,  and  during  the  next  year  they  were 
completed.  But  the  roof  was  not  put  on  until  the  year  following,  and  the  un- 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


349 


finished  building  was  at  once  occupied  by  the  waiting  congregation.  At  this 
time  there  was  nothing  within  but  bare  walls  and  uncouth  plank  seats.  This 
was  in  1843. 

It  was  a bold  enterprise  for  a man  to  undertake  in  those 'days,  when  men 
had  nothing  to  give  toward  it  but  their  labor;  Father  Machebeuf  found  it  no 
easy  thing  to  carry  out  his  design,  and  after  exhausting  all  the  resources  within 
their  reach  he  was  forced  to  see  the  work  stop  and  wait  for  new  strength.  At 
this  time  he  was  called  to  leave  Sandusky  and  go  to  France  on  business  of  a 
private  character,  and  decided  to  make  this  an  occasion  for  raising  funds  to 
carry  on  the  building  he  had  begun.  During  his  absence.  Rev.  Father  Rappe, 
then  of  Toledo,  but  since  bishop  of  Cleveland,  took  charge  of  the  congregation 
in  Sandusky. 

There  has  been  much  fault  found  with  these  early  fathers.  It  has  since 
been  thought  by  some  to  have  been  a lamentable  mistake  that  this  church 
should  have  been  built  so  far  from  the  center  of  the  city  ; but  it  must  be  re- 
membered that  the  few  scattered  Catholics  of  that  time  were  poor,  and  when 
Mr.  W.  H.  Mills  offered  four  or  five  lots  for  a site  for  a church  on  a leading^ 
avenue,  with  several  acres  at  a short  distance  for  a cemetery,  it  was  but  too 
gladly  accepted.  At  that  time  the  growth  of  the  town  was  westward.  The 
Mad  River  railroad  was  just  opened,  with  its  shops  at  that  end  of  the  town,, 
and  the  congregation  was  desirous  of  securing  land  enough  for  a school  and 
priest’s  residence,  for  which  the  amount  given  was  more  than  sufficient.  The 
reverend  gentlemen  had  but  few  such  offers,  and  the  generosity  of  the  donor 
was  the  more  marked  because  prejudices  at  that  time  were  strong  and  bitter. 
What  was  afterward  deemed  a mistake  has  been  blessed  with  abundant  in- 
crease, having  proved  the  nucleus  from  which  two  large  and  flourishing  con- 
gregations have  been  formed,  viz.  : St.  Mary’s,  and  St.  Peter  and  Paul. 

When  Father  Machebeuf  returned  from  his  foreign  trip,  the  work  was  at 
once  resumed  and  completed.  Its  consecration  followed  immediately  by  Rev. 
Bishop  Purcel. 

Scarcely  had  it  been  finished  before  it  was  found  too  small  for  its  rapidly 
increasing  congregation.  It  was  forty  by  sixty,  with  an  octagonal  niche  at 
the  west  end  of  twenty  feet.  This  formed  a recess  for  the  altar,  but  failed  to 
furnish  sufficient  room  for  its  worshipers.  Two  wings  were  added.  It  was 
still  too  small,  but  the  German-speaking  portion  of  the  congregation  finally 
withdrew  and  built  a church  for  themselves. 

Rev.  Father  Machebeuf  in  the  meantime  continued  to  provide  for  the  ac- 
commodation of  his  ever-increasing  flock,  and  at  one  time  occupied  and  held 
services  in  a large  building  on  Wayne  street,  now  occupied  by  Mr.  C.  Cook. 
This  accommodated  those  who  lived  in  the  eastern  portion  of  the  town. 

About  the  year  1850  Father  Machebeuf  was  called  upon  to  leave  for  other 
fields  of  duty  in  the  far  West,  and  although  his  congregation  were  greatly  at- 
45 


350 


History  of  Erie  County. 


tached  to  him  he  was  called  upon  to  leave  the  church  for  which  he  had  so 
faithfully  labored.  Success  followed  him  to  his  new  field  of  labor.  He  is  now 
known  as  the  first  bishop  of  Denver.  He  was  succeeded  by  Father  Conlan 
in  1851,  who  saw  that  something  must  be  done  at  once  for  the  welfare  of  the 
church  of  the  future  in  Sandusky.  A more  central  location  was  looked  for, 
and  lots  purchased  on  the  corner  of  Jackson  and  Jefferson  streets,  at  a cost  of 
$2,000.  On  one  of  these  it  was  decided  to  build  a school-house  at  once,  and 
in  1852  the  large  brick  school-house,  now  used  chiefly  for  girls,  and  also  as  a 
dwelling  for  the  Sisters  was  built  at  a cost  of  $7,000  by  Father  Conlan.  This 
resulted  in  a debt  of  $10,000,  which,  in  those  times,  was  a heavy  burden,  but 
under  the  faithful  work  of  Rev.  Felix  M.  Boff,  who  succeeded  Father  Con- 
lan, this  was  greatly  reduced  and  the  troubles  were  tided  over. 

In  1856  Rev.  Alexis  Caron  took  charge  of  Holy  Angels  and  labored  zeal- 
ously for  the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  Sandusky,  in  season  and  out  of  sea- 
son, and  seeing  the  pressing  need  he  resolved  to  build  a chapel  himself,  which 
he  called  St.  Mary’s.  He  walked  three-quarters  of  a mile,  through  heat  and 
cold,  sun  and  storm,  to  say  mass  on  Sundays  and  holy  days,  and  when  he  left 
he  bequeathed  this  legacy  of  work  and  good  deeds  to  his  successor.  He  also 
built  a school-house  for  boys  on  the  chapel  grounds,  at  a cost  of  $1,599.  This 
was  built  and  paid  for  by  penny  collections. 

Rev.  Fouis  Melon  succeeded  Father  Caron  in  1861  and  remained  for  a 
couple  of  years,  and  was  followed  by  Rev.  Father  Sidley. 

The  demand  for  more  room  became  more  and  more  pressing,  and  in  1865  | 

Father  Sidley  having  secured  a suitable  location  on  the  corner  of  Columbus  | 
avenue  and  Jefferson  street  commenced  the  erection  of  a church  there,  which  [ 
has  since  been  known  as  that  of  St.  Peter  and  Paul.  After  four  years  of  per-  * 
sistent  labor  it  was  completed  and  the  entire  congregation  of  Holy  Angels  re-  |j 
moved  to  it.  For  some  years  after  there  was  an  early  service  in  the  church  of 
the  Holy  Angels,  but  there  was  no  organization,  no  revenue,  and  after  a time  l| 
the  doors  were  closed,  and  all  that  remained  of  its  former  self  was  the  deserted 
building.  1 

There  were  some  business  complications,  however,  which  could  not  be  re-  | 
moved  or  transferred.  In  order  that  its  obligations  to  Mr.  Mills  might  be  j 
■complied  with  it  was  evident  that  the  church  could  not  be  abandoned,  and  i 
therefore  in  1875  Rev.  P'ather  Smythe  was  appointed  pastor  and  the  bounda-  J 
ries  of  the  parish  fixed  and  determined.  From  this  period  is  dated  the  history  f 
of  the  second  church  of  the  Holy  Angels. 

By  wise  and  prudent  management  Father  Smythe  rallied  and  united  the 
Tiiembers  of  his  congregation,  and  succeeded  in  building  a fine  two-story  brick 
school  house,  and  also  made  many"  other  improvements.  He  remained  twelve 
years  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Father  Tracy,  who  entered  on  his  duties  on 
the  7th  day  of  August,  1887,  and  is  still  pastor  of  the  church  of  Holy^  Angels. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


351 


i 


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1 

1 


i 


He  has  decided  on  renovations  and  improvements,  which  will  add  greatly  to 
the  prosperity  of  the  church. 

There  are  at  present  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  families  belonging  to  the 
congregation.  They  are  all  to  be  found  in  the  humbler  walks  of  life,  but  they 
are  willing  and  anxious  to  assist  their  pastor  to  the  extent  of  their  ability,  that 
their  church  in  its  new  adornments  shall  stand  as  a lasting  memorial  of  his 
faithfulness  and  earnestness. 

S/.  Mary's  Catholic  Church,  southeast  corner  Decatur  and  Jefferson  street. 
St.  Mary's  Catholic  Clmrcli  (new),  northwest  corner  Jefferson  and  Miami  ave- 
nue, Rev.  Nicholas  Moes  pastor.  There  was  a meeting  of  German  Catholics 
in  the  Bell  House  before  the  church  of  the  Holy  Angels  was  built,  and  for  sev- 
eral years  this  organization  continued  without  a building  of  their  own,  and  wor- 
shiped in  the  church  of  the  Holy  Angels.  In  the  year  1855  they  built  a stone 
church  at  the  corner  of  Jefferson  street  and  Decatur,  also  a residence  for  a pas- 
tor and  a frame  school-house,  under  the  pastorate  of  J.  Hamene.  In  the  year 
1862  and  1863  a stone  school-house  with  four  spacious  rooms  was  built  under 
the  pastorate  of  Rev.  Hackspiel  and  Nicholas  Moes,  the  present  pastor  of  St. 
Mary’s. 

In  the  year  1873  the  corner-stone  of  the  new  edifice  at  the  corner  of  Mi- 
ami avenue  and  Jefferson  street  was  laid  by  Right  Rev.  R.  Gilmour.  This 
building  was  completed  and  dedicated  the  28th  of  November,  1880.  It  is  an 
elegant  Gothic  structure  of  the  style  belonging  to  the  fourteenth  century,  and 
built  of  the  cut  stone  out  of  native  quarries.  It  is  one  of  Sandusky’s  great  or- 
naments, and  from  its  conspicuous  size  and  height  attracts  the  eye  in  every  di- 
rection. It  measures  one  hundred  and  eighty-four  feet  long  by  seventy-eight 
wide.  The  steeple  is  two  hundred  and  twelve  feet  in  height.  This  church 
cost  with  all  its  contents  and  surroundings  $100,000,  and  has  a membership 
of  seven  hundred. families.  There  are  six  hundred  children  in  its  schools.  The 
entire  property  is  valued  at  $130,000. 

St.  Peter  and  St.  Paul's,  corner  Columbus  avenue  and  Jefferson  street> 
Rev.  R.  A.  Sidley,  pastor.  The  history  of  a church,  like  that  of  an  individual, 
is  so  intimately  connected  with  the  past  that  it  is  sometimes  almost  impossible 
to  dissociate  them.  In  writing  the  history  of  this  church  we  see  its  early  life, 
in  a measure,  interwoven  with  that  of  the  earlier  organization  known  as  the 
Church  of  the  Holy  Angels.  We  find  its  very  existence  was  the  result  of  a 
mistake  of  years  ago,  and  all  it  has  since  been  to  the  city  is  traceable  to  this 
cause. 

Rev.  Father  Sidley  came  to  Sandusky  April  28,  1863,  to  take  charge 
of  the  Church  of  Holy  Angels.  He  was  vigorous,  enthusiastic,  and  in  the 
prime  of  life.  He  found  a building  sadly  in  need  of  repairs  ; a debt  of  $3,500 
on  the  property,  and  a not  very  attractive  house  for  the  pastor  to  live  in. 
He  proceeded  to  have  the  church  edifice  put  in  order,  at  a cost  of  $900, 


352 


History  of  Erie  County. 


and  bought  and  paid  for  an  addition  to  the  old  grave-yard  at  a cost  of’ 

$i,o8o. 

Two  years  later,  in  the  spring  of  1865,  he  called  together  the  principal 
members  of  his  church,  by  the  advice  of  the  ordinary  of  the  diocese,  Rt.  Rev,  . ,^. 
Bishop  Rappe,  to  see  what  could  be  done  for  the  better  accommodation  of  his 
congregation.  After  due  deliberation  the  meeting  resolved  that  it  would  not 
be  wise  to  add  to  the  present  church,  whose  location  was  not  central,  but  that 
a lot  be  purchased  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  street  from  the  school,  for  the 
erection  of  a new  building.  This  proved  too  small,  and  after  great  difficulty 
the  two  lots  on  which  it  now  stands  were  selected  and  purchased  at  a cost  of 
$2,400.  - 

In  the  spring  of  1866  the  foundation  was  begun  for  a new  church  on  the 
corner  of  Columbus  avenue  and  Jefferson  street.  The  corner-stone  was  laid 
by  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Rosecrans,  and  from  this  time,  the  22d  of  July,  until  the 
following  Easter  the  building  was  pushed  rapidly  forward  to  completion.  On  , 
the  9th  of  April,  1871,  the  congregation  took  possession  of  their  new  edifice. 
The  altar  was  consecrated  by  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Gilmour  on  the  25  th  of  May, 
1872,  under  the  invocation  of  the  two  great  apostles.  Saints  Peter  and  Paul.  ■ 
The  entire  church  was  consecrated  by  the  same  prelate  on  the  3d  of  November, 
1878.  It  is  a handsome  building,  one  hundred  and  forty-five  feet  in  length 
and  seventy-one  feet  in  width.  The  height  of  the  tower  is  one  hundred  and  -■ 
thirty-five  feet. 

The  material  is  blue  lime-stone  ornamented  with  sandstone.  The  interior 
is  neat  and  finished  with  taste.  The  ceiling  is  particularly  worthy  of  mention. 

It  is  composed  of  several  large  arches,  delicately  tinted  and  heavily  groined, 
entirely  unsupported  by  pillars  and  giving  an  increasing  effect  to  the  altar  and 
windows. 

The  cost  of  the  church  was  $75,000.  It  can  accommodate  1,200  people 
very  comfortably. 

Adjoining  the  church  is  the  pastor’s  house,  built  also  of  blue  stone  at  a 
cost  of  $5,000,  in  1871,  and  increased  by  an  addition  the  following  year  for 
the  Sisters’  school-house.  This  cost  $2,000. 

For  five  years  the  entire  congregation  worshiped  in  the  new  church.  Then 
a division  of  the  parish  was  made,  a part  of  which  afterward  became  the  parish 
of  the  Holy  Angels. 

Father  Sidley  also  interested  himself  in  the  transformation  of  the  little 
chapel  built  by  Rev.  Father  Caron,  into  a hall  under  the  title  of  “St.  Aloysius 
Young  Men’s  Catholic  Temperance  Hall,”  and  there  all  temperance  meetings 
are  held,  as  well  as  other  Catholic  meetings,  and  is  neatly  arranged  and  pro- 
vided with  a library  for  the  use  of  members  who  desire  to  benefit  by  it.  There 
is  also  a reading-room  for  young  men,  a school-room  for  girls,  and  a sewing- 
room  for  ladies’  societies. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


353 


At  the  time  Father  Smythe  was  appointed  to  the  Holy  Angels,  the  debt 
on  St.  Peter  and  Paul  amounted  to  between  $10,000  and  $12,000.  The 
schools  of  the  church  are  well  attended  and  in  excellent  condition.  One  fea- 
ture of  this  church  cannot  but  strike  the  most  thoughtless  reader,  and  that  is, 
the  harmony  and  unanimity  of  action  between  pastor  and  people.  During  the 
years  of  trial  and  sacrifice  always  attending  the  building  of  a place  of  worship, 
a suggestion  from  the  pastor  was  always  sufficient  to  bring  a response  from 
his  people,  and  the  result  is  a building  of  which  they  may  well  be  proud.  It 
is  an  ornament  to  the  city,  and  ranks  with  the  best  of  the  diocese  in  elegance, 
taste,  and  convenience. 

The  present  amount  of  property  owned  by  St.  Peter  and  Paul’s  Church  is 
$90,000,  with  an  indebtedness  of  $2,000.  Father  Sidley  is  still  its  faithful 
pastor,  laboring  for  the  welfare  of  his  people. 

Congregational  Church. — The  first  religious  organization  in  Sandusky  was 
that  of  the  Congregational  Church,  established  on  the  28th  day  of  May,  1819. 
Its  members  at  that  time  were  six  in  number,  viz.:  Nathan  T.  Jennings,  Maria 
Jennings,  David  McMurray,  Elizabeth  McMurray,  Lydia  Watkins,  and  Anna 
Silvia.  Revs.  John  Seward  and  Joseph  Treat,  missionaries  of  the  Connecticut 
Missionary  Society,  conducted  the  exercises,  and  from  the  church  record  we 
make  an  extract  of  their  entry  at  that  time  : 

“And  having  obtained  satisfactory  evidence  that  these  individuals  were 
suitable  persons  to  belong  to  Christ’s  visible  church,  notwithstanding  the  num- 
ber was  small,  still,  as  there  were  others  who  would  have  been  present  and 
offered  tliemselves  had  they  not  been  providentially  prevented,  it  was  thought 
proper  to  proceed  and  organize  a church.’’ 

It  was  not,  however,  until  a year  later  that  any  accessions  were  made  to  the 
number,  when  four  more  names  were  added  to  the  original  six.  During  this  time 
nothing  is  found  that  shows  the  presence  of  any  clerg}/man,  and  for  a period 
of  eight  years  no  addition  was  made  to  their  number.  Sandusky  grew  but 
slowly.  Death  and  removals  reduced  the  list  to  two,  viz. : Samuel  Walker 
and  his  wife,  Mrs.  Sally  Ann  Walker.  Six  years  passed,  and  these  two 
souls,  with  a few  others  of  different  denominations,  held  regular  prayer  meet- 
ings and  conducted  a Sabbath  meeting  by  reading  a sermon  and  devotional 
exercises. 

In  1825  Rev.  Isaac  S.  Demund,  employed  by  the  United  Missionary 
Society,  preached  every  other  Sabbath  for  six  months.  The  alternate  Sab- 
baths he  preached  in  Milan. 

The  first  minister  employed  by  the  people  to  preach  the  gospel  in  Sandusky 
was  Rev.  William  M.  Adams,  in  1828,  under  whom  several  members  were 
added  to  the  church.  He  remained  a part  of  a year,  and  from  1830  to  1835 
Rev.  Henry  Cowles,  S.  J.  Bradstreet,.  Lorin  Robins  and  Bennet  Roberts  offi- 
ciated for  different  lengths  of  time. 


354 


History  of  Erie  County. 


In  1836  the  first  pastor  was  installed,  and  dismissed  in  1838.  Since  that 
time  the  following  clergymen  have  succeeded  to  the  pastorate  : 


Rev.  Alvan  Nash 

1838* 

U 

J.  A.  Hart 

“ 1838  “ 

1845* 

u 

Leveritt  Hull 

“ 1845  “ 

1847* 

(( 

N.  W.  Fisher 

• 

1 

t 

1 

• 

t 

00 

1849* 

u 

R.  B.  Bement 

“ 1849  “ 

1850* 

u 

C.  J.  Pitkin 

“ 1850  “ 

1852* 

( ( 

J.  S.  Edwards 

“ 1853  “ 

* 

00 

( ( 

Alexander  Duncanson 

00 

• 

1 

1857* 

(( 

James  Walker 

00 

Cn 

1863* 

u 

E.  P.  Ingersoll 

“ 1863  “ 

1868 

< 1 

H.  N.  Burton 

“ 1868  “ 

1876 

i ( 

Josiah  Strong 

“ 1876  “ 

1881 

( i 

E.  C.  Barnard 

“ 1881  “ 

1883 

i ( 

George  H.  Peeke 

‘‘  1883  “ 

the  present. 

From  its  first  origin  the  church  has  been 

strictly  Congregational,  formed 

under  what  is  known  as  the  plan  of  Union.  This  did  not  mean  that  it  should, 
under  any  circumstances,  be  under  the  care  of  a Presbytery,  but  made  a pro- 
vision for  the  appointment  of  ruling  elders,  who  might  be  called  upon  to  dis- 
cipline members. 

In  the  year  1835  a charter  was  obtained  providing  that  “The  First  Con- 
gregational Church  of  Sandusky  be  a body  corporate  and  politic,  with  the 
power  to  hold  property,”  etc. 

During  the  first  fourteen  years  this  organization  had  no  fixed  place  of  wor- 
ship. Sometimes  they  worshiped  in  small  school-houses,  sometimes  in  an 
empty  work-shop,  and  often  in  private  dwellings.  Sectarianism  in  these  early 
times  was  not  strong,  and  all  who  loved  the  Lord  met  together  whenever  and 
wherever  occasion  offered. 

In  183s  the  east  end  of  the  court-house  (then  called  the  academy)  was 
fitted  up  for  the  use  of  this  church  and  a select  school  for  young  ladies,  and 
was  used  thus  for  eighteen  months.  At  this  time  measures  were  taken  to 
build,  and  a stone  building  measuring  sixty  by  forty  feet  and  fronting  to  the 
north  on  the  Public  Square  was  begun.  It  was  finished  in  1836  and  dedicated 
to  the  worship  of  God.  The  single  tower  occupied  the  center  of  the  north  end 
and  was  furnished  with  a bell  at  once.  This  building  was  in  use  nineteen  years, 
when  its  walls  were  mostly  taken  down  to  the  main  floor  and  the  material 
used  again  in  the  present  building,  occupying  the  same  site,  but  extending  to 
Columbus  avenue,  on  which  it  fronts.  Its  length  is  ninety  feet ; width  sixty- 
four  feet;  height  of  main  tower,  with  spire,  one  hundred  and  sixty  feet.  The 
audience-room  has  a seating  capacity  of  more  than  five  hundred,  and  this 


* Those  marked  by  a star  are  deceased. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


355 


property  is  valued  at  $25,000.  The  church  also  owns  a parsonage  on  Wayne 
street  worth  $7,500. 

The  present  membership  of  the  church  is  four  hundred  and  two,  of  which 
forty-two  are  on  the  retired  list.  This  leaves  a known  membership  of  three 
hundred  and  sixty.  One  hundred  and  fifty- one  of  this  number  have  been 
added  to  the  church  during  the  present  pastorate. 

Taking  into  consideration  the  fact  that  two  churches  have  gone  from  her 
midst,  there  is  ample  proof  that  she  has  ever  been  an  active,  growing  organi- 
zation. In  1835  a part  of  her  membership  formed  the  Episcopal  Church,  and 
in  1852  nearly  half  of  her  followers  again  seceded  to  form  the  Presbyterian 
Church. 

The  Congregational  Church  was  widely  known  in  the  old  slavery  days  for 
her  strict  adherence  to  the  abolition  of  the  evil  and  her  defense  of  the  oppressed. 
Sandusky  was  one  of  the  principal  stations  on  the  Underground  Railroad,  and 
Deacon  Parish  was  known  far  and  wide  for  his  bold  and  loyal  devotion  to  the 
cause  of  freedom.  Many  a slave  was  aided  to  escape  from  bondage  by  this 
good  man,  who  has  now  gone  to  his  reward. 

Deacon  M.  F.  Cowdray,  recently  deceased,  was  for  many  years  an  active 
deacon  of  this  church.  He  was  one  of  the  foremost  educators  of  the  State, 
and  was  one  of  the  very  first  to  introduce  the  system  of  graded  schools  into 
Ohio. 

Deacon  James  Marshall,  the  present  senior  deacon  of  this  church,  has  been 
one  of  its  strongest  supporters  for  the  last  twenty-five  years.  The  present 
deacons  are  James  Marshall,  Arthur  Phinney  and  G.  W.  Payne.  Trustees — 
Henry  Schumacher,  John  Poole,  Samuel  Irvine  and  H.  C.  Post. 

Among  the  names  that  are  enrolled  upon  the  books  of  this  church  as  pas- 
tors, we  find  two  that  have  since  become  known  to  the  world  through  their 
literary  work,  viz.;  Dr.  Walker,  whose  “Philosophy  of  the  Plan  of  Salvation” 
is  still  in  use  in  many  educational  institutions,  and  Dr.  Strong,  whose  work, 
“ Our  Country,”  has  passed  through  several  editions. 

A benevolent  society  was  formed  by  the  ladies  in  the  early  days  of  the 
church’s  history,  and  is  still  one  of  its  most  attractive  features.  All  through 
the  dark  days  of  the  Civil  War  this  society  devoted  its  time  exclusively  to  the 
soldiers,  and  when  that  need  passed  away,  the  same  energy  was  used  in  work- 
ing for  the  missionaries  on  our  western  and  southern  frontiers  and  the  needy 
at  home.  It  is  still  in  existence,  and  meets  every  Thursday  afternoon  in  the 
church  parlors,  where,  after  the  work  is  laid  aside,  a supper  is  enjoyed,  and  an 
hour  of  social  intercourse  passes  the  time  until  the  hour  for  prayer  meeting. 
It  would  be  impossible  to  estimate  the  amount  of  good  these  ladies  have  accom- 
plished, and  it  is  not  surprising  that  they  cherish  an  organization  that  has  ex- 
isted so  long. 

Grace  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  southwest  corner  of  Wayne  and  Wash- 


356 


History  of  Erie  County. 


ington  streets.  Rev.  Richard  Howell,  rector.  With  the  chapels  belonging 
thereto,  viz : Calvary  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  southwest  corner  of  Eirst 
and  Erie;  St.  John’s  chapel,  northeast  corner  of  Monroe  and  Clinton.  Rev.  J. 
Hawthorne,  minister  in  charge  ; St.  Luke’s  chapel,  west  side  of  Hayes  avenue, 
between  Tyler  and  Osborne  ; chapel  at  Venice.  Among  the  oldest  and  most 
substantial  church  organizations  of  Sandusky,  this  church  has  a prominent 
place.  It  was  organized  on  the  13th  day  of  June,  1835,  at  a meeting  of  citi- 
zens at  the  house  of  Oran  Eollett,  on  which  occasion  Zenas  M.  Barker  was 
made  moderator,  and  A.  Root,  secretary  of  the  meeting,  and  it  was  there  re- 
solved that  the  name  by  which  it  should  be  known,  should  be  Grace  Church 
Parish,  Sandusky  city. 

The  first  vestry  was  composed  of  Abner  Root,  senior  warden ; Zenas  M. 
Barker,  junior  warden  ; John  G.  Camp,  John  N.  Sloane,  Ogden  Mallory,  Elen- 
theros  Cooke,  T.  Neill,  John  Kinney,  James  Hollister  and  Wm.  P.  Chapman. 

At  the  first  vestry  meeting  held  June  20,  1835,  it  was  decided  to  build 
immediately.  The  church  edifice  should  be  of  stone  and  its  dimensions  should 
be  seventy-five  feet  in  length  by  fifty  in  width.  Its  situation  was  wisely 
chosen  — on  the  corner  of  Wayne  and  Washington  streets  — and  its  corner 
stone  was  laid  July  28,  1835,  by  the  Rev.  Wm.  Shelton,  D.  D.,  of  Buffalo,  N. 
Y.,  assisted  by  the  Rev.  E.  Tommison,  of  Norwalk.  Abner  Root  was  ap- 
pointed first  delegate  to  the  diocesan  convention  on  October  21,  1835.  By  an 
act  of  the  Legislature  Grace  Church  Parish  was  incorporated  on  January  15, 
1836.  That  same  .year,  in  the  month  of  August,  Rev.  Albert  Bledsoe  was 
elected  rector  of  the  parish,  and  entered  upon  his  duties  September  i,  1836, 
the  building  being  erected  and  enclosed,  and  the  basement  ready  for  occupa- 
tion. Mr.  Bledsoe’s  rectorship  terminated  April  31,  1837.  The  following 
names  are  recorded  as  the  first  communicants  : Abner  Root,  Elizabeth  Root, 
Zenas  W.  Barker,  Eliza  G.  Barker,  Quincy  Adams,  Rhoda  Camp,  Elizabeth 
Camp,  Elizabeth  G.  Webber,  Ann  Boyce,  Grace  Neil,  Christian  Morton,  Ona 
Mallory,  Fanny  Mallory,  Fanny  Cook,  Elizabeth  Chapman,  Eliza  Inman,  Ann 
Wilbur,  Eliza  P.  Hollister. 

Rev.  Thomas  H.  Inman  had  charge  of  the  parish  about  nine  months.  On 
the  15th  of  September,  1838,  he  resigned,  and  the  parish  was  without  a rector 
until  December  i,  1839.  During  the  time  from  December,  1839,  to  April, 
1840,  Rev.  E.  Punderson  supplied  the  pulpit,  when  Rev.  B.  H.  Hickox  became 
minister  in  charge  May  i.  He  infused  such  life  and  energy  into  the  parish  that 
the  vestry  elected  him  rector  at  the  expiration  of  a year.  As  this  was  not 
approved  by  Bishop  Mcllvaine,  Rev.  Mr.  Hickox  resigned  October  i,  1841. 
From  this  time  the  parish  was  without  a rector  until  November,  1842,  when 
Rev.  Foster  Thayer  assumed  the  incumbency,  resigning  the  following  Easter. 
From  Easter  until  Christmas  the  parish  was  again  vacant.  Rev.  Edward 
Lounsbury  was  elected  to  fill  the  vacancy  and  officiated  for  the  first  time  on 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


357 


Christmas  Eve,  this  being  the  first  service  in  the  completed  edifice.  An  organ 
procured  the  previous  summer,  was  used  for  the  first  time,  at  this  service. 

The  consecration  of  Grace  Church  took  place  June  29,  1844,  and  the  ser- 
vices were  conducted  by  Bishop  Mcllvaine^  In  the  autumn  of  that  year  Rev. 
Mr.  Lounsbury  was  compelled  to  resign  on  account  of  his  health. 

The  sixth  rector  was  Rev.  L.  N.  Freeman,  who  entered  upon  his  duties 
October,  1844,  and  remained  one  year,  leaving  a record  of  official  work,  the 
largest  in  the  history  of  the  parish.  After  a vacancy  of  one  year.  Rev.  S.  A. 
Bronson,  D.  D.,  president  of  Kenyon  College,  was  chosen  rector,  and  entered 
upon  his  duties  October,  1850. 

For  sixteen  years  the  church  enjoyed  a period  of  great  success.  Dr.  Bron- 
son laid  the  foundations  broad  and  deep.  Transepts  and  a chancel  were  added, 
and  two  chapels  built.  One  of  these  was  St.  Mary’s,  Western  Liberties,  the 
other  St.  Ann’s,  Camptown.  The  church  was  enlarging  her  borders,  and  the 
spirit  of  her  earnest  pastor  filled  the  people  with  enthusiasm.  Through  pesti- 
lence and  civil  war  Dr.  Bronson  remained  at  his  post,  a faithful  pastor,  rec- 
ommending the  Christian  religion  by  a well-rounded  life.  He  imparted  his 
own  stability  of  character  to  the  parish,  and  it  rose  to  be  one  of  the  first  in 
good  works  for  the  Master.  It  became  the  missionary  parish  at  home  and 
abroad.  Dr.  Bronson  resigned  after  sixteen  years  of  earnest  labor  to  accept  a 
professorship  in  Kenyon  College,  Gambler,  October,  1866.  Rev.  W.  Farr,  of 
Philadelphia,  was  called  to  be  next  rector.  Building  upon  Dr.  Bronson’s 
foundation  he  inaugurated  an  era  of  giving.  He  built  a beautiful  stone  chapel 
in  the  Western  Liberties  under  the  name  of  St.  John’s  ; also  a new  stone 
church  named  Calvary.  This  latter  took  the  place  of  St.  Ann’s,  Camptown. 
Calvary  soon  became  an  independent  parish  with  its  own  rector.  The  land 
^ for  this  church  was  donated  by  Mr.  C.  C.  Keech,  who  also  gave  the  land  for  St. 

Luke’s,  where  a temporary  edifice  was  being  built.  To  aid  in  this  home  mis- 
; sionary  work  an  assistant  was  elected  in  the  person  of  Rev.  G.  R.  Sturgess,  who 
ij  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  C.  L.  Pindar,  and  he  by  Rev.  A.  B.  Nicholas  in  1876. 
?!  Mr.  Nicholas  also  assumed  the  title  of  rector  of  Calvary  Church. 

■i  In  1875  the  Hospital  of  the  Good  Samaritan  was  inaugurated  and  char- 
tered and  the  building  commenced.  In  October,  1877,  to  the  unanimous  re- 
7 gret  of  his  parishioners,  Mr.  Farr  resigned,  and  assumed  charge  and  rector- 
1'  ship  of  the  Church  of  the  Saviour,  in  Philadelphia.  During  the  eleven  years 
1;  of  Mr.  Farr’s  rectorship  the  receipts  from  all  sources  reached  the  large  sum  of 
I-  nearly  $100,000. 

In  October,  1877,  Rev.  L.  S.  Osborne,  of  Xenia,  O.,  was  called  to  the 
i rectorship  and  entered  upon  his  duties  January  6,  1878.  During  his  adminis- 
tration the  church  gave  liberally  to  missions  and  built  a beautiful  chapel  to 
take  the  place  of  the  temporary  building  at  St.  Luke’s.  At  Easter,  1883,  Rev. 
R.  N.  Avery  was  added  to  the  clerical  force  of  the  parish.  At  the  same  time 
46 


358 


History  of  Erie  County. 


the  chapel  at  Venice  placed  itself  under  the  care  of  Grace  Church.  During 
the  summer  of  1882  and  1883,  extensive  repairs  and  improvements  were  made, 
and  the  parish  was  in  a flourishing  condition. 

The  resignation  of  Mr.  Osborne  January  6,  1884,  was  the  cause  of  univer- 
sal regret  and  sorrow  to  his  parishioners  and  friends,  and  again  the  parish  was 
without  a rector.  Rev.  Francis  K.  Brooke,  of  Piqua,  O.,  was  called  to  the 
parish  and  assumed  the  rectorship  March  23,  1884.  Mr.  Brooke  was  an  earn- 
est, faithful  worker,  a staunch  churchman,  and  deeply  respected  by  all  who 
knew  him.  He  was  called  to  St.  Peter’s  Church,  St.  Louis,  and  entered  upon 
his  duties  there  in  the  spring  of  1886.  The  eleventh  rector.  Rev.  Richard 
Lewis  Howell,  was  called  to  the  parish  in  December,  1886,  and  assumed  the 
rectorship  January  i,  1887.  In  February  he  was  elected  rector  of  Calvary 
Church,  and  in  April  the  new  chapel  in  Venice,  which  had  been  closed  for 
nearly  two  years,  was  opened  and  regular  services  held.  Rev.  Charles  Sturges 
was  called  to  Fernandina,  Fla.,  and  resigned  Calvary  Church  in  February. 
He  was  the  much  beloved  successor  of  the  Rev.  A.  B.  Nicholas,  who  in  his 
time  had  won  the  hearts  of  the  whole  community  of  church  people  in  San- 
dusky, and  had  resigned  to  become  general  missionary  of  the  diocese.  Rev. 
Mr.  Howell  received  Mr.  William  J.  Hawthorne  as  a student  and  candidate  for 
holy  orders  from  Philadelphia,  hoping  for  his  ordination  in  the  near  future. 
Rev.  William  B.  Guion,  formerly  assisting  at  Grace  Church,  Cleveland,  was 
called  as  the  assistant  at  Calvary  Church.  Mr.  Guion  remained  but  a few 
weeks.  The  past  year  has  been  one  of  great  prosperity.  St.  John’s,  St. 
Luke’s,  Calvary,  have  all  been  greatly  beautified  and  improved.  The  hospital 
has  entered  upon  a bright  era  of  prosperity.  The  generosit}'  of  the  people  has 
vastly  increased,  and  already  a parish  building  has  been  donated  to  Grace 
Church.  There  are  rumors  of  other  gifts,  and  the  whole  parish  seems  roused 
to  a sense  of  its  opportunity  and  responsibility.  A debt  exceeding  $1,200  has 
been  paid,  and  for  the  first  time  in  many  years,  not  a penny  of  indebtedness 
rests  upon  any  of  the  five  churches  in  the  rector’s  care.  The  Rev.  B.  M. 
Dougherty,  of  Christ  Church,  Huron,  became  the  assistant  in  charge  of  Cal- 
vary Church,  on  Sunday,  February  12,  1888.  Grace  Church  property,  $25,- 
000 ; rectory,  $6,000 ; Calvary  Church  and  rectory,  $6,000 ; St.  Luke’s, 
$4,000;  St.  John’s,  $4,000;  hospital,  $15,000. 

Emanuel  German  Evangelical  Protestant  Church. — North-east  corner  of 
Columbus  avenue  and  Adams  street.  Rev.  John  George  Enzlin,  pastor. 
Until  July,  1844,  there  was  but  one  German  Church  in  Sandusky.  At  this 
time  twenty-three  individuals  mot  in  the  old  court-house  to  consider  the 
practicability  of  forming  a second  organization  for  public  worship. 

Jacob  Hertel  was  chosen  secretary,  and  the  organization  was  formed.  At 
the  second  meeting  the  subject  of  a building  was  introduced,  and  a committee 
of  five  was  appointed  to  make  arrangements  for  building.  This  was  composed 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


359 


of  the  following  gentlemen:  Peter  Gilcher,  chairman;  John  Horning,  Fred. 
Reinheimer,  Jacob  Knerr,  John  Claussius. 

In  January,  1845,  it  was  decided  to  build  a brick  church,  thirty-six  by 
forty  feet,  with  a height  of  fifteen  feet.  At  this  time  the  church  had  already 
grown  in  its  membership,  until  it  numbered  sixty-two  members.  Among 
these  was  John  Shook,  who  is  still  living  in  our  midst.  In  1852  there  were 
one  hundred  and  seventy-one  members,  but  in  the  year  1854  a number  of  the 
members  concluded  to  withdraw  and  form  a Lutheran  Church,  and  left  but  one 
hundred  and  twenty  members  in  the  old  church. 

There  was  no  constitution  framed  until  1854,  but  the  government  was  con- 
gregational. 

In  1857  the  church  called  as  pastor  Rev.  Moseback,  who  remained  one 
year.  After  his  departure  Dr.  Fisher  was  called  on  a salary  of  $300  per 
annum.  He  remained  pastor  of  this  church  until  1867,  when  he  was  requested 
to  resign  and  thereupon  proceeded  to  form  a church  of  his  own,  for  which  he 
built  a church  (now  utied  as  a dwelling  house)  and  continued  in  Sandusky 
many  years  as  its  pastor. 

In  the  year  1869  Rev.  Seipell  was  called  to  the  pastorate,  and  remained 
until  1872.  In  June,  1872,  his  successor,  Rev.  E.  Von  Schulenburg,  became  its 
pastor,  and  during  his  pastorate  the  church  was  united  to  the  General  Synod  of 
North  America,  under  whose  care  it  still  continues.  After  remaining  four  years 
Rev.  E.  Von  Schulenburg  left,  but  returned  to  the  city  again  subsequently,  and 
has  since  been  pastor  of  the  Church  of  St.  Stephens. 

The  present  pastor,  J.  G.  Enzlin,  has  been  here  since  1876,  and  the  church 
has  gained  in  strength  and  power.  He  raised  money  to  purchase  a parsonage, 
a pretty  building  on  the  corner  of  Jackson  and  Monroe  streets,  valued  at  $2,500, 
and  the  church  has  now  sixty  voting  members,  and  a complete  membership 
numbering  two  hundred  and  forty.  He  teaches  two  months  every  summer,  and 
divddes  his  labors  between  Sandusky  and  Front’s  Station,  a rural  station  where 
he  has  a membership  of  forty-five  voting  members.  He  preaches  in  Sandusky 
every  Sabbath  morning,  and  every  alternate  Sabbath  goes  to  his  country 
church. 

The  new  church  was  built  in  1866,  and  is  worth  $l 0,000,  with  a pipe  organ 
that  cost  them  $870.  This  building  is  situated  on  the  corner  of  Adams  and  Co- 
lumbus avenue. 

To  be  a voting  member  the  church  requires  not  only  that  one  should  live  a 
Christian  life,  but  also  that  a certain  amount  be  given  to  the  church  yearly. 
Where  there  are  short-comings  in  these  respects  the  members  are  excluded 
from  the  privilege  of  voting. 

Salem  Church  {^Evangelical  Association),  Rev.  Matthew  Guhl  pastor,  Ad- 
ams street,  between  Wayne  and  Columbus  avenue.  This  is  the  oldest  German 
Church  in  Saudusky,  and  has  existed  since  1840.  In  its  government  it  is  very 


36o 


History  of  Erie  County. 


similar  to  the  Methodist  denomination,  and  has  its  presiding  elder,  its  bishop, 
and  its  conference. 

In  1840  it  was  a mere  appointment,  belonging  to  the  so-called  Sandusky 
circuit  of  the  Ohio  Conference,  which  at  that  time  contained  about  thirty-five 
stations  or  appointments.  The  preachers  of  those  early  times  worked  hard,  and 
endured  great  trials.  For  twelve  years  they  visited  this  town  every  four  or  six 
weeks,  and  kept  life  in  the  little  enterprise.  At  this  time  they  held  their  meet- 
ings in  the  old  court-house,  and  their  prayer- meetings  in  private  dwellings. 
The  meetings  in  the  court  house  were  well  attended,  even  Catholics  came  to 
hear  the  Gospel  because  they  had  no  church.  In  1840  A.  Strob  preached  here 
with  great  power,  and  several  persons  were  converted  to  God.  Two  years  be- 
fore Mrs.  Chr.  Zollinger  and  some  others  had  been  converted. 

In  1843  the  Ohio  Conference  located  a preacher  here  permanently,  Rev. 
John  Lutz.  This  man  of  God  did  a good  work  among  the  Germans  of  San- 
dusky. 

The  first  building  was  erected  on  court-house  square,  and  was  a small 
frame  house.  It  stood  but  three  years,  and  was  then  sold  and  removed.  In 
1854  the  present  church  was  built,  near  the  blue  school-house.  Rev.  L. 
Scheuerman  was  then  pastor. 

The  first  members  of  this  church  included  some  of  the  most  respected  Ger- 
man families,  of  whom  some  are  still  here,  others  have  died,  and  many  moved 
away.  Most  prominent  among  these  are  the  following  names:  C.  W.  Zollinger 
and  wife,  J.  Nicolai  and  wife,  B.  Wiegel  and  wife,  John  Kaegle  and  wife,  Jacob 
Schumacker  and  wife,  Mr.  Traub  and  wife,  John  Walker  and  wife,  John  Brost 
and  wife  and  others.  The  ministers  who  have  been  from  time  to  time  stationed 
here  were  the  following:  Rev.  John  Lutz,  J.  G.  Ziegler  Revs.  Jos.  Haffert,  J. 
Hall,  J.  Kern,  A.  Miebel,  G.  Behner,  G.  F.  Spreng,  J.  J.  Lang,  George  Kagy, 
D.  Hahn,  L.  Scheuerman,  J.  Strohman,  J.  Hanecker,  C.  T.  Negele,  J.  D.  Seip, 
J.  Trech,  K.  Tramer,  J.  P.  Schautz,  J.  Walz,  J.  Pontius,  C.  L.  Well,  and  M.  Guhl 
now  in  charge. 

The  number  of  members  has  varied  greatly,  and  when  other  German 
Churches  were  established  it  had  many  difficulties  to  contend  with.  There  are 
at  present  one  hundred  and  forty  members.  A Sunday-school  is  flourishing  of 
one  hundred  and  thirty  scholars,  and  fifteen  officers  and  teachers.  The  pres- 
ent officers  of  the  church  are  J.  G.  Ziegler,  S.  Becker,  J.  Walker,  J.  Schumacher, 
P.  Vinnes  (trustees).  J.  G.  Ziegler  and  P.  Vinnes  (class-leader),  S.  Becker  and 
P.  Fuhr  stewards. 

The  growth  and  success  of  this  church  would  have  been  more  continuous 
and  greater  could  the  first  pastors  have  remained  longer  in  charge.  As  a rule 
they  remained  but  a single  year,  and  as  soon  as  they  were  acquainted  with  their 
people,  were  sent  to  other  appointments.  This  kept  the  church  from  growing 
as  it  should  have  done.  The  present  pastor  has  done  a good  work  here,  and 
is  now  on  the  third  year  of  his  pastorate. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


361 

Gemtan  Reformed  Church,  corner  Hancock  and  Jefferson  streets,  Rev. 
Michael  Treiber,  pastor.  Historically,  this  church  is  descended  from  the  Swiss 
churches  established  in  the  sixteenth  century,  through  the  instrumentality  of 
the  reformer  Zwingli.  After  the  death  of  Zwingli  the  head  of  the  church  was 
assumed  by  John  Calvin  himself,  who  resided  in  Geneva.  They  are  strictly 
orthodox  in  belief  and  have  their  churches  in  every  town  and  city  of  our  new 
world. 

The  German  Reformed  Church  of  Sandusky  was  formed  in  1852,  by  a 
number  of  seceders  from  the  German  Evangelist  Protestant  Emanuel  Church, 
under  the  leadership  of  Rev.  Peter  Bricker,  to  supply  a want  long  felt  for  an 
orthodox  German  Church.  They  are  placed  under  the  supervision  of  the 
High  Dutch  Reformed  Synod  of  Ohio  and  the  adjoining  States.  Their  house 
of  worship  is  on  the  corner  of  Hancock  and  Jefferson  streets,  and  their  church 
membership  now  numbers  about  two  hundred.  The  value  of  their  property 
is  $6,000.  Their  present  pastor  is  Rev.  Michael  Treiber. 

St.  Stephen' s German  Eva?igelical  Protestant  CJuirch,  corner  of  Laurence 

and  Jefferson  streets.  Rev.  Ernst  Von  Schulenberg,  pastor.  In  the  year  18 

Dr.  Von  Schulenberg  organized  this  church,  and  with  a few  families  from  the 
Emanuel  Church,  and  several  others,  took  steps  toward  a permanent  organiza- 
tion. The  necessity  for  a building  forced  them  at  once  to  make  arrangements 
for  its  beginning,  and  Dr.  Von  Schulenberg  succeeded  in  seeing  one  erected 
at  a cost  of  $3,500,  of  which  all  but  three  hundred  is  now  paid. 

This  church  has  a membership  of  fifty-five  families,  ten  of  these  having 
been  added  since  its  organization.  This  church  was  dedicated  in  May,  1882, 
and  at  the  present  time  the  Sunday-school  numbers  one  hundred  and  fifty 
scholars  and  fifteen  teachers. 

In  addition  to  the  work  of  the  parish,  and  the  service  of  the  church.  Dr. 
Von  Schulenberg  carries  on  a large  medical  practice  and  accomplishes  a large 
amount  of  literary  work.  He  has  been  a large  giver  to  the  church,  and,  as  in 
the  course  of  years  some  of  his  best  families  have  been  removed  by  death  or 
change  of  residence,  the  burden  is  not  light.  One  of  his  principal  families, 
Mr.  Fruechticht,  returned  to  Hungary,  and  at  present  there  are  none  to  rise 
up  and  take  the  vacant  places,  but  the  work  goes  on,  and  the  doctor  labors 
earnestly  for  his  church. 

FrieJids. — Friends  chapel  is  on  the  south  side  of  Second  street  between 
Sycamore  Line  and  Erie  street.  William  Nicholson,  minister.  This  so- 
ciety was  organized  in  February,  1881.  The  house  now  occupied  by  them 
was  built  and  formerly  occupied  by  the  Episcopalians,  until  their  pres- 
ent house  of  worship  was  built  on  First  street.  At  that  time  they  sold 
their  old  church  to  the  city  School  Board,  to  be  used  for  school  purposes, 
until  the  tenth  ward  school-house  was  built.  The  building  then  was  left 
unoccupied,  and  in  February,  1880,  Rev.  J.  Strong,  of  the  Congregational 


362 


History  of  Erie  County. 


church,  assisted  by  J.  J.  Howell  and  others,  rented  the  house  from  the 
Board  of  Education  and  gathered  in  fifty  children  that  had  hitherto  been 
attending  no  Sabbath-school,  and  proceeded  to  organize  a Sabbath-school, 
and  elected  D.  C.  Walker  superintendent,  and  J.  J.  Howell  secretary 
and  treasurer.  Under  their  management  the  interest  and  attendance  in- 
creased until  it  was  concluded  that  the  cottage-prayer  meetings,  that  had  been 
held  throughout  the  winter  in  private  houses,  should  be  moved  to  the  church; 
and  through  the  interest  of  the  people,  and  by  their  request,  William  Allen,  a 
minister  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  from  Indiana,  with  Charles  Sweet,  came 
and  held  revival  meetings,  at  which  there  were  several  conversions.  Thirteen 
or  more  requested  to  become  members  of  the  Friends  Church,  and  thus  Milan 
Monthly  Meeting  (at  that  time  composed  of  the  two  meetings  of  Milan  and 
Berlin),  by  the  requests  of  these  converts  became  interested,  and  the  house 
was  bought  by  the  Friends.  The  church  was  organized  in  i88i,  with  J.  J. 
Howell  and  Mary  Jackson  as  elders.  About  this  time  Lida  G.  Romack,  a 
noted  lady  minister  and  revivalist,  of  Alum  Creek,  held  a series  of  meetings  in 
which  the  whole  community  became  interested  ; so  much  so  that  the  house 
could  not  hold  the  people,  and  an  eager  throng  pressed  around  the  doors  and 
windows,  even  to  the  blocking  of  the  street.  More  converts  were  thus  brought 
in,  and  William  Allen  brought  his  membership  as  a minister  from  Indiana, 
and  he  and  Charles  Sweet  preached  for  some  time,  until  William  was  called  to 
another  field,  and  then  the  work  rested  on  Charles  Sweet  for  some  months.  Then 
G.  J.  Bartlett  took  charge  of  the  work,  with  the  other  two  appointments,  until  he 
was  succeeded  by  William  Nicholson,  the  present  pastor.  He  was  sent  from  East 
Richland  by  the  Yearly  Meeting’s  Pastoral  Committee,  in  September,  to  Mi- 
lan Monthly  Meeting,  and  took  this  work  in  connection  until  one  year  ago, 
when  it  was  decided  to  divide  the  work  and  give  William  Nicholson  the  work 
in  Sandusky  alone.  At  the  time  when  he  came  to  the  city  he  found  a mem- 
bership of  about  thirty.  Since  that  time  there  have  been  thirty-five  by  re- 
quest, and  five  by  letter,  and  the  interest  of  the  church  is  on  the  increase. 

The  Society  of  Friends  have  a yearly  conference,  and  a quarterly  meeting 
or  conference.  This  church  belongs  to  the  Alum  Creek  Conference  and  the 
Ohio  Yearly  Meeting. 

Wherever  the  Friends  are  found  there  is  a monument  to  their  founder, 
George  Fox,  who  in  1657  organized  the  first  society  of  this  denomination,  and 
lived  to  see  80,000  converted  under  him.  The  church  in  Sandusky  is  united 
and  prosperous,  and  promises  well  for  the  future  growth  of  its  body,  under  its 
present  earnest  minister. 

German  Lutheran  Church. — Corner  of  Washington  and  Jackson  streets. 
Rev.  Jacob  Dornbirer,  pastor.  In  June,  1852,  a meeting  was  called  with  the 
intention  of  forming  a church,  and  Rev.  Schladtermundt  was  appointed  to 
draft  the  constitution. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


363 


January  18,  1853,  this  organization  joined  the  Lutheran  Synod,  of  Ohio, 
and  the  same  day  proceeded  to  elect  trustees  and  Sunday-  school  officers.  The 
first  trustees  were : Bernhardt  Meier,  George  Hartman,  George  Lanz.  The 
first  minister  was  Rev.  Schladtermundt.  Rev.  Kline  succeeded  him  August 
6,  1853,  and  Rev.  Seidel  followed  him  March,  1855.  Then  came  George  Lehr 
in  1856,  who  remained  twenty-two  years  and  died  February  6,  1879.  His 
successor  was  J.  Dornbearer  in  the  same  year.  They  own  a parsonage  and 
now  have  a church  of  two  hundred  families. 

Methodist  Episcopal  Church. — South  side  of  Washington,  between  Jack- 
son  and  Decatur  streets.  Rev.  J.  F.  Brant,  pastor.  Methodists  are  always 
pioneers.  They  are  found  wherever  a few  families  have  settled,  and  proceed 
to  organize  themselves  at  once  into  a class.  In  Sandusky  City  they  did  this 
in  its  earliest  days,  and  until  1828  they  worshiped  in  private  houses.  At  this 
time  they  erected  the  first  church  building  ever  erected  here,  and  had  Rev. 
John  Jajjnes  for  their  pastor.  It  was  a small  one-story  building  on  Jackson 
street,  facing  west  from  the  present  court-house. 

In  those  days  it  was  customary  for  brother  Daniel  Van  Fleet  to  blow  the 
horn  for  assembling  the  people  for  worship,  but  in  a few  years  this  custom 
was  relegated  to  the  background,  and  the  more  modern  fashion  of  ringing  a 
small  bell  was  substituted  in  its  place.  Rev.  L.  B.  Gurley  completed  the  in- 
terior of  the  church  in  1830,  and  was  heard  to  say  that  the  pulpit  was  so 
unlike  anything  in  heaven  or  earth  that  there  would  be  no  sin  in  worshiping 
it.  Among  the  first  members  were  the  following  persons:  Daniel  Van  Fleet, 
Father  Kelly,  J.  H.  Norman,  Father  Allen,  D.  H.  Tuttle,  Mrs.  Eunice  E. 
Newton,  Mrs.  Mary  Osborn,  Mrs.  Mary  A.  Paul,  Mrs.  Mary  Holland,  Mrs. 
Amanda  Smith,  Mrs.  Elenore  Smith,  Mrs.  Susan  Dean,  Martin  C.  Clarkson. 
From  the  erection  of  the  first  church  in  1828  until  the  building  of  the  second 
in  1847,  ths  following  pastors  succeeded  each  other  in  the  charge  of  this 
church:  John  Jones,  William  Runnels,  L.  B.  Gurley,  Edward  Thompson  (af- 
terward bishop),  Thomas  Barkdull,  John  Quigley,  Orin  Mitchell,  William  C. 
Pierce,  O.  Burgess  and  Clark  Johnson,  Thomas  Thompson  and  Ralph  Wilcox, 
Harvey  Camp  and  Thomas  Cooper,  E.  McClure  and  S.  I.  Seymour,  E.  R. 
Jewett. 

It  was  when  Mr.  Jewett  was  pastor  that  the  second  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  edifice  was  erected  on  what  is  now  the  High  School  grounds  opposite 
the  Congregational  Church.  When  almost  completed  it  was  burned.  The 
next  church  edifice  was  erected  on  the  West  Square  between  the  Congrega- 
tional Church  and  the  present  stone  church  occupied  by  the  German  Luth- 
erans. The  following  were  the  regularly  appointed  pastors  : Erom  1845,  1846, 
1847,  E.  R.  Jewett;  1847  1848,  Ebenezer  R.  Plill  ; 1848  and  1849,  Hib- 

bard P.  Ward,  who  died  of  cholera  ; Thomas  Cooper,  appointed  chaplain  to 
the  seamen  in  1848,  died  of  cholera  in  1849;  in  1849  and  1850,  Edward  S. 


364 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Grumley  ; 1850,  1851,  1852,  James  A.  Kellam  ; 1852  and  1853,  Alexander 
Wilson;  1853  and  1854,  Liberty  Prentiss;  1854  and  1855,  Samuel  M.  Beatty, 
second  charge,  the  church  being  divided. 

It  was  during  this  year  that  the  name  of  the  district  was  changed  from 
Tiffin  to  Sandusky. 

In  1855,  1856,  1857,  Jacob  T.  Caples,  Samuel  M.  Beatty,  and  Simon  A. 
Lee,  second  charge,  and  William  C.  Pierce,  presiding  elder;  1856,  1857,  1858, 
Alfred  Wheeler;  1858  and  1 859,  Alpha  Wright ; i860  and  1861,  Moses  K. 
Hard;  1861,  1862,  1863,  T.  L.  Hildrith,  E.  R.  Jewett,  presiding  elder;  1863 
and  1864,  W.  H.  Nickerson;  1864  and  1865,  Alfred  Wheeler;  1865-1867, 
William  D.  Godman  ; 1867,  1868,  1869,  A.  J.  Lyon;  1869,  1870,  1871,  Leon- 
ard B.  Gurley;  1871,  1872,  1873,  John  A.  Mudge;  1873  and  1874,  George 
W.  Collier;  1875,  1876,  1877,  P.  B.  Stroup;  1877,  1878,  1879,  A.  D.  Knapp; 
1879  and  1880,  George  W.  Pepper;  1881  and  1882,  B.  G.  Hoadley  ; 1883, 
1884.  1885,  B.  T.  Stevenson;  1886,  1887,  1888,  J.  L.  Brant. 

At  present  the  church  is  known  as  Trinity  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
and  is  a large,  handsome,  brick  structure,  with  facing  and  two  towers,  the  east- 
ern one  terminating  in  a high,  graceful  spire.  It  is  handsome!}^  finished  within 
and  furnished  with  taste.  Rev.  E.  R.  Jewett  and  the  ladies  of  the  church 
raised  over  $6,000  of  the  amount  necessary  to  complete  the  present  building. 
The  property  is  valued  at  $25,000.  The  church  was  dedicated  in  1882. 

This  church  has  a present  membership  of  two  hundred  and  seventy  full 
members  and  forty  probationers,  with  a Sunday-school  of  two  hundred  and 
ten  scholars. 

Stewards  : D.  C.  Powers,  Dr.  William  Gaylord,  R.  J.  Hargraves,  N.  A. 
Hadden,  R.  C.  Gould,  Rev.  E.  R.  Jewett,  Edward  Haylor,  Homer  Ward,  E. 
Gilbert,  S.  G.  Cathermaine,  William  Booer,  E.  L.  Redding.  Trustees  : Charles 
Cooke,  R.  M.  Wilcox,  Joseph  Porter,  B.  Crozier,  William  H.  McFall,  G.  E. 
Harris,  W.  R.  Zollinger,  J.  E.  Freeman,  Daniel  Buck.  Rev.  E.  R.  Jewett, 
superannuated  preacher  ; Martin  C.  Clarkson,  local  preacher. 

German  Aletliodist  Episcopal  Church  south  side  of  Jefferson,  between  Co- 
lumbus avenue  and  Jackson,  Rev.  John  Kuster,  pastor.  The  First  German 
Episcopal  Society  was  organized  in  1851,  with  a membership  of  eight  persons. 
The  church  was  built  in  1852,  on  the  court-house  square.  It  was  removed  to 
its  present  location  in  1880.  The  value  of  the  property  is  $2,500.  Its  pres-  i 
ent  membership  is  thirty-five.  Trustees,  J.  Kachell,  J.  Richter,  Fred  Schor,  H. 
Heinzerling,  M.  Crass,  M.  Marschall  and  A.  Lickfeld. 

The  first  church  of  this  denomination  in  Margaretta  township  was  for  a time 
connected  with  Sandusky,  and  is  still  under  the  care  of  the  same  pastor.  Rev. 
Kuster.  This  church  was  built  in  1886.  The  building  committee  was  A.  G. 
Miller,  A.  Wiedenhoeft  and  L.  Schoewe.  Value  of  property  $2,500.  Member- 
ship thirty-five.  Trustees,  A.  G.  Miller,  E.  Miller  L,.  Kleinoeder,  J.  Young  and 
L.  Schoewe. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


365 


African  Methodist  Episcopal  Clmrch,  Steven’s  Chapel,  Rev.  George  Stevens 
first  pastor  and  founder  of  the  church  in  1879.  Corner-stone  laid  by  Rev.  Mor- 
ris in  the  same  year.  It  has  thirty  members,  and  has  had  many  obstacles  to  its 
growth,  but  still  continues  to  exist  in  spite  of  all  opposing  forces.  For  many 
years  one  of  its  most  active  forces  was  Father  Boston,  well  known  to  all  San- 
dusky residents,  and  still  living,  but  of  great  age. 

The  First  Presbyterian  ChiLrch,  corner  of  Washington  and  Jackson  streets. 
Rev.  D.  E.  Bierce  pastor.  It  was  not  until  1852,  when  Sandusky  was  a town  of 
respectable  proportions,  and  had  witnessed  the  changes  incident  to  thirty-five 
years  of  growth,  that  it  was  deemed  necessary  to  organize  a Presbyterian 
Church.  At  this  time,  December  ii,  1852,  twenty- six  persons  took  their  let- 
ters from  the  Congregational  Church,  and  formed  themselves  into  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church  of  Sandusky. 

For  a time  their  services  were  held  in  Campbell’s  Hall  on  Water  street,  and 
not  until  the  following  year  did  they  make  a move  in  the  direction  of  building. 
This  was  in  1853,  and  in  1854  the  lecture-room  was  completed  and  occupied. 
The  entire  building  was  completed  in  1855,  and  dedicated  in  June  of  thatyear. 
Its  cost  was  $33,000  including  organ  and  bell.  The  lot  had  cost  $2,000, 
making  an  entire  cost  of  $35,000.  It  is  built  of  native  stone,  beautifully 
situated  on  the  corner  of  Washington  and  Jackson  streets,  facing  the  city  park. 
In  some  respects  it  is  the  most  attractive  church  edifice  among  the  Protest- 
ant denominations  in  the  city.  Its  first  elders  were  W.  P.  Gray  and  Charles 
Cockran. 

Rev.  W.  S.  Kennedy  was  the  first  pastor.  He  took  charge  of  his  flock  in 
1852,  and  remained  six  years.  He  was  an  able  and  popular  man,  and  at  that 
time  received  and  accepted  a call  to  the  Third  Presbyterian  Church  of  Cincin- 
nati. He  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Thomas  C.  Campbell,  a young  graduate  of 
Allegheny  Theological  Seminary,  who  began  his  work  December  20,  1859,  and 
remained  until  July,  1861.  From  that  time  the  church  was  supplied  by  Rev. 
Mr.  Cross  of  Baltimore  until  the  following  December,  when  Rev.  Franklin 
Noble,  a graduate  of  Union  Theological  Seminary,  was  chosen  pastor.  He  re- 
mained in  Sandusky  almost  three  years,  and  left  July  i,  1864. 

In  October,  1864,  the  church  called  Rev.  George  H.  Fullerton  from  the  Lan- 
caster (Ohio)  Presbyterian  Church,  and  he  became  its  pastor  until  November, 
1867.  He  was  a faithful  servant  and  did  a good  work  here.  From  Sandusky 
he  went  to  the  Walnut  Hill's  Church,  Cincinnati.  Rev.  Dr.  Keifer,  professor  of 
Heidelberg  College,  Tiffin,  was  called  to  succeed  Mr.  Fullerton,  and  continued 
his  labors  until  February,  1869.  In  July  of  that  year  Rev.  James  McCoy,  a 
young  minister  was  called,  and  remained  until  October,  1872.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Rev.  Mead  C.  Williams  (since  D.D.)  who  served  the  church  faithfully 
from  June,  1873,  until  March,  1877. 

The  church  was  now  vacant  six  months,  but  supplied  by  Rev.  D.  J.  Meese, 
47 


366 


History  of  Erie  County. 


who  then  became  its  pastor.  He  was  not  installed  until  November,  1880,  and 
was  a devoted  and  successful  pastor  until  he  received  and  accepted  a call  to  the 
First  Presbyterian  Church  of  Mansfield,  O.,  October  i,  1886.  After  hearing 
various  candidates  the  church  decided  to  call  Rev.  D.  E.  Bierce,  of  Fargo,  D. 
T.,  who  accepted  and  began  his  work  in  1887. 

During  the  history  of  this  church,  extending  over  a period  of  more  than 
thirty  years,  there  have  been  many  changes  in  its  membership,  and  the  usual 
vicissitudes  of  all  church  life  have  varied  its  numbers  from  year  to  year,  now 
increasing,  now  decreasing,  until  at  the  present  time  it  numbers  a membership 
reaching  almost,  if  not  quite,  two  hundred  persons.  It  has  a Sabbath-school 
that  is  in  a prosperous  condition. 

In  1869-70  it  started  a mission  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  city,  which  has 
been  promotive  of  great  good,  and  is  still  cared  for  by  the  church.  It  averages 
about  one  hundred  scholars,  and  the  property  is  valued  at  $1,600. 

ASSOCIATIONS,  SOCIETIES  AND  ORDERS. 

The  Young  Men' s Christian  Association.  Among  the  numerous  societies 
of  Sandusky  there  is  none  of  greater  value  and  importance  to  the  people  gen- 
erally, and  none  having  more  pure  and  praiseworth}^  objects  in  view — the 
reaching  out  for  young  men  and  drawing  them  away  from  vice,  giving  them 
opportunities  for  study  and  self-improvement,  and  providing  them  with  honest 
employment — than  that  society  known  all  through  the  land  as  the  Young 
Men’s  Christian  Association.  And  there  is  no  society  in  this  city  that  has 
made  the  stubborn  fight  for  life  against  many  trials,  hardships,  disadvantages, 
and  disappointments  as  has  this. 

The  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association  of  Sandusky  was  organized  in  the 
year  1870,  through  the  personal  endeavors  of  J.  R.  Davies,  James  Woodworth, 
James  E.  Marshall,  George  J.  Anderson,  E.  E.  Upp  and  others,  who  felt  the 
iiecessity  of  such  an  organization  in  the  city,  and  saw  abundant  room  for  the 
society’s  work.  Mr.  Davies  was  elected  president,  and  Byron  Gager,  secretary. 
After  presiding  over  the  society  for  some  years  Mr.  Davies  retired  and  was 
succeeded  by  D.  C.  Powers,  and  he,  after  two  years,  by  Henry  H.  West.  The 
latter,  with  a brief  interval,  held  the  presidency  until  the  year  1884,  when  the 
present  president  was  chosen.  During  that  interval  of  time  Mr.  Davies  filled 
the  position,  and  it  was  while  so  holding  that  William  R.  McCullough  rendered 
efficient  service  as  general  secretary;  and  during  the  same  period  Mrs.  Susan 
Collwell  bequeathed  to  the  association  the  sum  of  $500,  to  be  used  as  the 
nucleus  of  a building  fund. 

The  association  obtained  a refusal  of  a parcel  of  land  on  Washington  Row, 
on  which  it  was  proposed  to  erect  a suitable  building,  but  before  the  transac- 
tion was  fully  consummated  the  owners  conveyed  the  property  to  other  persons, 
having  received  an  offer  somewhat  in  excess  of  the  price  to  be  paid  by  the 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


367 


society.  From  that  time  there  seems  to  have  been  no  effort  made  toward 
securing  property  or  erecting  a building.  For  about  three  years  the  associa- 
tion has  occupied  rented  rooms  on  Columbus  avenue  at  No.  204,  but  prior  to 
their  locating  there  it  had  quarters  in  the  Hubbard  block,  at  the  corner  of  Col- 
umbus avenue  and  Water  street. 

The  present  officers  of  the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association  are  as  fol- 
lows: President,  T.  Bower;  secretary,  Howard  Bradley;  corresponding  sec- 
retary, Richard  Lee  ; treasurer,  O.  B.  Bannister.  The  association  now  num- 
bers seventy-five  members. 

The  Woman's  ChristiaJi  Temperance  Union.  This  society,  the  aim  of 
which  is  no  less  worthy  than  that  last  above  mentioned,  was  organized  in  San- 
dusky in  1879,  by  a number  of  well  known  ladies  of  the  city,  among  whom 
were  Mrs.  J.  Y.  Beattie,  Mrs.  S.  C.  Norris,  Mrs.  Rev.  D.  J.  Meese,  Mrs.  Rev. 
Knapp,  Mrs.  Amelia  Lewis,  Mrs.  Dr.  Chandler,  Mrs.  W.  B.  Hudson,  Mrs. 
Mary  E.  West,  Mrs.  Josiah  Strong,  Mrs.  Emma  Nason,  Mrs.  William  Cooke, 
Mrs.  Alvord,  Mrs.  Theodore  Walker,  Mrs.  B.  F.  Thompson,  and  perhaps  others 
whose  names  cannot  now  be  recalled.  The  object  of  the  society  becomes  at 
once  patent  by  reference  to  its  name  — the  work  of  combatting  intemperance 
and  kindred  vices  through  Christian  influences  and  Christian  work. 

The  union  has  a membership  of  about  thirty,  but  unfortunately  perhaps, 
the  hard  work  of  the  society  devolves  upon  some  eight  or  ten  of  its  more 
active  members.  The  present  officers  are  Mrs.  Mary  E.  West,  president ; 
Mrs.  Samuel  Facer,  vice-president ; Mrs.  J.  Y.  Be&ttie,  secretary  ; Mrs.  B.  F. 
Thompson,  treasurer  ; Mrs.  William  Cooke,  superintendent  of  the  Woman’s 
Temperance  Publication  Society. 

The  Order  of  Free  Masonry.  Of  the  hardy  pioneers,  those  who  first  settled 
in  Ohio  when  its  broad  domain  was  but  a vast  wilderness,  when  the  red  man 
and  the  wild  beast  roamed  at  will  through  the  then  almost  unbroken  forest, 
many  were  Masons,  made  in  the  older  States,  from  which  they  came.  Small 
settlements  grew  into  communities,  and  they  were  organized  into  villages, 
towns,  and  thus  came  cities,  and  when  they  who  had  been  taught  to  use  the 
trowel  to  spread  the  cement  of  brotherly  love  and  affection  without  regard  to 
the  ordinary  avocations  of  life  in  which  their  several  lots  were  cast,  found 
themselves  gathered  together  in  any  given  locality  in  sufficient  numbers, 
feeling  the  want  of  a Masonic  home,  the  members  of  the  order  proceeded 
from  time  to  time  to  organize  their  lodges,  and  erect  their  altars,  generally 
obtaining  authority  to  do  so  from  the  grand  lodges  existing  in  the  States  in 
which  a portion  of  them  had  lived  before  coming  to  Ohio,  and  they  thereby 
owed  allegiance  to  the  several  grand  lodge  jurisdictions  from  which  they  had 
obtained  charters,  so  that  prior  to  1808  there  were  in  this  State  six  subordinate 
lodges  respectively  located,  one  each  in  the  towns  of  Marietta,  Cincinnati, 
Chillicothe,  Worthington,  Warren  and  Zanesville. 


368 


History  of  Erie  County. 


By  an  arrangement  previously  made  and  entered  into  by  and  between  the 
officers  and  members  of  the  said  several  lodges  a convention  had  been  called 
to  meet  at  Chillicothe,  the  then  capital  of  the  State,  on  Monday,  January  4, 

A.  D.  1808.  The  Legislature  was  assembled  at  the  same  time,  and  by  virtue 
of  said  argument  and  call,  said  convention  did  assemble  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  a grand  lodge,  and  during  the  week  the  grand  lodge  was  organized 
to  be  known  as  the  Grand  Lodge  of  L.  & A.  M.  of  Ohio, 

The  meager  records  preserved  of  the  perfecting  of  the  organization  at  that 
time  show,  that  of  the  early  settlers  of  Ohio  some  of  whom  gained  not  only  a 
State  but  a national  reputation  and  were  honored  and  respected  by  the  peo- 
ple, that  Lewis  Cass,  Philoman  Beecher,  Rufus  Putnam,  Thomas  Hender- 
son, George  Tod,  Isaac  Van  Horn,  Robert  Colver,  Ichabod  Ney,  William 
Skinner,.  Thomas  Gibson,  Elias  Langham,  Levin  Belt,  Charles  A.  Stewart, 
Peter  Spruck,  James  Kilbourn,  David  Putnam,  Henry  Massie,  John  Seely  and 
Lrancis  Mennessier,  all  Master  Masons,  were  present  and  participated  in  the 
good  work  in  laying  the  foundation  on  which  the  great  Masonic  edifice  in 
Ohio  has  been  erected. 

After  going  through  with  the  preliminaries  necessary  under  the  circum- 
stances “ to  establish  a more  perfect  union,”  they  proceeded  to  perfect  the 
organization  by  the  election  of  permanent  officers,  viz.:  G.  M.,  Rufus  Putnam; 

D.  G.  M.,  Thomas  Henderson;  S.  G.  W.,  George  Tod;  J.  G.  W.,  Isaac  Van 
Horn;  G.  Sec’y,  David  Putnam;  G.  Treas.,  Henry  Massie;  G.  S.  D.,  Philo- 
man Beecher;  G.  J.  D.,  Levin  Belt;  G.  Marshal,  Charles  A.  Stewart;  G.  T}^- 
ler,  Peter  Spruck. 

Science  Lodge  No.  50,  F.  & A.  M.  of  Sandusky.  In  June,  1818,  when  San- 
dusky was  but  a small  village  containing  but  a few  hundred  inhabitants,  and 
the  Indians  in  this  part  of  Ohio  outnumbered  the  whites,  there  were  among 
these  early  settlers  quite  a number  that  were  Masons.  Among  and  of  them  ' 
were  Hector  Kilbourn,  a surveyor.  Dr.  George  Anderson,  Eleutherus  Cook,  i 
Moers  Larwell,  John  D.  Wheeler,  Ebenezer  Ransom  and  others,  having  been 
made  Masons  before  they  came  to  Sandusky,  and  being  more  or  less  imbued  ‘ 
with  a love  and  reverence  for  the  order,  and  feeling  that  they  wanted  a Masonic 
home  wherein  to  gather  in  fraternal  union,  caused  an  application  to  be  pre- 
pai'ed  and  signed  by  the  requisite  number  of  Master  Masons,  and  forwarded 
it  to  the  G.  M.  .of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Ohio,  asking  of  him  the  authority 
to  organize  a subordinate  lodge  in  Sandusky,  and  in  July,  1818,  Chester  Gris-  I 
wold,  the  then  M.  W grand  master,  granted  the  dispensation  prayed  for,  and 
appointed  Hector  Kilbourn  W.  M.,  and  by  order  of  the  grand  lodge  held  at 
Columbus,  December,  1818,  Science  Lodge  with  others  was  authorized  to  con- 
tinue its  labors  under  the  dispensation  until  the  next  communication  of  the 
grand  lodge. 

At  the  session  of  the  grand  lodge  held  in  Columbus,  December,  1819,  Hec- 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


369 


tor  Kilbourn  was  its  representative,  and  recorded  as  the  master  of  the  lodge  in 
the  published  proceedings  of  that  year,  which  also  show  that  the  returns  of  the 
lodge  were  not  received  in  time  to  be  acted  upon  before  adjournment,  whereby 
the  lodge  continued  to  work  under  the  dispensation  another  year. 

At  the  session  of  the  grand  lodge  held  at  Columbus,  commencing  Decem- 
ber 1 1,  1820,  the  committees  on  charters  and  dispensations  reported  in  favor  of 
granting  a charter,  which  report  was  accepted  and  charter  granted,  and  was  duly 
issued,  signed  by  John  Snow,  M.  W.  grand  master,  and  Benjamin  Gardner,  grand 
secretary.  Brother  Lyman  Farwell  was  its  representative  to  the  grand  lodge 
at  the  session  of  1820. 

In  December,  1820,  the  organization  of  Science  Lodge  No.  50  F.  and  A.  M. 
was  perfected  under  its  charter,  and  entered  upon  its  course  as  a full  fledged 
lodge,  and  the  following  is  a list  of  its  officers  so  far  as  reported  up  to  and  in- 
cluding the  year  1835. 

1820.  — VV.  M.,  Hector  Kilbourn;  S.  W.,  Samuel  B.  Carpenter;  J.  W.,  Hen- 
ry Tuller;  treasurer,  Ebenezer  Ransom;  secretary,  Eleutherus  Cooke;  S.  D., 
Ab.  Toutelett;  J.  D.,  John  D.  Wheeler;  tyler,  Ely  Thompson. 

1821.  — W.  M.,  Hector  Kilbourn;  S.  W.,  M.  Earwell;  J.  W.,  Eleutherus 
Cooke;  treasurer,  Wesley  Anderson  ; secretaiy,  William  Hull;  S.  D.,  Alexan- 
der Clemons;  J.  D.,  S.  B.  Caldwell;  tyler,  L.  Walker. 

1823.  — W.  M.,  Moers  Farwell;  S.  W.,  Eleutherus  Cooke;  J.  W.,  John 
Wheeler ; treasurer,  George  Anderson  ; secretary,  Lyman  Farwell  ; S.  D., 
Wesley  Anderson;  J.  D.,  A.  Lyman;  tyler,  L.  Walker. 

1824.  — W.  M.,  George  Anderson;  S.  W.,  John  Wheeler  ; J.  W.,  Seth  Hull ; 
treasurer,  David  Campbell ; secretary.  Hector  Kilbourn  ; S.  D.,  Wesley  An- 
derson; J.  D.,  A.  Lyman;  tyler,  William  B.  Smith. 

1825.  — W.  M.,  George  Anderson;  S.  W.,  John  Wheeler;  J.  W.,  Abner 
Root;  treasurer,  David  Campbell;  secretaiy,  Samuel  Allyn  Otis;  S.  D.,  Will- 
iam Kelley;  J.  D.,  Luther  Damison  ; tyler,  William  B.  Smith. 

1826.  — W.  M.,  M.  Farwell;  S.  W.,  Hector  Kilbourn;  J.  W.,  Samuel  A. 
Otis;  treasurer,  William  Kelley  ; secretary,  J.  N.  Sloan;  S.  D.,  Alexander  M. 
Porter;  J.  D.,  A.  Root;  tyler,  Seth  Hull. 

1829.  — W.  M.,  George  Anderson;  S.  W.,  H.  Kilbourn;  J.  W.,  Abner  Root; 
treasurer,  A.  M.  Porter;  secretary,  H.  H.  Wilcoxon  ; S.  D.,  Samuel  Walker; 
J.  D.,  A.  C.  Corbett;  tyler,  Leicester  Walker. 

1830.  — W.  M.,  George  Anderson;  S.  W.,  H.  Kilbourn;  J.  W.,  Abner  Root; 
treasurer,  A.  M.  Porter;  secretary.  H.  H.  Wilcoxon;  S.  D.  Samuel  Walker;  J. 
D.,  A.  C.  Corbett;  tyler,  Leicester  Walker. 

1831.  — W.  M.,  George  Anderson;  S.  W.,  H.  Kilbourn;  J.  W.,  Abner  Root ; 
treasurer,  A.  M.  Porter;  secretary,  H.  H.  Wilcoxon;  S.  D.,  Samuel  Walker;  J. 
D.,  A.  C.  Corbett;  tyler,  Leicester  Walker. 

1832.  — W.  M.,  George  Anderson;  S.  W.,  H.  Kilbourn;  J.  W.,  Abner 


370 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Root;  treasurer,  A.  M.  Porter;  secretary,  Erastus  Cooke;  S.  D.,  M.  Earwell; 
J.  D.,  J.  N.  Sloan  ; tyler,  Leicester  Walker. 

1833- — M.,  George  Anderson;  S.  W.,  H.  Kilbourn;  J.  W.,  Abner  Root; 
treasurer,  A.  M.  Porter;  secretary,  J.  N.  Sloan;  S.  D.,  M.  Earwell;  J.  D.,  Eras- 
tus Cooke  ; tyler,  Leicester  Walker. 

1834.  — W.  M.,  George  Anderson  ; S.  W.,  H.  Kilbourn  ; J.  W.,  Abner 
Root;  treasurer,  A.  M.  Porter  ; secretary,  E.  Cooke  ; S.  D.,  M.  Earwell;  J.  D.^ 
: tyler,  Leicester  Walker. 

1835. — W.  M.,  J.  N.  Sloan;  S.  W.,  O.  F.  Drake;  J.  W.,  W.  B.  Smith;  treas- 
urer, Samuel  Walker  ; secretary,  Winslow  Corbett  ; S.  D.,  M.  Earwell ; J.  D,,. 
Abner  Lyman  ; tyler,  A.  Root. 

During  the  years  1821—22-23  this  lodge  was  not  represented  in  the  grand 
lodge.  It  was  represented  by  Eleutherus  Cooke  in  1824;  not  represented  in 
1825  or  1826.  Represented  by  Hector  Kilbourn  in  1827  ; Dr.  George  Ander- 
son in  1828;  Hector  Kilbourn  and  Abner  Root  in  1829;  Platt  Benedict  1830; 
Hector  Kilbourn  again  in  1831  ; Abner  Root  in  1831-32-33  and  ’34;  Hector 
Kilbourn  and  John  N.  Sloan  in  1835,  and  in  1836  by  John  N.  Sloan.  All  o^ 
these  old  patriarchs  in  Masonry,  who  figured  those  days  in  Sandusky  were 
called  in  due  time,  and  when  ripe  in  years,  to  take  their  seats  in  the  grand  lodge 
above.  Called  over  the  river  from  time  to  eternity  to  render  an  account  of  their 
stewardship.  Called  from  labor  to  refreshment,  and  let  it  be  hoped  that  each 
of  them  was  found  to  have  his  credentials  properly  signed,  and  his  eligibility 
found  satisfactory,  when  examined  for  admission  in  the  grand  lodge  above,  and 
that  their  paths  were  strewn  with  more  flowers  and  less  thorns  than  when 
sojourning  on  this  mundane ootstool.  By  reason  of  the  reverses  and  vicissi- 
tudes of  life  that  beset  and  overcome  the  good  as  well  as  the  bad,  the  strong  as 
well  as  the  weak,  the  rich  as  well  as  the  poor.  Science  Lodge  was  dormant 
from  1836,  and  intervening  years  up  to  1848,  and  its  charter  was  returned  to  the 
grand  lodge.  September  4,  1848,  upon  the  application  of  George  R.  Morton, 
William  B.  Smith,  Harvey  Camp,  C.  D.  Morehouse,  David  Powers,  Eleutherus 
Cooke,  Thomas  Hogg  and  H.  Howe,  M.  Z.  Kreider,  the  then  G.  M.,  of  Lan- 
caster, issued  a dispensation,  giving  the  same  name  and  number,  thus  virtually 
reviving  the  old  lodge,  and  appointed  George  R.  Mortoi^,  W.  M.;  Eleutherus 
Cooke  S.  W.,  and  William  B.  Smith,  J.  W.;  the  other  officers  not  recorded.  And 
on  September  i i,  1848,  at  the  regular  communication  of  the  grand  lodge  then 
held  at  Columbus,  a new  charter  was  granted  which  was  issued  of  date  of  Sep- 
tember 26,  1848,  bearing  the  names  of  George  R.  Morton,  Eleutherus  Cooke, 
William  B.  Smith,  Henry  Howe,  Erastus  Cooke,  Andrew  Lytle,  David  Powers, 
Archibald  Brucefield  and  Henry  Camp  as  charter  members,  and  shortly  there- 
after were  elected  the  officers  for  the  year  1848,  and  then  follow  the  officers  in 
proper  succession  to  and  for  the  year  1888,  viz.: 

1849. — W.  M,,  George  R.  Morton;  S.  W.,  W.  G.  Melville  Milne;  J.  W., 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


371 


Archibald  Brucefield;  treasurer,  Heu.  Howe;  secretary,  Charles  H.  Lee;  S.  D., 
Andrew  Lytle  ; J.  D.,  Rodney  Lathrop  ; tyler,  Francis  Bust. 

1850.  — W.  M.,  George  R.  Morton;  S.  W.,  W.  G.  Melville  Milne;  J.  W., 
S.  Cadwalader  ; treasurer,  D.  Powers  ; secretary,  Charles  H.  Lee  ; S.  D.,  A. 
Lytle  ; J.  D.,  Jos.  Guiterman  ; tyler,  Nathaniel  Bowles. 

1851.  — W.  M.,  George  R.  Morton;  S.  W.,  W.  G.  Melville  Milne;  J.  W.,  S. 
Cadwalader;  treasurer,  D.  Powers;  secretary,  J.  Guiterman;  S.  D.,J.K.  Walsh; 
J.  D.,  A.  H.  Gale  ; tyler,  Nathaniel  Bowles. 

1852.  — W.  M.,  W.  G.  Melville  Milne;  S.  W.,  S.  Cadwalader;  J.  W.,  J.  Gui- 
terman; treasurer,  D.  Powers;  secretary,  George  J.  Patterson;  S.  D.,  R.  T. 
Green  ; J.  D.,  N.  H.  Moore  ; tyler,  Nathaniel  Bowles. 

1853.  — W.  M.,  George  R.  Morton;  S.  W.,  W.  H.  Tucker;  J.  W.,  B.  R.  Pratt; 
treasurer,  R.  T.  Green;  secretary,  George  J.  Patterson;  S.  D.,  W.  Simpson; 
J.  D.,  F.  W.  Pomeroy  ; tyler,  F.  Butz. 

1854.  — W.  M.,  W.  G.  Melville  Milne;  S.  W.,  F.  M.  Follett;  J.  W.,  A.  Lytle; 
treasurer,  A.  H.  Gale;  secretary,  Frank  Ward;  S.  D.,  R.  D.  Kellogg  ; J.  D., 
E.  Tilden  ; tyler,  Heichenback. 

1855.  — W.  M.,  F.  M.  Follett;  S.  W.,  A.  H.  Gale;  J.  W.,  G.  S.  Patterson; 
treasurer,  W.  Simpson;  secretary,  I.  T.  Davis;  S.  D.,  H.  S.  Adams  ; J.  D.,  L. 
H Kilbourn  ; tyler,  F.  Butz. 

1856.  — W.  M.,  A.  H.  Gale;  S.  W.,  W.  Simpson;  J.  W.,  H.  A.  Arnold; 
treasurer,  G.  S.  Patterson  ; secretary,  L T.  Davis  ; S.  D.,  N.  H.  Moore;  J.  D., 
S.  B.  Conklin  ; tyler,  F.  Butz. 

1857.  — W.  M.,  A.  H.  Gale;  S.  W.,  George  Morton;  J.  W.,  N.  H.  Moore; 
treasurer,  G.  S.  Patterson;  secretary,  George  J.  Anderson;  S.  D.,  F.  Kelsey; 
J.  D.,  H.  J.  McCord  ; tyler,  F.  Sharlleau. 

1858.  — W.  M.,A.  H.  Gale;  S.W.,  George  Morton;  J.  W.,F.  Kelsey;  treas- 
urer; F.  M.  Follett;  secretary,  G.  W.  Glick  ; S.  D.,  J.  N.,  Smead;  J.  D.,  J.  B. 
Merrick  ; tyler,  F.  Sharlleau. 

1859.  — W.  M.,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  S.  W.,  H.  G.  Robinson;  J.W.,  D.  M.  Arndt; 
treasurer,  George  Marsh;  secretary,  V.  Scott;  S.  D.,  A.  D.  Kinney;  J.  D., 
Alonzon  Yeomans;  tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1860.  — W.  M.,  George  Morton;  S.  W.,  A.  H.  Gale;  J.  W.,J.D.  Lea;  treas- 
urer, F.  M.  Follett;  secretary,  H.  F.  Padden;  S.  D.,  E.  Weller;  J.  D.,W.  Spit- 
tle; tyler,  F.  Sharlleau. 

1861.  — W.  M.,  George  Morton;  S.  W.,  F.  Kelsey ; J.  W.,  J.  F.  Smith;  treas- 
urer, F.  M.  Follett;  secretary,  V.  Scott;  S.  D.,  W.  Spittle;  J.  D.,  T.  Ingle; 
tyler,  F.  Sharlleau. 

1862.  — W.  M.,  George  Morton;  S.  W.,  F.  Kelsey;  J.  W.,  George  J.  Ander- 
son ; treasurer,  A.  H.  Gale  ; secretary,  V.  Scott  ; S.  D.,  H.  F.  Paden  ; J.  D., 
L.  Monat;  tyler,  F.  Sharlleau. 

1863.  — W.  M.,  George  Morton;  S.  W.,  F.  Kelsey;  J.  W.,  Timothy  Ingle; 


372 


History  of  Erie  County. 


treasurer,  L.  Monat;  secretary,  B.  W.  Beatty;  S.  D.,  F.  W.  Cogswell;  J.  D.,  R. 
A.  Forster  ; tyler,  F.  Sharileau. 

1864.  — W.  M.,  F.  Kelsey;  S.  W.,  T.  Ingle;  J.  W.,  George  J.  Anderson; 
treasurer,  F.  Monat;  secretary,  J.  B.  Harding;  S.  D.,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  J.  D., 
F.  P.  Robinson  ; tyler,  F.  Sharileau. 

1865.  — W.  M.,  T.  Ingle;  S.  W.,  G.  J.  Anderson;  J.  W.,  E.  H.  Wilcox; 
treasurer,  F.  Monat;  secretary,}.  B.  Harding;  S.  D.,  C.  F.  Ohlemacher;  J,  D., 
C.  F.  McEvven  ; tyler,  F.  Sharileau. 

1866. — W.  M.,  A.  H.  Gale;  S.  W.,  G.  J.  Anderson;  J.  W.,  E.  H.  Wilcox; 
treasurer,  F.  Monat;  secretary,  E.  M.  Colver;  S.  D.,  F.  Kelsey;  J.  D.,  C.  Ben- 
jamin ; tyler,  F.  Sharileau. 

1867.  — W.  M.,  George  J.  Anderson;  S.  W.,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  J.  W.,  C.  N. 
Ryan;  treasurer,  F.  Monat;  secretary,  V.  Scott;  S.  D.,  V.  B.  Palmer;  J.  D., 

C.  Benjamin  ; tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1868.  — W.  M.,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  S.  W.,  H.  G.  Robinson;  J.  W.,  Thomas  Mc- 
Fall;  treasurer,  George  Marsh;  secretary,  V.  Scott;  S.  D.,  V.  B.  Palmer;  J. 

D. ,  F.  M.  Fea;  tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1869. — W.  M.,  H.  A.  Arnold;  S.  W.,  N.  H.  Moore;  J.  W.,  H.  G.  Robin- 
son; treasurer,  F.  M.  Follett;  secretary,  H.  D.  M.  Mann;  S.  D.,J.  N.  Neider- 
lander  ; J.  D.,  J.  B.  Bradley;  tyler,  F.  Sharileau. 

1870.  — W.  M.,  William  Swanston ; S.  W.,  H.  G Robinson;  J.  W.,  F.  Mo- 
nat ; treasurer,  George  Marsh  ; secretary,  V.  Scott ; S.  D.,  A.  D.  Kinney  ; J. 
D.,  F.  V.  Follett ; tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1871.  — W.  M.,  E.  H.  Wilcox  ; S.  W.,  D.  M.  Arndt;  J.  W.,  A.  D.  Kinney; 
treasurer,  George  Marsh;  secretary,  F.  V.  Follett;  S.  D.,  H.  M.  Bronson;  J.  D., 
S.  S.  Walker  ; tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1872.  — W.  M.,  D.  M.  Arndt;  S.  W.,  A.  D.  Kinney;  J.  W.,  H.  M.  Bronson; 
treasurer,  George  Marsh;  secretary,  Thomas  M.  Hubbard;  S.  D.,  S.  S.  Walker; 
J.  D.,  Philip  Kunz,  jr.;  tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1 873.  — W.  M.,  A.  D.  Kinney;  S.  W.,  John  C.  Zollinger;  J.  W.,  Philip  Kunz, 
jr.;  treasurer,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  secretary,  Thomas  M.  Hubbard;  S.  D.,  Henry  F. 
Coffin;  J.  D.,  J.  W.  Post;  tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1874.  — W.  M.,  A.  D.  Kinney;  S.  W.,  John  C.  Zollinger;  J.  W.,  J.  R.  Miner; 
treasurer,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  secretary,  V.  Scott;  S.  D.,  F.  V.  Follett;  J.  D.,  J.  W. 
Post ; tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1875.  — W.  M.,  J.  C.  Zollinger;  S.  W.,  E.  M.  Colver;  J.  W.,  Charles  E.  Mar- 
tin; treasurer,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  secretary,  V.  Scott;  S.  D.,  C.  M.  Keyes;  J.  D., 
J.  E.  Wing  ; tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1876.  — W.  M.,  H.  G.  Robinson;  S.  W.,  C.  E.  Martin;  J.  W.,  C.  Benjamin  ; 
treasurer,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  secretary,  V.  Scott;  S.  D.,  A.  C.  Neiderlander;  J.  D., 
M.  F.  Starr;  tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1877.  — W.  M.,  J.  R.  Miner;  S.  W.,  E.  M.  Colver;  J.  W.,  F M.  Fea;  treas- 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


373 


urer, E.  H.  Wilcox;  secretary,  V-  Scott;  S.  D.,  C.  M.  Keyes;  J.D.,  H.L.  Green; 
tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1878. — W.  M.,  E.  M.  Colver;  S.  W.,  L.  Monat;  J.  W.,  U.  T.  Curran;  treas- 
urer, E.  H.  Wilcox;  secretary,  F.  V.  Follett;  S.  D.,  J.  B.  Taylor;  J.  D.,  H.  L. 
Green;  tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1879 — W.  M.,  E.  M.  Colver;  S.  W.,L.  Monat;  J.  W.,  U.  T.  Curran;  treas- 
urer, E.  H.  Wilcox;  secretary,  A.  D.  Kinney;  S.  D.,  J.  B.  Taylor;  J.  D.,  James 
Ballantyne;  tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1880.  — W.  M.,  E.  M.  Colver;  S.  W.,  L.  Monat;  J.  W.,  J.  B.  Taylor;  treas- 
ij,rer;  E.  H.  Wilcox;  secretary,  A.  D.  Kinney;  S.  D.,  S.  A.  Collins;  J.  D.,  Janies 
Ballantyne;  tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1881.  — W.  M.,  E.  M.  Colver;  S.  W.,  L.  Monat;  J.  W.,  J.  B.  Taylor;  treas- 
urer, E.  H.  Wilcox  ; secretary,  U.  T.  Curran  ; S.  D.,  James  Ballantyne  ; J.  D., 
Moses  Doyle  ; tyler,  F.  Kelsey. 

1882.  — W.  M.,  E.  M.  Colver;  S.  W.,  J.  B.  Taylor,  jr.;  J.  W.,  E.  B.,  Mackey; 
treasurer,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  secretary,  U.  T.  Curran;  S.  D.,  James  Ballantyne;  J. 
D.,  A.  F.  Rice. 

1883.  — W.  M.,  Eeopold  Monat;  S.  W.,  D.  R.  Arnold;  J.  W.,  Alston  Ellis; 
secretary,  B.  W.  Thompson;  treasurer,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  S.  D.,  James  Ballantyne; 
J.  D.,  Adam  F.  Rice;  tyler,  John  B.  Taylor,  jr. 

1884.  — W.  M.,  Leopold  Monat;  S.  W.,  D.  R.  Arnold;  J.  W.,  Alston  Ellis; 
secretary,  Benjamin  W.  Thompson;  treasurer,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  S.  D.,  Adam  F. 
Rice;  J.  D.,  Charles  W.  Kelsey;  tyler,  John  B.  Taylor,  jr. 

1885.  — W.  M.,  David  R.  Arnold;  S.  W.,  Alston  Ellis;  J.  W.,  C.  F.  Schoep- 
fle;  secretary,  B.  W.  Thompson;  treasurer,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  S.  D.,  Adam  F. 
Rice;  J.  D.,  Charles  W.  Kelsey;  tyler,  John  B.  Taylor,  jr. 

1886.  — W.  M.,  David  R.  Arnold;  S.  W.,  Alston  Ellis;  J.  W.,  C.  F.  Schcep- 
fle;  secretary,  B.  W.  Thompson;  treasurer,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  S.  D.,  Adam  F. 
Rice;  J.  D.,  Charles  W.  Kelsey;  tyler,  John  B.  Taylor,  jr. 

1887.  — M.,  Christian  F.  Schoepfle;  S.  W.,  Lewis  M.  Lea;  J.  W.,  Adam 
F.  Rice;  secretary,  Benjamin  W.  Thompson;  treasurer,  L.  Monat;  S.  D.,  James 
B.  Sanderson;  J.  D.,  Gilbert  E.  Harris;  tyler,  John  B.  Taylor,  jr. 

1888.  — W.  M.,  Lewis  M.  Lea;  S.  W.,  Adam  S.  Rice;  J.  W.,  Edmund  B. 
King;  secretary,  Benjamin  W.  Thompson;  treasurer,  Leopold  Monat;  S.  D., 
James  B.  Sanderson;  J.  D.,  Hiram  E.  Dewey;  tyler,  John  B.  Taylor,  jr. 

Since  the  reorganization  in  1848  the  organization  has  been  kept  up  without 
having  to  encounter  anything  particular  in  shape  of  reverses  except  in  1849, 
when  in  its  second  childhood  the  cholera  swept  off  many  of  its  most  treasured 
members.  Latterly  there  has  been  a slow,  silent,  but  steady  increase,  having 
to  January  i,  1888,  a membership  of  one  hundred  and  thirty-one  in  good  stand- 
ing, and  is  in  a good  and  healthy  condition.  The  regular  and  stated  commu- 
nications are  held  on  the  first  and  third  Mondays  of  each  month. 

48 


374 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Perseverance  Lodge,  No.  329,  F.  & A.  M. — Early  in  the  year  A.  D.  1860^ 
application  was  made  to  the  grand  master  of  the  grand  lodge  of  Ohio  by 
George  S.  Patterson,  Andrew  C.  Ery,  Alexander  H.  Black  and  others  for 
authority  to  organize  another  subordinate  lodge  in  Sandusky,  and  the  then 
grand  master,  Horace  B.  Stoker,  issued  to  them  a dispensation  dated  March  2,, 
i860,  and  he  appointed  as  W.  M.,  George  S.  Patterson;  S.  W.,  Andrew  C.  Fry; 
J.  W.,  Alexander  PI.  Black;  and  on  the  13th  day  of  March,  i860,  under  and  by 
virtue  of  said  dispensation  the  organization  of  Perseverance  Lodge  No.  329, 
F.  & A.  M.,  was  perfected  by  selecting  the  following  named  brothers  to  fill  the 
following  offices  under  the  dispensation,  viz.;  Treasurer,  Joseph  Lansdown 
secretary,  VV.  G.  Melville  Milne;  S.  D.,  Neil  PI.  Moore;  J.  D.,  B.  J.  McComb ; 
tyler,  P'.  Sharlleau,  and  adopting  a code  of  by-laws,  and  said  lodge  continued 
to  work  under  said  dispensation  until  October  30,  i860,  when  it  was  duly  con- 
stituted, and  the  officers  continued  to  December  25,  i860.  When  the  officers 
for  the  year  1861  were  duly  installed  at  the  regular  annual  session  of  the 
grand  lodge  held  at  Columbus  in  October,  i860,  the  granting  of  the  dispensa- 
tion was  approved  and  a charter  was  granted,  and  the  by-laws  previously  pre- 
pared were  presented  and  approved  with  the  recommendation  of  a very  few 
changes,  which  were  accepted  as  amended,  and  the  charter  was  duly  issued  of 
date  of  October  18,  i860,  with  the  names  of  George  S.  Patterson,  Andrew  D. 
Fry,  A.  H.  Black,  George  A.  Gaylord,  Joseph  Lansdown,  B.  J.  McComb, 
Plorace  Brooks,  Niel  H.  Moore,  and  Hiram  A.  Arnold,  appearing  therein  as 
charter  members,  signed  by  Plorace  M.  Stokes,  M.  W.  G.  M.,  and  John  D. 
Caldwell,  R.  W.  G.  secretary,  with  the  seal  of  the  grand  lodge  attached,  and  at 
the  stated  communication  of  said  lodge  held  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  Decem- 
ber, i860,  a full  set  of  officers  were  elected  for  the  year  1861,  and  continued 
thereafter  from  year  to  year,  viz : 

1861.  — G.  J.  Patterson,  W.  M.  ; N.  PI.  Moore,  S.  W.  ; C.  S.  Gregg,  J.  W. ; 
J.  Lansdown,  treasurer  ; W.  G Melville  Milne,  secretary  ; A.  C.  Fry,  S.  D.  ; 
William  Gaylord,  J.  D.  ; A.  H,  Black,  tyler. 

1862. — A.  H.  Black,  W.  M.  ; G.  Gaylord,  S.  W.  ; D.  F.  Lumley,  J.  W. ; 
J.  Lansdown,  treasurer;  S.  M.  White,  jr.,  secretary;  N.  H.  Moore,  S.  D.  ; N. 
PI.  Plammond,  J.  D.  ; II.  Brooks,  tyler. 

1863. — N.  PI.  Moore,  W.  M.  ; D.  F.  Lumley,  S.  W.  ; H.  Brooks,  J.  W. ; 
J.  Lansdown,  treasurer  ; S.  M.  White,  jr.,  secretary;  W.  Dixon,  S.  D.;  Thomas 
Williams,  J.  D.  ; J.  M.  Bailey,  tyler. 

1864.  — D.  F.  Lumley,  W.  M.  ; J.  Lansdown,  S.  W.  ; H.  E.  O’Hagan,  J. 
W.  ; J.  H.  Blakesley,  treasurer;  C.  Schnaitter,  secretary;  PI.  Brooks,  S.  D.  ; 
H.  Appel,  J.  D.  ; J.  Neuert,  tyler. 

1865.  — H.  E.  O’Hagan,  W.  M.;  William  Gaylord,  S.  W. ; Rosenbaum,, 

J.  W.  ; H.  Brooks,  treasurer;  C.  Schnaitter,  secretary;  Thomas  Williams,  S. 
D.  ; A.  Butts,  J.  D.  ; J.  Schaub,  tyler. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


375 


1866.  — H.  E.  O’Hagan,  W.  M. ; J.  Lansdown,  S.  W.  ; C.  H.  Rosenbaum, 
J.  W.  ; S.  M.  White,  jr.,  treasurer  ; C.  Schnaitter,  secretary;  R.  Haylor,  S.  D.  ; 
J.  Renart,  J.  D.  ; J.  Schaub,  tyler. 

1867.  — H.  E.  O’Hagan,  W.  M.  ; T.  Hubbard,  S.  W.  ; J.  Lansdown,  J.  W.  ; 
S.  M.  White,  jr.,  treasurer;  C.  Schnaitter,  secretary;  E.  R.  Dove,  S.  D.  ; J. 
Renart,  J.  D.  ; J.  Schaub,  tyler. 

1868.  — T.  Hubbard,  W.  M.  ; J.  B.  McComb,  S.  W.  ; A.  Butts,  J.  W.  ; S. 
M.  White,  jr.,  treasurer;  C.  Schnaitter,  secretary;  D.  Kunz,  S.  D.  ; John 
Dean,  J.  D.  ; J.  Schaub,  tyler. 

1869. — T.  Hubbard,  W.  M.  ; B.  J.  McComb,  S.  W.  ; W.  J.  Affleck,  J.  W.  ; 

H.  E.  O’Hagan,  treasurer;  C.  Brennen,  secretary;  D.  Kunz,  S.  D.  ; J.  Dean, 
J.  D.  ; H.  Selzer,  tyler.  , . 

1870. — H.  E.  O’Hagan,  W.  M.  ; D.  Kunz,  S.  W.  ; C.  E.  Ferris,  J.  W.  ; R. 
E.  Schuck,  treasurer ; J.  Kilby,  secretary ; O.  Wilson,  S.  D.  ; W.  F.  Chaney, 
J.  D.  ; D.  S.  Worthington,  tyler. 

1871. — I.  F.  Mack,  jr.,  W.  M.  ; A.  J.  Gawne,  S.  W.  ; A.  Butts,  J.  W.  ; R. 

E.  Schuck,  treasurer ; W.  S.  Sanford,  secretary  ; H.  Chamberlain,  S.  D.  ; H. 

Selzer,  J.  D.  ; G.  W.  Magle,  tyler. 

1872.  — N.  H.  Moore,  W.  M.  ; O.  Wilson,  S.  W.  ; W.  F.  Chaney,  J.  W.  ; 
R.  E.  Schuck,  treasurer;  W.  J.  Affleck,  secretary;  H.  M.  Chamberlain,  S.  D.  ; 
U.  H.  Whitmore,  J.  D.  ; H.  Ritter,  tyler. 

1873.  — N.  H.  Moore,  W.  M.  ; W.  F.  Chaney,  S.  W. ; H.  M.  Chamberlain, 
J.  W.  ; R.  E.  Schuck,  treasurer;  W.  J.  Affleck,  secretary;  J.  Farmer,  S.  D.  ; 
J.  Butts,  J.  D.  ; E.  Gillard,  tyler. 

1874. — N.  H.  Moore,  W.  M.  ; W.  F.  Chaney,  S.  W.  ; H.  Selzer,  J.  W.  ; 

R.  E.  Schuck,  treasurer  ; W.  J.  Affleck,  secretary ; H.  Bricken,  S.  D.  ; J.  J. 

Butts,  J.  D. ; B.  J.  McComb,  tyler. 

1875. — W.  F.  Chaney,  W.  M.  ; E.  Gillard,  S.  W.  ; H.  Selzer,  J.  W.  ; R.  E. 
Schuck,  treasurer;  W.  J.  Affleck,  secretary;  H.  Bricken,  S.  D.  ; P.  Quick,  J. 

D.  ; Charles  Miller,  tyler. 

1876. — E.  Gillard,  W.  M.  ; H.  Selzer,  S.  W.  ; H.  D.  Steele,  J.  W.  ; R.  E. 
Schuck,  treasurer;  W.  J.  Affleck,  secretary;  Thomas  L.  Williams,  S.  D.  ; P. 
Quick,  J.  D.  : R.  Haylor,  tyler. 

1877. — E.  Gillard,  W.  M.  ; C.  E.  Black,  S.  W.;  J J.  Butts,  J.  W.  ; R.  E. 

Schuck,  treasurer;  W.  J.  Affleck,  secretary;  Thomas  L.  Williams,  S.  D.  ; P'. 

Philby,  J.  D.  ; H.  E.  O’Hagan,  tyler. 

1878  — E.  Gillard,  W.  M.  ; J.  J.  Butts,  S.  W.  ; T.  L.  Williams,  J.  W.  ; R. 

E.  Schuck,  treasurer ; VV.  J.  Affleck,  secretary  ; W.  H.  Wilson,  S.  D.  ; F. 

Philby,  J.  D.  ; W.  E-  Chaney,  tyler. 

1879. — J.  J.  Butts,  W.  M.  ; R.  Haylor,  S.  W.  ; W.  H.  Wilson,  J.  W.  ; W . 

F.  Chane}9  treasurer;  H.  D.  Seele,  secretary;  W.  Watson,  S.  D.  ; F.  Ward, 
J.  D.  ; B.  F.  Lee,  tyler. 


376 


History  of  Erie  County. 


1880. — J.  J.  Butts,  W.  M.  ; R.  Haylor,  S.  W.  ; W.  H.  Wilson,  J.  W.  ; W. 

F.  Chaney,  treasurer  ; H.  Bricken,  secretary ; W.  Watson,  S.  D.  ; F.  Ward, 
J.  D.  ; J.  N.  Wild,  tyler. 

1881. — C.  E.  Black,  W.  M.  ; A.  E.  Merrill,  S.  W.  ; W.  Watson,  J.  W.  ; 

G.  Hart,  treasurer  ; H.  Bricken,  secretary;  C.  Stroud,  S.  D.  ; F.  Ward,  J.  D.  ; 
A.  Butts,  tyler. 

1882. — C.  E.  Black,  W.  M.  ; W.  Watson,  S.  W.  ; F.  Philby,  J.  W.  ; G. 
Hart,  treasurer;  H.  Bricken,  secretary;  Wm.  Melville,  S.  D.  ; F.  Wagner,}. 
D.  ; A.  Butts,  tyler. 

1883.  — C.  E.  Black,  W.  M.  ; William  Watson,  S.  W. ; F.  Philby,  J.  W. ;. 
G.  Hart,  treasurer;  PI.  Bricken,  secretary;  William  Melville,  S.  D.  ; F.  Wag- 
ner, J.  D.  ; A.  Butts,  tyler. 

1884.  — A.  E.  Merrill,  W.  M.  ; Charles  Stroud,  S.  W.  ; S.  M.  White,  jr., 
J.  W.  ; G.  Hart,  treasurer;  Henry  Bricken,  secretary;  P'rank  Wagner,  S.  D.  ; 
Fred  Ward,  J.  D.  ; Andrew  Butts,  tyler. 

1885.  — A.  E.  Merrill,  W.  M.  ; Charles  Stroud,  S.  W.  ; Charles  C.  Lance, 
J.  W.  ; G.  Plart,  treasurer;  Henry  Bricken,  secretary;  Frank  Wagner,  S.  D. ; 
William  R.  Kelham,  J.  D.  ; Andrew  Butts,  tyler. 

1886.  — Charles  Stroud,  W.  M.  ; Thomas  L.  Williams,  S.  W;  John  G. 
Stroble,  J.  W.  ; Randall  F.  Schuck,  treasurer;  Henry  Bricken,  secretary; 
Charles  E.  Black,  S.  D.  ; William  R.  Kelham,  J.  D.  ; John  N.  Wild,  tyler. 

1887.  — Charles  Stroud,  W.  M.  ; Thomas  L.  Williams,  S.  W.  ; John  G. 
Stroble,  J.  W.  ; R.  E.  Schuck,  treasurer;  Henry  Bricken,  secretary  ; William 
R.  Kelham,  S,  D.  ; C.  H.  Myers,  J.  D.  ; John  N.  Wild,  tyler. 

1888.  — Thomas  L.  Williams,  W.  M.  ; John  G.  Stroble,  S.  W.  ; William  R. 
Kelham,  J.  W.  ; Randall  E.  Schuck,  treasurer;  Henry  Bricken,  secretary;  Cor- 
nelius H.  Myers,  S.  D.  ; Charles  B.  Dennis,  J.  D.  ; John  N.  Wild,  tyler. 

The  first  petition  for  initiation  filed  in  Perseverance  Lodge  was  signed  by 
Charles  L.  Haines,  March  13,  i860,  was  referred  to  a committee  composed 
of  brothers  Neil  H.  Moore,  B.  J.  McComb,  and  Andrew  C.  Fry. 

The  second  regular  stated  meeting  provided  for  under  the  by-laws  was  held 
on  the  fourth  Tuesday  of  the  month,  March  27,  i860.  At  this  meeting  peti- 
tions were  received  from  the  following  named  persons  praying  to  be  admitted 
into  the  order,  viz  : Horace  N.  Bill,  Clark  S.  Gregg,  William  Gaylord,  and  S, 
M.  White,  jr.,  and  referred  to  the  appropriate  committees.  And  by  the  record 
we  find  on  that  evening,  March  27,  i860,  the  committee  having  reported  favor- 
ably on  the  petition  of  Charles  L.  Plaines,  he  was  then  and  there  the  first 
man  made  a mason,  the  first  born  of  Perseverance  Lodge,  No.  329,  F.  & A.  M., 
Sandusky. 

From  this  small  beginning  she  has  by  slow  and  silent  increase  grown,  mak- 
ing a little  average  net  gain,  so  that  now  she  has  a membership  of  eighty-nine 
in  good  standing.  This  lodge  holds  its  regular  stated  meeting  on  the  second 
and  fourth  Tuesday  in  each  month. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


377 


Capitular  Masonry. — Sandusky  City  Chapter  No.  72,  Royal  Arch  Masons. 
In  the  year  1752,  according  to  Companion  Albert  G.  Mackey,  the  first  grand 
lodge  or  chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  was  organized  in  England.  And 
from  authority  granted  by  it  subordinate  chapters  were  soon  thereafter  or- 
ganized in  the  colonies.  And  the  organization  of  the  first  grand  chapter  in 
this  country  was  perfected  late  in  the  seventeenth  century. 

A grand  chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  was  organized  in  this  State  at  the 

city  of , October,  1816,  and  Samuel  Hoyt  was  chosen  as  the  first  grand 

high  priest.  In  March,  1856,  Foster  M.  Follett,  Andrew  L3'tle,  O.  J.  True 
and  others.  Royal  Arch  Masons  in  this  city,  applied  to  the  M.  E.  G.  H.  P.,  Hor- 
ace M.  Stokes,  for  a dispensation  to  organize  a chapter  in  this  city.  And  a 
dispensation  was  granted  of  date  of  March  27,  1856,  and  he  appointed  Com- 
panions F.  M.  Follett,  high  priest  ; Andrew  Lytle,  king,  and  O.  J.  True,  secre- 
tary, under  the  dispensation.  And  very  soon  thereafter  the  organization  was 
completed  and  continued  under  the  dispensation  until  a charter  was  issued  by 
order  of  the  Grand  Chapter  held  at  Zanesville  in  October,  1856,  and  it  was 
issued  of  date  of  October  30,  1856,  and  the  names  of  Foster  M.  Follett,  An- 
drew Lytle,  Orin  J.  True,  R.  R.  McMeens,  A.  Pearsall,  N.  L.  Brown,  Casper 
J.  Parsons,  John  McKinster,  George  Morton  and  F.  Sharlleau,  appear  therein 
as  charter  members,  and  it  was  signed  by  Horace  M.  Stokes,  G.  H.  P.,  and 
John  D.  Caldwell,  grand  secretary,  and  thereupon  the  Sandusky  City  Chapter 
No.  72  Royal  Arch  Masons,  of  this  city,  was  fully  organized  and  fully  estab- 
lished under  its  charter.  Its  regular  or  stated  meetings  are  held  on  the  sec- 
ond and  fourth  Wednesdays  in  each  month,  and  it  has  now  a membership  of  one 
hundred  and  eighteen  in  good  standing.  The  following  named  companions 
were  chosen  to  fill  the  principal  offices  of  the  chapter  for  the  first  eight  years 
after  its  organization  was  completed,  viz.: 

Officers,  1856 — H.  P.,  F.  M.  Follett;  K.,  Andrew  Lytle;  S.,  O.  J.  True; 
secretar\',  George  Morton. 

1857 —  H.  P.,  F.  M.  Follett;  K.,  George  Morton ; S.,  N.  Byington  ; secre- 
tary, H.  S.  Adams. 

1858 —  H.  P.,  George  Morton;  K.,  F.  M.  Follett;  S.,  A.  H.  Gale;  secre- 
tary, H.  S.  Adams. 

^859 — H-  P-.  A.  H.  Gale;  K.,  N.  H.  Moore;  S.,  H.  S.  Adams  ; secretary, 
George  J.  Anderson 

1860 —  H.  P.,  F.  M.  Follett;  K.,  H.  S.  Adams;  S.,  George  S.  Patterson; 
secretary,  George  J.  Anderson. 

1861 —  H.  P.,  F.  M.  Follett;  K.,  H.  S.  Adams;  S.,  George  Patterson; 
secretary,  George  J.  Anderson. 

1862 —  H.  P.,  H.  S.  Adams;  K.,  N.  H.  Moore;  S.,  John  Brannon;  secre- 
tary, George  Morton. 

1863 —  H.  P.,  H.  S.  Adams;  K.,  N.  Byington;  S.,  J.  Brannon;  secretary, 
George  Morton. 


378 


History  of  Erie  County. 


And  deeming  it  not  particularly  necessary  that  they  should  be  inserted, 
the  names  of  those  selected  as  officers  therein,  or  omitted  from  1864  to  1883, 
both  included.  And  herewith  appears  a roster  of  the  officers  therein  for  the 
years  1884,  1885,  1887  and  1888: 

1884 —  T.  L.  Williams,  H.  P.  ; D.  R.  Arnold,  K.  ; S.  M.  White,  jr.,  S.  ; L. 

Monat,  C.  H.  ; E.  B.  Mackey,  P.  S.  ; C.  Stroud,  R.  A.  C.  ; D.  W.  C.  Ruff,  3d 

V.  ; H.  C.  Frederick,  2d  V.;  C.  C.  Lance,  ist  V.;  G.  Hart,  treasurer;  H. 
Bricken,  secretary  ; J.  B.  Taylor,  guard. 

1885 —  T.  L.  Williams,  H.  P.  ; Lewis  M.  Lea,  king;  G.  W.  Ferguson, 
scribe  ; J.  P.  Seigfreid,  C.  H.  ; H.  G.  Robinson,  P.  S.  ; A.  W.  Williams,  jr., 
R.  A.  C.  ; C.  M.  Keyes,  3d  V.  ; Jas.  B.  Sanderson,  2d  V.  ; E.  M.  Colver,  ist 

V.  ; R.  C.  Schuck,  treasurer;  Lane  Lockwood,  secretary;  Jno.  B.  Taylor, 
guard. 

1887 —  H.  P.,  L.  M.  Lea;  king,  C.  M.  Keyes;  scribe,  E.  Gillard  ; C.  of 
H.,  C.  E.  Black  ; P.  S.,  J.  B.  Sanderson  ; R.  A.  C.,  A.  C.  Townsend;  3d.  V., 

W.  L.  Lewis;  2d  V.,  G.  E.  Harris;  ist  V.,  J.  N.  Wilde;  treasurer,  R.  E. 
Schuck;  secretary.  Lane  Lockwood;  guard,  John  B.  Taylor,  jr. 

1888 —  H.  P.,  L.  A.  Hultz  ; king,  Darwin  Fay;  scribe,  John  W.  Sisty ; C. 

of  H.,  James  Black  ; P.  S.,  C.  H.  Ruggles  ; R.  A.  C.,  B.  F.  Schaeffer  ; G.  M. 

3d  V.,  C.  L.  Mason;  G.  M.  2d  V.,  Ransom  Roscoe ; G.  M.  ist  V.,  L.  C. 

Mowry ; treasurer,  J.  H.  Smith  ; secretary,  Addison  Mixter ; guard,  Levi 
Roscoe. 

Sandusky  City  Council,  No.  26,  R.and S.M.  On  or  about  March  17,  1857,  a 
dispensation  was  granted  by  the  T.  I.  G.  Puissant  John  M.  Barnes,  of  the  Grand 
Council  of  Royal  and  Select  Masters,  of  the  State  of  Ohio,  to  Charles  Curtis, 
George  Morton,  O.  J.  True,  h'.  Sharlleau,  C.  J.  Parsons,  R.  D.  McDonald,  Neil 
H.  Moore,  Isaac  N.  Smead,  W.  M.  Harrison  and  N.  Byington,  authorizing  them 
to  organize  a subordinate  council  in  Sandusky,  to  be  known  as  Sandusky  City 
Council  No.  26,  Royal  and  Select  Masters.  Their  first  meeting  was  held  in 
March,  1857,  and  the  organization  was  perfected  by  the  election  of  the  follow- 
ing officers,  viz.  : 

1857 — T.  I.  G.  M.,  George  Morton;  D.  I.  G.  M.,  N.  Byington;  P.  C.  W., 
N.  H.  Moore;  C.  of  G.,  O.  J.  True;  recorder,  C.  J.  Parsons;  treasurer, 
Charles  Curtis  ; sentinel,  F.  Sharlleau. 

And  they  continued  to  work  under  said  dispensation  up  to  second  Friday 
in  December,  A.  D.  1857.  That  at  the  meeting  of  the  Grand  Council  of  R. 

and  S.  M.,  of  Ohio,  held  at  Columbus,  O.,  in  October,  1857,  the  granting  and 
issuing  of  the  said  dispensation  was  approved,  and  the  issue  of  a charter  was 
ordered.  And  of  date  of  October  16,  A.  D.  1857,  the  charter  was  issued  with 
the  names  of  said  Charles  Curtis,  George  Morton  and  others,  in  said  applica- 
tion set  forth  as  above,  appearing  therein  as  charter  members,  which  were 
signed  by  John  M.  Barnes,  grand  puissant;  J.  M.  Parks,  grand  T I.  ; Joseph 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


379' 


Hildreth,  G.  C.  of  the  work,  and  J.  A.  Caldwell,  grand  recorder,  and  at  a 

meeting  held  on  the  evening  of  the  day  of , 1857,  the  Sandusky  City 

Council  was  regularly  organized  under  and  by  authority  of  its  charter,  and 
the  authority  of  the  Grand  Puissant,  John  M.  Barnes,  and  the  following  is  a 
complete  roster  of  its  officers  for  the  years  following  to  this,  viz.  : 

1858—  T.  I.  G.  M.,  Geo.  Morton;  D.  I.  M.,  F.  M.  Follett  ; P.  C.  W.,  Neil 
H.  Moore  ; C.  of  G.,  Isaac  N.  Smead  ; recorder,  Casper  J.  Parsons  ; treasurer, 
A.  H.  Gale  ; sentinel,  F.  Sharlleau. 

1859 —  T.  I.  G.  M.,  N.  H.  Moore;  D.  I.  G.  M.,  John  McKinston  ; P.  C. 
W.,  J.  A.  Wisner  ; C.  of  K.  G.,  F.  A.  Schalze  ; treasurer,  A.  H.  Gale  ; re- 
corder, C.  J.  Parsons  ; sentinel,  P'.  Sharlleau. 

i860  and  1861 — T.  I.  M.,  F.  M.  Follett;  D.  I.  M.,  John  McKinster ; P.  C. 
W.,  Frederick  Kelsey  ; C.  of  G.,  E.  Weller  ; recorder,  George  Morton  ; treas- 
urer, A.  H.  Gale  ; sentinel,  F.  Sharlleau. 

1862-3-4 — T.  I.  G.  M.,  N.  Byington  ; D.  I.  G.  M.,  N.  H.  Moore;  P.  C. 
W.,  Fred.  Kelsey  ; C.  G.,  Henry  F.  Paden  ; treasurer,  A.  C.  Townsend  ; re- 
corder, George  Morton ; sentinel,  F.  Sharlleau. 

1865 —  T.  I.  G.  M.,  George  Morton;  D.  I.  G.  M.,  W.  M.  Harrison  ; P.  C. 
W.,  Fred.  Kelsey;  C.  of  G.,  W.  E.  Lay;  treasurer,  L.  Monat ; recorder,  B. 
W.  Beatty  ; sentinel,  E.  Sharlleau. 

1866 —  T.  I.  M.,  George  Morton;  D.  I.  M.,  N.  H.  Moore;  P.  C.  W.,  W^. 
M.  Harrison;  C.  G.,  H.  E.  Paden;  treasurer,  L.  Monat;  recorder,  B.  W. 
Beatty  ; sentinel,  F.  Sharlleau. 

1867 —  T.  I.  M.,  N.  H.  Moore;  D.  I.  M.,  C.  J.  Parsons;  P.  C.  W.,  James 
D.  Lea;  C.  G.,  Henry  F.  Paden;  treasurer,  L.  Monat;  recorder,  B.  W. 
Beatty;  sentinel,  Fred.  Kelsey. 

1868—  T.  I.  M.,  N.  H.  Moore;  D.  I.  M.,  C.  H.  Giddings ; P.  C.  W.,  Lewis 
M.  Lea;  C.  G.,  L.  Monat;  treasurer,  E.  Halley;  recorder,  Voltaire  Scott; 
sentinel,  Fred.  Kelsey. 

1869—  T.  I.  M.,  N.  Byington;  D.  I.  M.,  A.  H.  Gale;  P.  C.  W.,  L.  M. 
Lea;  C.  G.,  L.  Monat;  treasurer,  J.  D.  Lea;  recorder,  Voltaire  Scott;  senti- 
nel, Fred.  Kelsey. 

1870—  T.  I.  M.,  N.  Byington;  D.  I.  M„  H.  E.  O’Hagan;  P.  C.  Wk,  L. 
Monat;  C.  G.,  W.  J.  Affleck;  treasurer,  James  D.  Lea;  recorder,  Voltaire 
Scott;  sentinel,  Fred.  Kelsey. 

1871 —  T.  I.  M.,  C.  M.  Keyes;  D.  I.  M.,  John  C.  Stewart;  P.  C.  Wk,  S. 
M.  White,  jr.  ; C.  G.,  W.  J.  Affleck  ; treasurer,  H.  S.  Paden  ; recorder,  Val- 
entine Scott ; sentinel,  Fred.  Kelsey. 

1872—  T.  I.  M.,  N.  Byington  ; D.  I.  M.,  L.  Monat;  P.  C.  Wk,  W.  J.  Af- 
fleck; C.  G.,  E.  M.  Colver  ; treasurer,  J.  D.  Lea;  recorder,  Valentine  Scott; 
sentinel,  Fred.  Kelsey. 

1873—  T.  I.  M.,  H.  G.  Robinson;  D.  I.  M.,  G.  Hart;  P.  C.  W,  W.  J.  Af- 


380 


History  of  Erie  County. 


fleck;  treasurer,  N.  H.  Moore;  recorder,  V.  Scott;  C.  of  G.,  L.  Monat  ; sen- 
tinel, F.  Kelsey 

1874 —  T.  I.  M.,  H.  G.  Robinson;  D.  I.  M.,  G.  Hart;  P.  C.  W.,  Edward 
Hadley;  treasurer,  Ned.  H.  Moore;  recorder,  V.  Scott;  C.  G.,  L.  Monat; 
sentinel,  P'.  Kelsey. 

1875 —  T.  I.  M.,  H.  G.  Robinson;  D.  I.  M.,  W.  P'.  Chaney;  P.  C.  W., 
Neil  H.  Moore  ; C.  G.,  E.  Monat  ; treasurer,  J.  Krontlial  ; recorder,  V.  Scott; 
sentinel,  F.  Kelsey. 

1876—  T.  I.  M.,  L.  Monat;  D.  L M.,  W.  F.  Chaney;  P.  C.  W.,  Neil  H. 
Moore  ; C.  G.,  H.  G.  Robinson  ; treasurer,  J.  Krontlial ; recorder,  Voltaire 
Scott ; sentinel,  P".  Kelsey. 

1877—  T.  I.  M.,  E.  Monat;  D.  I.  M.,  G.  Hart;  P.  C.  W.,  PP  D.  Lutz;  C. 

G. ,  W.  J.  Affleck;  treasurer,  J.  Krontlial;  recorder,  V.  Scott;  sentinel,  F. 
Kelsey. 

1878—  T.  P M.,  A.  C.  Townsend;  D.  P M.,  E.  M.  Colver ; P.  C.  W.,  E. 
Gillard  ; C.  G.,  S.  A.  Collins;  treasurer,  J.  Krontlial;  recorder,  V.  Scott;  sen- 
tinel, F.  Kelsey. 

1879—  T.  P M.,  H.  G.  Robinson;  D.  P M.,  E.  M.  Colver;  P.  C.  W.,  E. 
Gillard;  C.  G.,  L.  Monat;  treasurer,  J.  Krontlial;  recorder,  Wm.  J.  Atfleck  ; 
sentinel,  F.  Kelsey. 

1880—  T.  P M.,  H.  G.  Robinson  ; D.  P M.,  E.  M.  Colver;  P.  C.  W..  N. 

H.  Moore  ; C.  G.,  L.  Monat  ; treasurer,  J.  Krontlial  ; recorder,  W.  J.  Affleck; 
sentinel,  P"red.  Kelsey. 

1881—  T.  P M.,  H.  G.  Robinson  ; D.  P M.,  E.  M.  Colver;  P.  C.  W.,  N. 
PP  Moore;  C.  G.,  L.  Monat;  treasurer,  Jacob  Krontlial;  recorder,  Wm.  J, 
Affleck  ; sentinel,  Fred.  Kelsey. 

1882—  T.  P M.,  E.  M.  Colver;  D.  P M.,  G.  Hart;  P.  C.  W.,  N.  H.  Moore; 
C.  G.,  L.  Monat;  treasurer,  Jacob  Krontlial;  recorder,  W.  J.  Affleck;  senti- 
nel, Fred.  Kelsey. 

1883—  T.  P M.,  E.  M.  Colver;  D.  P M.,  A.  E.  Merrill;  P.  C.  W.,  L,  M. 
Lea  ; C.  G.,  L.  Monat ; treasurer,  J.  Krontlial  ; recorder,  W.  J.  Affleck;  con- 
ductor, W.  F.  Chaney;  steward,  S.  M.  White,  jr.  ; sentinel,  J.  B.  Taylor,  jr. 

1884—  T.  P M.,  E.  M.  Colver;  D.  P M.,  D.  R.  Arnold;  P.  C.  W.,  L.  M. 
Lea;  C.  G.,  C.  F , C.  F.  Schcepfle  ; treasurer,  J.  Kronthal  ; recorder,  W.  J. 
Affleck;  conductor,  W.  F.  Chaney;  steward,  C.  C.  Lance;  sentinel,  J.  B. 
Taylor,  jr. 

1885—  T.  I-  M.,  L.  M.  Lea;  D.  P M.,  W.  F.  Chaney;  P.  C.  W.,  D.  R. 
Arnold;  treasurer,  J.  Kronthal;  recorder,  W.  J.  Affleck;  C.  G.,  C.  F.  Schoe- 
pfle  ; conductor,  C.  C.  Lance  ; steward,  J.  P.  Seigfried  ; sentinel,  J.  B.  Tay- 
lor, jr. 

1886—  T.  P M.,  L.  M.  Lea;  D.  P M.,  W.  F.  Chaney;  P.  C.  W.,  C.  M. 
Keyes ; treasurer,  J.  Kronthal  ; recorder,  W.  J.  Affleck ; C.  of  G.,  C.  F. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


381 


Schoepfle  ; conductor,  C.  C.  Lance  ; steward,  C.  T.  Stroud ; sentinel,  J.  B. 
Taylor,  jr. 

1887—  T.  I.  M.,  L.  M.  Lea;  D.  I.  M..  W.  F.  Chaney;  P.  C.  W.,  C.  M. 
Keyes ; treasurer,  J.  Kronthal ; recorder,  W.  J.  Affleck  ; C.  of  G.,  C.  F.  Schoe- 
pfle; conductor,  C.  C.  Lance;  steward,  Jas.  B.  Sanderson;  sentinel,  J.  B. 
Taylor,  jr. 

1888—  T.  I.  M.,  Lewis  M.  Lea;  D.  I.  M.,  Charles  M.  Keyes;  P.  C.  W., 
Thomas  L.  Williams ; treasurer,  Lucius  W.  Lewis  ; recorder,  William  J.  Af- 
fleck ; C.  of  G.,  William  L.  Lewis;  conductor,  James  B Sanderson  ; steward, 
Cornelius  H.  Myers;  guard,  John  B.  Taylor. 

The  total  membership  of  Sandusky  City  Council  No.  26,  R.  and  S.  M.,  at 
this  time  is  seventy.  The  regular  stated  communications  are  held  on  the  sec- 
ond Friday  of  each  month. 

K^iights  Templar.  The  order  of  Knights  Templar  was  reorganized  in 
Europe  in  the  latter  part  of  the  eleventh  century,  and  was  very  popular  among 
the  royalty — kings,  princes  and  nobles — the  rich  and  titled  especially,  taking 
much  of  its  symbolism  from  archaeology  and  claimed  allegiance  to  the  other 
previously  organized  Masonic  bodies  or  organizations. 

Its  membership  was  composed  of  the  ruling  classes,  those  high  in  authority, 
both  spiritual  and  temporal.  And  for  a time  it  seemed  to  be  under  the  con- 
trol of  the  bishops  and  prelates  of  the  church  of  Rome,  yet  its  office  was  rather 
of  a warlike  nature  than  otherwise,  and  the  Pope  was  one  of  its  greatest  patrons, 
and  he  used  all  his  power  to  make  the  order  subservient  to  his  wishes,  an  in- 
strument to  strengthen  the  power  of  the  church,  and  early  in  the  twelfth  cen- 
tury, at  his  dictation  and  under  his  supervision,  a code  of  rules  and  regulations 
to  govern  the  order  was  duly  promulgated. 

Though  the  Knights  Templar  flourished  for  a time,  and  thousands  of  the 
youth  of  Europe  joined  the  order  and  marched  victoriously  to  the  city  of 
David,  and  those  who  survived  returned  with  great  pomp,  yet  when  the  excite- 
ment was  passed  and  the  sound  reasoning  of  men  began  to  control  their  ac- 
tions, and  a careful  research  of  the  records  of  the  order  was  made,  it  was  found 
that  its  rubrics  were  too  broad  and  expansive,  too  catholic  in  their  nature  to 
permit  the  rules  and  regulations  formulated  by  the  hierarchy  to  be  accepted  for 
the  government  of  the  order.  When  this  became  known  an  effort  was  made 
to  produce  a compromise,  but  all  propositions  coming  from  that  source  were  of 
such  a nature  that  they  could  not  be  accepted,  and  proved  futile,  and  oppres- 
sion produced  a breach  that  was  never  healed,  a chasm  that  never  closed,  a 
river  that  was  never  bridged  over. 

When  the  heads  of  the  churches  found  that  suasion  and  ordinary  pres- 
sure would  not  bring  the  order  under  abject  surveillance  and  meek  obedience, 
a determination  to  rule  or  ruin  was  made  manifest,  the  machinery  was  put  in 
operation  for  its  destruction,  the  bulls  of  expulsion  and  excommunication  were 
49 


382 


History  of  Erie  County, 


promulgated  and  sown  broadcast  through  the  land,  and  so  far  as  the  Roman 
or  Greek  churches  knew,  it  was  crushed  out  through  the  anathemas  issued  by 
the  ruling  spirits  and  power  brought  to  bear  upon  the  civil  authorities.  Yet 
it  lived  throughout  the  continent  and  Great  Britain  ; it  survived  persecution 
through  the  bigotry,  ignorance,  superstition  and  ostracism  of  the  dark  ages; 
like  its  confreres,  it  kept  up  the  line  of  succession,  and  its  good  works  and 
moral  teachings  and  precepts  were  perpetuated  and  brought  down  through  the 
ages  of  men,  a cherished  heirloom  to  the  present  generation,  and  its  history 
is  of  the  brightest  recorded  upon  her  pages,  to  which  its  followers  and  patrons 
point  with  pride  and  veneration. 

Many  persons,  brother  Masons,  who  came  to  this  country  during  the 
eighteenth  century  were  Knights  Templar,  and  when  they  found  themselves 
■congregated  in  number  sufficient,  made  application  through  and  received  from 
the  Grand  Lodge  and  Grand  Commandery  in  Great  Britain  authority  to  or- 
ganize subordinate  commanderies  in  this  country,  and  many  were  instituted, 
and  in  the  latter  part  of  the  last  and  early  part  of  the  present  century,  the 
membership  having  become  quite  numerous,  several  Grand  Commanderies 
were  organized  in  the  States.  By  an  agreement  previously  entered  into  by 
and  between  the  several  Grand  Commanderies,  delegates  were  sent  to  Phil- 
adelphia in  June,  i8i6.  The  Grand  Conclave  assembled,  and  on  the  22d  of 
June,  i8l6,  the  Grand  Encampment  or  Commandery  of  the  United  States 
was  duly  organized,  and  by  virtue  of  the  power  and  authority  thereto  delegated, 
assumed  control  of  the  order  in  this  country  equal  to  that  exercised  by  that 
of  other  countries ; since  which  time  Grand  Commanderies  have  been  estab- 
lished in  every  State  and  Territory  in  this  country. 

Many  of  the  early  settlers  of  Ohio  were  Knights  Templar  Masons  when 
they  came  here,  and  early  in  this  century  subordinate  commanderies  were  in- 
stituted, receiving  authority  as  did  the  other  branches  of  the  order  from  the 
■older  States,  and  as  they  increased  in  numbers  they  began  to  think  that  it 
would  be  well  to  have  a Grand  Commandery  in  Ohio.  Thereupon  the  proper 
application  was  filed  with  the  proper  authorities  of  the  Grand  Commandery  of 
the  United  States  for  authority  to  organize  a Grand  Commandery,  and  Octo- 
ber 24,  1843,  the  Grand  Commandery  of  Knights  Tem.plar  of  Ohio  was  duly 
organized  at  Lancaster,  and  Michael  Z.  Kreider,  an  eminent  physician  resid- 
ing in  Lancaster,  was  elected  the  first  grand  commander. 

Erie  Conimandery  No.  23,  Knights  Templar. — In  September,  1869,  N.  H. 
Moore,  J.  D.  Lea,  C.  J.  Parsons  and  others  applied  for  and  received  a dispen- 
sation to  organize  a subordinate  commandery  of  Knights  Templar  in  this  city, 
which  was  issued  of  date  of  November  6,  A.  D.  1869,  and  N.  H.  Moore  was 
elected  the  first  commander  of  the  Erie  Commandery  No.  23,  Knights 
Templar,  at  Sandusky.  That  by  authority  from  the  Grand  Commandery, 
a charter  was  issued  of  date  of  September  15,  1870,  and  the  names  of  Neil  H. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


383 


i Moore,  James  D.  Lea,  C.  J.  Parsons,  E.  S.  Chester,  J.  D.  Buck,  C.  H.  Gid- 

^ dings,  Isaac  B.  Massey,  William  Swanson,  H.  E.  O’Hagan,  J.  A.  Hubinger, 

; F.  W.  Alvord,  L.  M.  Lea,  E.  Hadley,  H.  H.  Eldis,  A.  J.  Lyon,  S.  Marks,  V. 

Scott,  A.  C.  Townsend,  and  John  R.  Minor,  appear  therein  as  charter  mem- 
' hers,  and  it  was  signed  by  Heman  Ely,  R.  E.,  grand  commander,  and  John 

i D.  Caldwell,  grand  recorder.  The  regular  stated  meetings  of  Erie  Commandery 

i are  held  on  the  first  and  third  Thursdays  of  each  month.  Its  membership  in 

good  standing  at  this  time  is  105,  and  the  officers  under  the  charter  for  the 
; years  1869  and  1870  were  as  follows: 

I 1869. — E.  C.,  Neil  H.  Moore;  G.  L,  J.  D.  Lea;  C.  G.,  C.  J.  Parsons; 

prelate,  J.  D.  Buck  ; S.  W.,  D.  G.  Pelton  ; J.  W.,  J.  R.  Minor;  treasurer,  A.  C. 
Townsend;  recorder,  V.  Scott;  Str.  Br.,  H.  E.  O’Hagan;  Swd.  Br.,  Isaac 
B.  Massey  ; warder,  William  Swanston  ; sentinel,  E.  Hadley. 

1870. — E.  C.,  N.  H.  Moore;  G.  I.,  J.  D.  Lea;  C.  G.,  C.  J.  Parsons;  pre- 
, late.  Rev.  Samuel  Marks;  S.  W.,  D.  G.  Pelton;  J.  W.,  John  R.  Minor  ; Treas., 
A.  C.  Townsend  ; recorder,  V.  Scott ; Str.  Br.,  H.  E.  O’Hagan  ; Swd.  Br., 

; warder,  William  Swanston;  sentinel,  Fred.  Kelsey. 

' And  the  officers  for  the  years  1885,  1886,  1887  and  1888  were  as  follows, 

I viz.  : 

1885.  — E.  C.,  E.  M.  Colver  ; G.  I.,  T.  L.  Williams;  C.  G.,  C.  M.  Keyes; 
prelate,  E.  H.  Wilcox;  S.  W.,  H.  C.  Frederick;  J.  W.,  J.  P.  Seigfreid;  treasurer, 

; R.  E.  Schuck  ; recorder,  Henry  Bricken  ; Str.  Br.,  A.  C.  Townsend  ; Swd. 
Br.,  J.  G.  Strobel ; warder,  D.  W.  C.  Ruff ; sentinel,  J.  B.  Taylor. 

1886.  — E.  C.,  Thomas  L.  Williams;  G.  I.,  Charles  M.  Keyes  ; C.  G.,  David 
R.  Arnold;  prelate,  Edwin  Gillard  ; S.  W.  Charles  E.  Black;  J.  W.,  Lewis 

: M.  Lea  ; treasurer,  Randall  E.  Schuck  ; recorder,  Henry  Bricken  ; Str.  Br., 

Asa  C.  Townsend ; Swd.  Br.,  John  G.  Strobel;  warder,  Samuel  W.  Miller; 
sentinel,  John  B.  Taylor,  jr. 

1887.  — E.  C.,  T.  L.  Williams;  G.  I.,  C.  M.  Keyes;  C.  G.,  D.  R.  Arnold; 
prelate,  E.  Gillard;  S.  W.,  C.  E.  Black;  J.  W.,  L.  M.  Lea;  treasurer,  R.  E. 
Schuck;  recorder,  Henry  Bricken;  Str.  Br.,  A.  C.,  Townsend;  Swd.  Br.,  J. 
G.  Strobel ; warder,  S.  W.  Miller  ; sentinel,  J.  B.  Taylor,  jr. 

1888.  — E.  C.,  C.  M.  Keyes;  G.  I.,  D.  B.  Arnold;  C.  G.,  C.  E.  Black; 

I prelate,  Edwin  Gillard  ; S.  W.,  Charles  Stroud;  J.  W.,  E.  B.  King;  treasurer, 

R.  E.  Schuck  ; recorder,  Henry  Bricken  ; Str.  Br.,  A.  C.  Townsend  ; Swd. 
Br.  J.  G.  Strobel  ; warder,  W.  L.  Lewis;  sentinel,  John  B.  Taylor,  jr. 

I Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  “The  encouragement  and  support  of 

■ brothers  of  the  order  when  in  sickness,  distress,  or  on  travel,  and  for  the  pur- 
j pose  of  benevolence  and  charity.”  Such  is  the  object  of  the  order  of  Odd 
I Fellows;  an  order  that  was  first  founded  in  this  country  as  a permanent  in- 
j stitution  in  1818,  although  it  existed  therein  as  early  as  1808.  The  order  is 
strong  in  Sandusky  as  the  following  record  of  societies  will  show: 


384 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Ogontz  Lodge  No.  66. — This  Lodge  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  is  the  oldest  of  the 
order  in  Sandusky.  It  was  instituted  on  the  24th  of  July,  1846,  with  the  fol- 
lowing charter  members  : John  G.  Camp,  jr.,  John  W.  Witherell,  Theodore 
Hosmer,  William  V.  Moss,  Bryan  Hawley,  Lester  S.  Hubbard,  Jacob  A.  Bark- 
er and  C.  J.  Chadwick. 

From  these  number  the  charter  officers  were  elected  as  follows : Noble 
grand,  Bryant  Hawley;  vice-grand,  Lester  S.  Hubbard;  secretary,  John  G. 
Camp,  jr.;  treasurer,  Theodore  Hosmer;  R.  H.  S.,  Charles  Chadwick;  L.  H. 
S.,  Eli  M.  Barnum.  Ogontz  Lodge  now  numbers  one  hundred  and  thirty-one 
active  members,  among  whom  are  found  some  of  the  most  substantial  ele- 
ments of  the  city’s  German  population.  It  is  composed  mainly  of  Germans 
and  does  its  “ work  ” in  that  language.  The  present  place  of  meeting  is  in 
the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Hall  at  No.  127  Columbus  avenue.  The  officers  at  the  present 
time  are:  N.  G.,  Sebastian  Dussell  ; V.  G.,  Philip  Linder;  financial  secretary, 
Gottleib  Herman  ; recording  secretary,  Charles  Osberghaus  ; R.  S.,  William 
Strack ; L.  S.,  Jacob  Schmidt;  W.,  Fritz  Eichel  ; C.,  John  Fettel ; R.  S.  S., 
Jacob  Schoor;  L.  S.  S.,  Paul  Herder;  O.  G.,  Fritz  Lehner ; I.  G.,  Jacob 
Lentz  ; trustees,  C.  V.  Wagner,  George  Erhardt  and  William  Pfeiffer. 

Vallalialla  Lodge  [English)  I.  0.  O.  F.  was  instituted  under  a charter  May 
30,  1855,  but  on  account  of  the  depletion  of  its  ranks  during  the  war,  suspend- 
ed work,  and  under  that  name  was  never  revived. 

Sandusky  Lodge  No.  669  I.  O.  O.  F.  was  instituted  July  10,  1877.  Its 
charter  members  were  J.  W.  Newman,  Allen  A.  Lyman,  Daniel  Kunz,  Louis 
Linx,  Henry  D.  Seeley,  Frederick  W.  Alvord,  A.  W.  Dwelle,  William  Korgele, 
Herman  Kugel,  J.  W.  Traber,  C.  W.  Lane,  G.  P.  Brestol,  H.  E.  Cowell  and 
W.  Palmer.  The  lodge  has  a present  membership  of  over  one  hundred  per- 
sons, and  is  officered  as  follows  : N.  G.,  Fred.  Gerold  ; V.  G.,  J.  Piercey  ; Sec., 
William  Ohlemacher  ; Perm.  Sec’y,  David  Staner  ; Treas  , Paul  Swissinger,  R. 
S.,  J.  Fay;  L.  S.,  Conrad  Kreins ; Warden,  William  Bing  ; Conductor,  Butler 
Allen  ; R.  S.  S.,  William  Diebold  ; L.  S.  S.,  Charles  Matheas  ; O.  G,,  Henry 
Miller;  I.  G.,  Adolph  Long;  Trustees,  Conrad  Martin,  Herman  Kugle  and 
Walter  W.  Bowen. 

Sandusky  Bay  Lodge  No.  179,  Daughters  of  Rebeckah,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  was 
chartered  May  21,  1886,  with  forty-eight  members. 

Eric  Encampment  No.  27  /.  O.  0.  F.  was  instituted  on  March  3,  1848, 
with  Bryan  Hawley,  Hiram  K.  Steele,  John  Tift,  Abijah  Ives,  John  W.  Buck- 
man,  Thomas  Johnson  and  Sumner  P.  Webber  as  its  charter  members.  Of  the 
first  officers  Thomas  Johnson  was  elected  chief  patriarch  ; Hiram  K.  Steele, 
high  priest;  John  Tift,  senior  warden  ; Bryant  Hawley,  junior  warden  ; J.  W. 
Buckman,  scribe,  and  Abijah  Ives,  treasurer. 

When  first  organized,  and  for  some  years  subsequent  to  that  time  Erie  En- 
campment worked  in  German,  but  afterward  a change  was  made  since  which 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


38s 


the  work  of  the  order  has  been  conducted  in  English.  Erie  has  a present 
membership  of  fifty.  Its  meetings  are  held  on  the  first  and  third  Friday  even- 
ings of  each  month.  The  present  officers  are  as  follows  : Christian  Schlenk,  C. 
P.;  Butler  Allen,  H.  P.;  A.  Kolb,  S.  W.;  P.  Swessinger,  J.  W.;  Charles  Osberg- 
haus,  scribe ; C.  V.  Wagner,  treasurer. 

Canton  Perry  No.  38  /.  0.  0.  F.  was  instituted  by  charter  dated  April  9, 
1886,  with  these  charter  members:  Butler  Allen,  Charles  Bauman,  W.  W. 
Bauman,  H.  E.  Dwelle,  M.  Falotico,  Adam  Kolb,  Ed.  Keiner,  Conrad  Martin, 
John  Mawby,  Charles  Osberghaus,  Philip  Schmidt,  J.  Smith,  Paul  Swessinger, 
John  C.  Whetstone,  C.  V.  Wagner,  Philip  Ohlemacher,  Conrad  Kreins  and  S. 
D.  Cutliff  The  membership  of  this  society  numbers  eighteen  persons,  and  is 
officered  as  follows : Captain,  A.  Kolb;  lieutenant,  Paul  Swessinger;  ensign, 
M.  Falotico;  accountant,  C.  Baumaux  ; standard  bearer,  Philip  Ohlemacher; 
guard,  C.  V.  Wagner ; sentinel,  Christian  Schlenk  ; picket,  Charles  Osberghaus. 

The  combined  Odd  Fellows  organizations,  through  the  medium  of  an  in- 
corporated company  formed  for  the  purpose,  have  made  preparations  for  the 
erection  of  a temple  on  Washington  Row,  west  of  the  Sloane  House.  The 
building,  according  to  the  plans  proposed,  will  be  three  stories  in  height, 
and  cover  an  area  sufficient  for  four  stores  on  the  ground  floor.  The  second 
story  will  be  used  for  office  and  dwelling  purposes,  while  the  entire  third  floor 
will  be  fitted  for  the  uses  of  the  order.  The  entire  cost  of  the  building  and 
land  is  estimated  at  thirty- five  thousand  dollars. 

Kriights  of  Pythias.  This  order  is  as  strong,  proportionately,  as  any  of 
the  other  similiar  organizations  of  the  city,  and  its  object  is  just  as  worthy  and 
commendable.  Friendship,  charity  and  benevolence  are  the  fundamental  prin- 
ciples of  Odd  Fellowship.  The  order  is  founded  upon  naught  but  the  purest 
and  sincerest  motives.  Its  aim  is  to  alleviate  the  suffering  of  a brother,  succor 
the  unfortunate,  zealously  watch  at  the  bedside  of  the  sick,  soothe  the  pillow 
of  the  dying,  performthe  last  sad  rites  at  the  grave  of  a brother,  offering  con- 
solation to  the  afflicted,  and  caring,  with  a brother’s  love,  for  the  widow  and 
orphan. 

Brotherly  love  and  charity  are  the  pillars  on  which  it  rests.  Friendship 
and  truth  the  bond  and  surety  of  its  preservation. 

Western  Reserve  Lodge  No.  128  K.  of  P.  was  instituted  July  7,  1881,  the 
charter  members  being  William  Altstaltter,  Charles  Baetz,  John  F.  Bredbeck, 
Henry  Denhel,  Fouis  Duennisch,  C.  J.  Gibaut,  Henry  Graefe,  J.  Greenfelder, 
jr.,  T.  J.  Holzaepfel,  J.  M.  Holzaepfel,  Joseph  Hower,  Frank  Kerber,  Gust. 
Kirner,  Fred.  Kranz,  R.  P.  Krudwig,  Charles  Kubach,  F.  R.  Fange,  Charles 
Miller,  jr.,  H.  Neumeyer,  George  Peters,  W.  E.  Sloane,  William  C.  Smith,  E. 
F.  Steuk,  R.  S.  Tebbutt,  I.  J.  P.  Tessier,  Charles  F.  Wagner,  G.  Zimmerman. 

Western  Reserve  Fodge,  though  but  seven  years  old,  has  a membership  of 
sixty-four.  It,  in  common  with  all  other  of  the  Pythian  organizations  of  the 


386 


History  of  Erie  County. 


city,  holds  its  meetings  in  the  comfortable  rooms  at  No.  620  Water  street.  The 
present  officers  are  D.  G.  C.,  I.  J.  P.  Tessier  ; C.  C.,  Charles  V.  Marquart ; V. 
C.,  J.  M.  Pf  olzaepfel ; prelate,  William  F.  Kubach  ; PC.  of  R.  S.,  P.  J.  P.  Tes- 
sier ; M.  of  E.,  James  Flynn;  M.  of  F.,  G.  Zimmerman;  M.  of  A.,  John  F. 
Cameron  ; P.  G.,  E.  F.  Steuk  ; O.  G.,  M.  P^.  Byriel. 

Courtesy  Lodge  No.  252  K.  of  P.  was  instituted  September  6,  1887,  with 
fifty- nine  charter  members,  and  is  now  officered  as  follows:  A.  W.  Miller,  P. 
C.;  George  C.  Beis,  C.  C.  ; E.  J.  Fay,  V.  C.;  L.  M.  Eea,  prelate;  C.  E.  Col- 
ton, PC.  R.  S.;  Henry  Gertig,  M.  IT;  F.  P.  Zollinger,  M.  E,;  J.  J.  Deitz,  M.  A.; 
Daniel  Schaefer,  1.  G.;  J.  M.  Lloyd,  O.  G. 

Garfield  Division  No.  13  K.  of  P.  was  instituted  March  30,  1882,  with  char- 
ter members,  viz  : Chas.  P3aetz,  Geo.  J.  Beier,  Ph.  Bing,  J.  R.  Booth,  Jno.  F. 
Bredbeck,  M.  P.  Byriel,  John  Cameron,  John  Campbell,  Pdenry  Dehnel,  Louis 
Duennisch,  James  Flynn,  C.  J.  Gibaut,  J.  Greenfelder,  jr.,  F.  J.  Holzaepfel,  J. 
M.  Holzaepfel,  Joseph  Hower,  Jacob  Pveene,  Frank  Kerber,  Gust.  Kirner, 
Chas.  Pvubach,  Chas.  P.  Fuchs,  Richard  Budd,  Wm.  P^".  Pvubach,  Christ  ICue- 
beler,  I^.  R.  Lange,  Geo.  J.  Marquart,  Chas.  Miller,  jr.,  Henry  F.  Nusly,  Geo. 
A.  Owram,  Geo.  Pieters,  Chas.  P^einheimer,  Fred.  Schwenk,  Wm.  C.  Smith, 
E.  L.  Steuk,  R.  S.  Tebbutt,  I.  J.  P.  Tessier,  Fred.  G.  Till,  Chas.  H.  Walther, 
Frank  Ward,  jr.,  G.  Zimmerman. 

The  present  members  of  the  division  are ; Sir  Pvnight  Captain,  P.  J.  P.  Tes- 
sier ; lieut.,  John  P^.  Cameron  ; herald,  John  1^.  Booth  ; sentinel,  M.  P.  Byriel; 
guard,  P^'.  A.  PCerber ; recorder,  G.  Zimmerman;  treasurer,  James  Flynn;  chap- 
lain, W.  C.  Smith  ; quartermaster,  John  G.  Dorn.  Division  membership  forty. 

Endoivvieut  Rank  Section  No.  528  K.  of  P.  was  instituted  in  November, 
1882,  with  fourteen  charter  members,  viz:  James  Flynn,  John  R.  PPooth,  G. 
Zimmerman,  Christian  PCuebeler,  Chas.  Wagner,  Geo.  Peters,  Fred.  Schwenk, 
Wm.  C.  Smith,  Herman  Miller,  E.  L.  Steuk,  Joseph  Hower,  G.  C.  Wattles, 
Chas.  Caetz,  Jacob  Greenfelder.  Present  membership  13.  Officers  for  1888: 
Joseph  Hower,  president;  Gottleib  Zimmerman,  vice-president;  William  C. 
Smith,  secretary  and  treasurer. 

The  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  is  a military  order,  numbering  in  its 
State  membership  about  forty  thousand  persons.  The  order  has  for  its  foun- 
dation stone  the  great  principles  of  fraternity  and  charity.  Pt  is  not,  in  the 
most  strict  sense  of  the  word,  a secret  organization,  yet  it  has  its  unwritten 
work  and  rituals. 

McMccn's  Post  was  organized  on  the  i8th  of  March,  1880,  with  the  follow- 
ing charter  members:  Elisha  M.  Colver,  William  A.  Till,  W.  J.  Affleck,  Chris- 
tian PTenry,  J.  R.  Booth,  S.  D.  Cutliff,  B.  P^.  Church,  John  Heeter,  Charles 
Groesch,  Robert  Pvimball,  George  A.  P^ree,  William  Nash,  Henry  Landan, 
Martin  C.  Cross,  John  S.  Murthy,  Pdenry  PPernard,  John  Geiser,  Foster  F. 
Neill,  T.  M.  Cook,  James  Duffy,  Philip  Cann,  and  George  R.  Marvin. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


387 


The  officers  for  1880  were  William  A.  Till,  post  commander ; W.  J.  Affleck, 
senior  vice  commander;  J.  R.  Booth,  junior  vice  commander;  S.  D.  Cutliff, 
adjutant;  George  A.  Free,  quartermaster;  T.  M.  Cook,  surgeon;  Martin  C. 
Cross,  chaplain;  Christian  Walter,  quartermaster  sergeant;  Christian  Henry, 
sergeant  major. 

The  first  four  years  of  the  life  of  this  post  were  full  of  ups  and  downs,  dis- 
couragements and  ill  luck.  Many  times  it  was  believed  best  that  the  charter 
should  be  surrendered,  and  that  the  business  be  closed,  but  the  same  faithful- 
ness and  courage  that  characterized  the  army  life  of  some  of  the  leading  mem- 
bers, served  them  in  this  dilemma,  and  they  steered  the  craft  through  safely ; 
and  the  following  two  years,  the  fifth  and  sixth,  witnessed  the  acquisition  of 
new  life  in  the  society,  giving  it  an  impetus  in  growth  and  development,  both 
numerically  and  financially.  The  present  membership  numbers  two  hundred. 

Th^  McMeens  Post  takes  its  name  from  Dr.  Robert  R.  McMeens,  formerly 
surgeon  of  the  Third  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  who  died  suddenly  at  Perry- 
ville,  Ky.,  while  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  duties  as  medical  director. 
Surgeon  McMeens  was  among  the  first  to  offer  his  services  to  his  country. 
On  first  entering  the  service  he  was  made  regimental  surgeon,  and  by  his  gen- 
tlemanly deportment  and  undoubted  professional  skill,  won  for  him  the  confi- 
dence and  esteem  of  his  brother  officers;  and  at  their  request  he  was  appointed 
medical  director.  Up  to  the  date  of  his  death,  October  30,  1862,  he  continued 
in  active  service,  filling  many  important  positions  in  the  medical  department  of 
the  army.  In  his  death  the  army  lost  a kind  hearted,  faithful  and  efficient 
officer,  the  country  a true  patriot,  and  the  medical  profession  one  of  its  bright- 
est ornaments. 

McMeens  Post  does  not  number  among  its  members  any  officers  that  at- 
tained a high  rank  during  the  war,  a colonel  being  the  highest.  Its  officers 
have  been,  and  still  are,  mostly  from  the  ranks,  and  its  standing  in  the  depart- 
ment aptly  illustrates  the  quality  of  the  men  that  went  to  make  up  the  rank 
and  file  of  the  grand  army  that  saved  the  nation,  and  made  stable  the  unity 
and  integrity  of  the  republic. 

The  present  officers  of  McMeens  Post  are  as  follows  : Charles  B.  Dennis, 
post  commander ; R.  VV.  Forster,  senior  vice-commander ; Joseph  T.  Marshall, 
junior  vice-commander  ; Josh.  B.  Davis,  adjutant ; Benjamin  W.  Thompson, 
quartermaster  ; Edwin  Gillard,  surgeon  ; Isaac  T.  Mack,  chaplain  ; Lewis  M. 
Lea,  officer  of  the  day  ; John  Heeter,  officer  of  the  guard. 

Craig  Camp  No.  143,  Division  of  Ohio,  Sons  of  Veterans,  was  organized 
October  22,  1886,  with  the  following  charter  members:  E.  T.  Rogers,  F.  H. 
Heyler,  Ph.  H.  Traub,  C.  C.  Canfield,  E.  S.  Hines,  C.  N.  Weis,  Jacob  Wilder- 
kehr,  E.  T.  Briggs,  Alta  F.  Cook,  H.  S.  Oram,  C.  A.  Craig,  J.  W.  Cherry  and 
C.  W.  Kelsey. 

Sandusky  Lodge,  No.  102,  Knights  of  Honor,  was  instituted  April  16,  1875, 


388 


History  of  Erie  County. 


with  charter  members  as  follows:  L.  H.  Lyman,  B.  F.  Ferris,  P.  J.  Niederlander, 
A.  C.  Niederlander,  W.  S.  Spencer,  William  H.  Van  Horn,  Frederick  Groch, 
Charles  C.  Martin,  L B.  Massey,  Voltaire  Scott,  A.  D.  Kinney,  E.  M.  Colver, 
J.  W.  P'arwell,  A.  Bear,  R.  M.  Hubbard.  The  lodge  has  a present  member- 
ship of  fifty-eight  persons,  and  is  officered  as  follows  : Dictator,  L.  R.  Hawes  ; 
vice-dictator,  Gottleib  Zimmerman  ; reporter,  B.  W.  Townsend  ; financial  re- 
porter, N.  A.  Hadden  ; treasurer,  Charles  E.  Boughton  ; guard,  F.  C.  Reh- 
berg;  inside  guard,  J.  W.  Farwell;  outside  guard,  William  W.  Collins;  past 
dictator,  W.  C.  Zollinger. 

Royal  Arcanum.  The  only  representing  society  of  this  order  in  this  city  is 
Erie  Council  No.  152,  which  was  chartered  on  May  3d,  1880,  upon  the  follow- 
ing membership  : J.  D.  Woolsey,  D.  C.  Powers,  J.  W.  Cherry,  E.  J.  Waye,  B. 

F.  P'erris,  E.  E.  Upp,  P.  H.  Clemons,  William  S.  Milne,  H.  C.  Huntington,  C. 
Ruff,  Mozart  Gallup,  Arthur  Phinney,  Albert  Texter,  Henry  Graefe,  U.  T. 
Curran,  E.  M.  Colver,  J.  Q.  Nichols,  S.  B.  Dewey,  W.  V.  Latham,  John  Mc- 
Kelvey,  Charles  V.  Olds,  R.  M.  Wilcox,  J.  W.  Holland,  E.  Hadley,  Thomas 
McFall,  E.  H.  Howe  and  F.  W.  Thomas. 

The  society  has  prospered  fairly  well  and  has  fifty-seven  members  on  its 
roll.  It  is  officered  as  follows  : Past  regent,  A.  J.  Neesly  ; regent,  J.  Q.  Nich- 
ols ; vice-regent,  A.  M.  Roegele ; deputy  grand  regent,  William  K.  Marshall ; 
orator,  E.  J.  Wayne  ; secretary,  F.  H.  Schnaitter  ; treasurer,  Charles  A.  Gil- 
cher  ; warden,  J.  L.  Reiger  ; guide,  Frank  Pelz  ; sentry,  Otto  Ilg. 

Knights  of  Maccabees.  Two  societies  of  this  order  are  in  existence  in  this 
city  : Protection  Tent  No.  7.  and  Junior  Camp  No.  i,  with  uniformed  rank. 
The  first.  Protection  Tent,  was  chartered  on  September  16,  1884,  with  William 
Forde,  Frank  L.  Welch,  DeWitt  Herman,  Thomas  O.  Whitmarsh,  Henry 
Graefe,  Henry  W.  Wagenet,  Charles  Graefe,  Frank  E.  Jones,  Willard  A.  Bishop, 

G.  A.  Marsh,  jr.,  Lewis  A.  Biehl,  Fred.  C.  Wininger,  Charles  H.  Reeves,  Theo- 
dore F.  Spencer,  Herbert  A.  Chandler,  Leonard  S.  Johnson,  August  H.  Arend, 
John  Traub,  A.  R.  Scudder  and  Fred  W.  Stephens  as  original  members. 

The  uniformed  rank.  Junior  Camp  No.  i,  of  the  order,  was  instituted  Feb- 
ruary 23,  1886,  with  charter  members  as  follows:  Charles  H.  Reeves,  Charles 
Graefe,  L.  R.  Hawes,  J.  M.  Schumacher,  F.  W.  Stephens,  George  F.  Schmidt, 
L.  A.  Biehl,  J.  H.  Jones,  J.  J.  Marquart,  J.  M.  Kistner,  Joseph  Andres,  Frank 
Spiegel,  H.  A.  Chandler,  Clayton  Platt,  Thomas  Hickling,  Charles  A.  Craig, 
Frank  H.  Jones,  Charles  H.  Ferguson,  C.  Arnold,  C.  G.  Shippel,  P.  Schu- 
macher, William  E.  Fischer,  W.  C.  Dahnk,  M.  P.  Kinney,  C.  B Wilcox  and 
Lewis  F.  P'lint. 

Sandusky  Council  No.  2,  Order  of  the  Red  Cross.  This  order,  over  the 
charter  of  which  appears  the  symbolic  words,  omnia  pro  caritati,  was  organ- 
ized on  the  l8th  of  July,  1885,  with  these  persons  as  charter  members: 
George  D.  Williams,  William  Balsley,  Charles  Graefe,  George  W.  Knight, 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


389 


Wilber  F.  Clark.  Ed.  P.  Brohl,  Ed.  C.  Riegger,  E.  J.  Miller,  Albert  Apple, 
Wilby  Clothier,  William  Bender,  William  B.  Curth  and  J.  C.  Scheifler. 

Prominent  among  the  orders  of  the  city  not  hereinbefore  mentioned,  is 
that  known  as  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers,  the  first  society  of 
which,  in  Sandusky,  was  organized  in  1871,  and  was  known  as  Sandusky  Di- 
vision No.  130.  The  present  organization  is  known  as  Put-in-Bay  Division, 
No.  208. 

The  Ancient  order  of  Hibernians  has  an  organization  in  the  city,  as  also 
has  the  National  Union  (Bay  Council  No.  49)  ; the  Druids,  whose  m}'stic  ini- 
tials are  V.  A.  O.  D,,  by  Guttenberg  Grove,  No.  9 ; the  D.  O.  H.,  by  Blue- 
cher  Lodge  No.  109,  and  the  Knights  of  Labor  (K.  of  L.) 

The  German  societies,  other  than  some  above  mentioned,  are  abundant, 
and  are  represented  by  the  Active  Turn  Verein,  the  Social  Turn  Verein,  the 
Arbeiter  Unterstuetzungs  Verein,  the  Erohsiun  Gesang  Verein,  the  Sandusky 
Liederkranz,  the  Union  Benevolent  Association,  the  Bavarian  Benevolent  As- 
sociation, the  Harmonie  Singing  Society,  and  possibly  others,  all  of  which  for 
further  mention  will  be  found  in  the  “ German  chapter  ” of  this  work. 

The  Sandusky  Light  Guard.  This,  the  only  military  company  of  the  city, 
was  organized  pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  the  State  Legislature,  in  the  year 
1875,  and  was  mustered  into  service  as  a part  of  the  Ohio  State  Guard  on  the 
3d  of  May  of  that  year.  Henry  Dehnel  was  the  first  commandant,  and  upon 
his  retirement  was  succeeded  by  George  Bachman,  and  the  latter  in  turn  bv 
Charles  M.  Keyes,  in  1878. 

On  July  13,  1885,  Captain  Keyes  was  made  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  Six- 
teenth Regiment  Ohio  State  Guard,  to  which  the  Sandusky  Guard  was  at- 
tached, and  Edmund  B.  King  succeeded  to  the  command  of  the  company.  His 
commission  was  dated  July  29,  1885. 

The  Sandusky  Light  Guard  is  a well- uniformed  and  well-disciplined  com- 
pany, and  numbers  fifty-one  young  and  active  men.  It  is  officered  as  follows  : 
Edmund  B.  King,  captain ; George  P.  Barker,  first  lieutenant ; VV.  L.  Lewis, 
■second  lieutenant ; W.  R.  Zollinger,  first  sergeant, 

PORTLAND  TOWNSHIP. 

The  history  of  old  Portland  township  was  made  between  the  years  1827 
and  1872.  Prior  to  the  first  named  year  it  was  attached  for  civil  purposes  to 
Perkins  township,  but  in  that  year  it  was  detached  and  erected  into  a separate 
township  and  given  the  name  of  Portland,  signifying  “ land  lying  upon  the 
water,”  a name  that  years  before,  by  common  consent,  but  not  by  any  com- 
petent authority,  was  applied  to  this  city. 

Portland,  as  a township,  never  acquired  much  history  except  through  its 
connection  with  Sandusky,  by  which  it  was  eventually  absorbed  and  passed 
out  of  being.  Unfortunately  its  early  records  cannot  be  found,  and  it  is  pre- 
50 


390 


History  of  Erie  County. 


sumed  that  they  have  been  destroyed  or  lost.  There  does  remain,  however,  a 
record  book,  showing  proceedings  from  1838  to  1859,  from  which  a partial  list 
of  its  leading  officers  has  been  obtained  ; and  it  will  be  observed  that  many  of 
these  officers  were  residents,  and,  occasionally,  officers  of  the  municipality  of 
Sandusky,  which  was  an  integral  part  of  the  township,  although  a corporation 
by  itself.  From  an  old  township  record  found  in  the  city  clerk’s  office  the  fol- 
lowing persons  were  found  to  have  served  in  the  local  offices  of  Portland  town- 
ship, from  the  year  1838  to  1858,  both  inclusive: 

1838 —  Trustees,  Charles  F.  Drake,  John  G.  Camp  and  Judah  W.  Ransom; 
clerk,  John  F.  Campbell;  treasurer,  William  B.  Smith;  overseers  of  the  poor,^ 
Foster  M.  Follett  and  John  N.  Sloane  ; constables,  August  P.  Tower  and  Ros- 
well J.  Jennings. 

1839 —  Trustees,  Charles  F.  Drake,  Josiah  W.  Hollister  and  Henry  Victor; 
clerk,  John  F.  Campbell  ; treasurer,  P'oster  M.  Follett;  overseers,  Alexander 
H.  Barber  and  Zenas  W.  Barker ; constables,  Roswell  J.  Jennings  and  Orlando 
McKnight. 

1840 —  Trustees,  John  Weeden,  James  N.  Davidson  and  Henry'F.  Merry;, 
clerk,  William  Kelley ; treasurer,  William  H.  Caswell ; overseers,  William  A. 
Simpson  and  S.  S.  Hosmer ; constables,  Roswell  J.  Jennings  and  William 
Marshall. 

1841 —  Trustees,  John  Weeden,  Abner  Root  and  Alexander  H.  Barber; 
clerk,  Charles  Cochran  ; treasurer,  William  H.  Caswell  ; overseers,  Sidney  S. 
Hosmer  and  William  A.  Simpson  ; constables,  William  Marshall  and  Roswell 
J.  Jennings. 

1842 —  Trustees,  John  Weeden,  Alexander  H.  Barber  and  Abner  Root; 
clerk,  Charles  Cochran  ; treasurer,  Foster  M.  Follett  ; assessor,  Moers  Far- 
well  ; overseers,  S.  S.  Hosmer,  William  A.  Simpson  ; constables,  Roswell  J. 
Jennings  and  Charles  F.  Drake. 

1843 —  Trustees,  E.  S.  Gregg,  Daniel  Dibble  and  Feonard  B.  Johnson; 
clerk,  Earl  Bell  (appointed  by  trustees,  the  election  resulting  in  a tie  vote) ; 
treasurer,  Alexander  H.  Barber  ; assessor,  Zenas  W.  Barker  ; overseers,  Will- 
iam A.  Simpson  and  Charles  B.  Squire ; constables,  Charles  F.  Drake  and 
George  W.  Smith. 

1844 —  Trustees,  F.  S.  Gregg,  David  Campbell  and  Henry  C.  Williams; 
clerk,  Waldo  F.  Converse;  treasurer,  W.  W.  Wetherell ; assessor,  Amos  Earl; 
overseers,  Abner  Fyman  and  Moers  Farwell;  constables,  Alonzo  Wade  and 
George  W.  Smith. 

1845 —  Trustees,  Charles  Barney,  Henry  C.  Williams  and  Hiram  A.  Ar- 
nold ; clerk,  Waldo  F.  Converse;  treasurer,  Henry  P.  Radcliff;  assessor,  Phi- 
lander Gregg;  constables,  Alonzo  Wade  and  John  Youngs. 

1846 —  Trustees,  William  A.  Simpson,  John  M.  Booth  and  Gilbert  Harris; 
clerk,  Charles  Cochran  ; treasurer,  Henry  P.  Radcliff;  assessor,  Jacob  S.  Sco- 
field; constables,  Charles  Rice  and  Samuel  Austin. 


Tpie  City  of  Sandusky. 


391 


1847 —  Trustees,  Philander  Gregg,  Charles  Barney  and  Erastus  Cooke; 
clerk,  Charles  Cochran;  treasurer,  Francis  Whitney;  assessor,  John  Youngs; 
constables,  Charles  Rice  and  Washington  Dewey. 

1848 —  Trustees,  Rollin  M.  Hubbard,  Philander  Gregg  and  John  W. 
Beatty  ; clerk,  Charles  Cochran  ; treasurer,  James  Sanderson  ; assessor,  Gil- 
bert Harris  ; constables,  Theodore  C.  Barker  and  Horatio  Jennings. 

1849 —  Trustees,  Horace  Aplin,  Alexander  H.  Barber  and  Elias  H. 
Haines;  clerk,  Jacob  Hoombeck;  treasurer,  Henry  P.  Radcliff ; assessor,  Gil- 
bert Harris  ; constables,  William  Spaulding  and  John  W.  Upp. 

1850 —  Members  of  constitutional  convention,  James  W.  Taylor  and  Jo- 
seph M.  Farr  ; trustees,  Samuel  E.  Hitchcock,  Robert  Hathaway  and  William 
B.  Smith;  clerk,  John  B.  Norris;  treasurer,  John  M.  Bailey;  assessor,  Will- 
iam P.  Chapman;  constables,  Jonas  J.  Perry  and  Jacob  Hertel. 

1851 —  Trustees,  William  W.  Wetherell,  John  G.  Pool  and  Chris.  C.  Keech  ; 
clerk,  Gilman  W.  Pritchard  ; treasurer,  Warren  Smith  ; assessor,  Thomas  C. 
McGee;  constables,  Jonas  J.  Perry  and  Obadiah  C.  McLouth. 

1852 —  Trustees,  John  G.  Pool,  Chris.  C.  Keech  and  Lucas  S.  Beecher; 
clerk,  Randall  I.  Gibbs;  treasurer,  William  W.  Jordan  ; assessor,  Charles  Cross  ; 
constable,  Obadiah  C.  McLouth  ; justice  of  the  peace,  Foster  M.  Follett. 

1853 —  Trustees,  Horace  Aplin,  John  G.  Pool  and  William  W.  Wetherell; 
clerk,  George  J.  Anderson;  treasurer,  W.  W.  Johnson.  No  further  record 
found  for  this  year’s  officers. 

1854 —  Trustees,  J.  M.  Bailey,  Horace  Aplin  and  Solomon  C.  Moore  ; clerk, 
George  J.  Anderson;  treasurer,  H.  W.  House;  assessor,  Louis  H.  Traub; 
constables,  Jonas  J.  Perry  and  Oliver  Rice. 

1855 —  Trustees,  John  M.  Bailey,  Horace  Aplin  and  Peter  Gilcher  ; clerk, 
John  G.  Pool;  treasurer,  Harrison  W.  Houk  ; constables,  Nicholas  Smith  and 
Oliver  Rice;  justice  of  the  peace,  George  S.  Patterson. 

1856 —  Trustees,  Peter  Gilcher,  John  M.  Bailey  and  Alexander  H.  Barber; 
clerk,  John  G.  Pool;  treasurer,  H.  C.  Bush;  constables,  Jonas  J.  Perry  and 
Enoch  Weller. 

1857 —  Trustees,  John  P.  Thorp,  William  T.  West  and  S.  S.  Hosmer ; clerk. 
Rush  R.  Sloane ; assessor,  Jacob  Winterstein  ; constables,  Jonas  J.  Perry  and 
Enoch  Weller. 

1858 —  Trustees,  S.  S.  Hosmer,  John  P.  Thorp  and  William  T.  West;  clerk. 
Rush  R.  Sloane;  treasurer,  James  Alder;  justice  of  the  peace,  Horace  Aplin  ; 
assessor,  Chris.  C.  Keech  ; constables,  Jonas  J.  Perrv  and  Enoch  Weller. 

THE  BANKS  AND  BANKERS  OF  SANDUSKY. 

Tradition — we  have  no  record — says  that  the  first  attempt  at  the  founding 
of  a banking  house  in  Sandusky  was  made  by  some  of  the  prominent  busi- 
ness men  and  capitalists  of  the  town  in  the  year  1834;  and  the  result  of  that 


392 


History  of  Erie  County. 


effort  was  the  establishment,  under  the  laws  of  the  State,  of  the  Bank  of  San- 
dusky. As  was  provided  by  law,  the  subscription  books  were  duly  opened 
by  the  commissioners,  and  the  day  fixed  upon  which  the  books  would  be 
closed.  At  the  time  designated  it  was  found  that  less  than  one-third  of  the 
stock  had  been  subscribed,  and  it  became  absolutely  necessary  that  “ some- 
thing be  done,”  and  that  at  once.  In  this  extremity,  Oran  Follett,  who  was 
already  a subscriber  for  a considerable  amount  of  the  stock,  came  to  the  res- 
cue and  agreed  to  take  the  balance  at  par  value,  amounting  to  something  over 
seventy  thousand  dollars.  He  knew,  or  felt  satisfied  at  least,  that  the  stock 
could  be  easily  disposed  of  to  New  York  capitalists,  and  did  make  a sale  of 
such  part  of  it  as  he  could  not  conveniently  carry.  This  timely  act  on  his 
part  made  possible  the  establishment  of  the  bank.  A board  of  directors  was 
chosen  and  a full  complement  of  officers,  William  Townsend,  then  a leading 
merchant  of  the  town,  being  elected  president.  The  banking  house  was  lo- 
cated on  Water  street,  on  the  ground  now  covered  by  the  West  House. 

Mr.  Townsend  remained  president  for  two  years,  when  he  was  succeeded 
by  Mr.  Follett,  under  whose  management  the  institution  prospered  for  several 
years,  and  until  Congress  passed  the  “ Specie  act,”  by  which  a radical  change 
in  the  management  was  necessitated.  About  this  time,  too,  the  eastern  stock- 
holders desired  to  sell  their  interests,  and  for  the  purpose  of  purchasing,  Mr. 
Follett  made  a journey  to  New  York  State,  only  to  find  that  Burr  Higgins 
had  preceded  him  and  bought  the  stock.  After  this  the  bank  was  short-lived, 
and,  putting  it  modestly,  soon  went  into  liquidation. 

Immediately  following  the  dissolution  of  the  Bank  of  Sandusky,  in  1847, 
another  was  started,  and  known  as  Sandusky  City  Bank.  In  this  a number 
of  persons  were  interested  who  had  held  stock  in  the  old  bank,  but  that  insti- 
tution lived  but  little  longer  than  its  predecessor,  although  its  ending  was 
quite  different.  Its  affairs  were  wound  up  about  1854  or  1855. 

About  the  year  1850  the  Union  Bank  opened  for  business,  but  shortly 
afterward  passed  into  the  hands  of  Freeland  T.  Barney,  Fester  S.  Hubbard 
and  William  D.  Durbin,  under  the  name  of  Barney,  Hubbard  & Durbin.  This 
firm  managed  the  affairs  of  the  institution  with  a good  measure  of  success  until 
the  death  of  Mr.  Durbin,  in  1863,  after  which  the  firm  changed  to  Hubbard 
& Co.,  Fester  S.,  Rollin  B.,  Watson  and  Fangdon  Hubbard  becoming  proprie- 
tors and  owners.  This  firm  did  a banking  business  for  only  a few  months, 
when,  in  January,  1864,  their  business  was  merged  in  the  Second  National 
Bank,  a further  mention  of  which  will  hereafter  be  made. 

The  Moss  National  Bank  is  the  junior,  save  one,  of  the  banking  houses  of 
Sandusky  at  this  present  time,  but  it  was  the  direct  outgrowth  of  the  first 
Natio-nal  Bank  established  in  the  city,  and  among  the  first  of  the  United  States. 
But  let  us  observe  and  note  the  events  that  led  to  the  founding  of  this  enter- 
prise. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


393 


Augustus  H.  Moss  came  from  Oneida  county,  N.  Y.,  to  Sandusky  in  the 
year  1837,  established  a mercantile  business  on  Water  street.  He  was 
thus  engaged  until  the  8th  day  of  June,  1850,  when  he  opened  a banking 
business  in  the  city,  conducting  it  alone  for  three  years.  On  the  loth  of  June, 
1853,  Augustus  H.,  Truman  and  Horace  O.  Moss,  under  the  firm  name  and 
style  of  Moss  Brothers,  succeeded  to  the  business.  Under  the  careful  and 
successful  management  of  this  firm  the  bank  was  conducted  for  a period  of  ten 
years,  or  until  the  passage  of  the  national  banking  act  of  Congress. 

The  firm  had  cai'efully  noted  the  progress  made  by  the  advocates  of  this 
act ; they  saw  the  advantages  of  such  a system,  and  being  actuated  by  motives 
of  patriotism,  and  a desire  to  support  the  general  government  in  its  endeavors 
to  establish  a uniform  and  safe  system  of  banking  throughout  the  country, 
therefore  immediately  upon  the  final  passage  of  the  law  an  application  for  a 
bank  charter  was  filed  with  the  proper  officers  at  W^ashington ; but,  owing  to 
some  defect  in  the  certificate  of  authority,  or  charter  granted  by  the  depart- 
ment, a delay  was  experienced  in  the  premises,  so  that  when  the  charter  was 
granted  it  was  numbered  sixteen,  whereas,  had  the  proceedings  on  the  part  of 
the  government  been  in  due  and  correct  form  the  charter  of  the  Fi7'st  National 
Bank  of  SaiiFisky  would  have  been  numbered  “ two  ” in  the  stead  of  that  it 
in  fact  received,  and  would  have  been  preceded  in  organization  only  by  the 
First  National  Bank  of  W'^ashington. 

The  articles  of  association  provided  for  the  first  board  of  directors  of  the 
First  National  Bank  as  follows:  Augustus  H.  Moss,  William  S.  Pierson,  Homer 
Goodwin,  Wildman  Mills,  and  Jay  Osborn  Moss.  The  capital  stock  of  the 
bank  was  one  hundred  thousand  dollars,  divided  into  one  thousand  shares. 
The  first  officers  were  as  follows : President,  Augustus  H.  Moss;  vice-presi- 
dent, William  S.  Pierson;  cashier,  Horace  O.  Moss;  assistant  cashier.  Jay 
Osborn  Moss.  The  bank  was  opened  for  the  transaction  of  business  on  the 
1st  day  of  July,  1863.  Under  the  efficient  management  of  these  men  the  af- 
fairs of  the  bank  were  conducted  and  continued  in  successful  operation  for  the 
term  of  twenty  years  ; and  that  period  of  its  existence  was  perhaps  remarkable 
for  the  fewness  of  radical  changes,  both  in  its  directorate  and  immediate  officers. 
Augustus  H.  Moss  remained  president  and  Horace  O.  Moss  cashier  through- 
out the  life  of  the  charter.  William  S.  Pierson  continued  vice-president  until 
the  time  of  his  death,  when  Jay  O.  Moss  succeeded  to  the  position. 

Having  lived  to  the  end  of  its  charter  it  became  desirable  to,  in  a measure, 
effect  a reorganization  for  a further  continuance  of  business,  but  that  the  full 
honor  and  credit  of  its  most  excellent  standing  might  be  awarded  to  those  to 
whom  it  was  due,  a change  in  the  corporate  name  of  the  institution  became 
necessary.  To  accomplish  this  end  the  First  National  Bank,  as  a body  cor- 
porate, liquidated  its  business  and  passed  out  of  existence,  and  on  the  20th 
day  of  October,  1883,  the  Moss  National  Bank  of  Sandnsky,  with  a capital 
stock  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars,  took  its  place. 


394 


History  of  Erie  County. 


The  directors  were  Homer  Goodwin,  James  Woolworth,  John  T.  Johnson, 
Augustus  H.  Moss,  and  Jay  O.  Moss.  Augustus  H.  Moss  was  elected  presi- 
dent, and  Jay  O.  Moss,  vice-president.  Charles  H.  Moss  was  appointed  cash- 
ier, and  Augustus  C.  Moss,  actuary. 

At  the  present  day  the  above  named  officers  remain,  except  that  Horace 
O.  Moss  is  cashier,  and  Charles  H.  Moss,  assistant  cashier.  The  present  board 
of  directors  is  as  follows:  Augustus  H.  Moss,  Charles  N.  Ryan,  Homer  Good- 
win, Horace  O.  Moss,  J.  O.  Moss,  John  T.  Johnson,  Augustus  C.  Moss,  James 
Woolworth,  and  Charles  H.  Moss.  The  surplus  of  the  bank  is  $40,000. 

The  Second  National  Bank.  This  institution  had  its  origin  in  the  banking 
house  of  Barney,  Hubbard  & Durbin,  which  was  in  turn  succeeded  by  the  firm 
of  Hubbard  & Co.,  also  private  bankers,  to  whose  business  reference  has  been 
heretofore  made.  The  latter  firm  was  in  business  from  May,  1863,  until  Jan- 
uary, 1864,  when  the  Second  National  Bank  of  Sandusky  opened  its  doors  for 
business. 

The  Second  National  Bank  was  incorporated  November  24,  1863,  with  an 
authorized  capital  stock  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars,  in  shares  of  one 
hundred  dollars  each.  The  first  board  of  directors  was  composed  of  the  fol- 
lowing persons:  Rollin  B.  Hubbard,  Lester  S.  Hubbard,  Watson  Hubbard, 
William  T.  West,  Halsey  C.  Post,  Lester  H.  Latham,  James  H.  Stead,  Chris. 
C.  Keech,  and  William  A.  Simpson.  The  first  officers  were  Lester  S.  Hub- 
bard. president,  and  Andrew  W.  Prout,  cashier. 

Lester  S.  Hubbard  continued  as  president  of  the  bank  until  the  time  of  his 
death,  July  12,  1875,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Rollin  B.  Hubbard.  After 
the  term  of  the  bank’s  charter  had  expired,  it  was  renewed  and  business  con- 
tinued without  interruption  and  with  little  or  no  material  change  in  manage- 
ment. The  present  officers  are  as  stated  heretofore,  and  the  directory  com- 
prises these  persons:  Watson  Hubbard,  C.  C.  Keech,  George  A.  Cooke,  H. 
C.  Post,  R.  B.  Plubbard,  H.  J.  Donahoe,  A.  J.  Stoll,  John  Whitworth,  and 
A.  W.  Prout. 

The  Third  National  Bank  of  Sandusky  was  an  institution  founded  and 
opened  for  the  transaction  of  a general  banking  business  on  the  loth  of  Octo- 
ber, 1872.  It  cannot  be  said  to  have  been  the  outgrowth  of  any  former  simi- 
lar business,  but  rather  an  original  enterprise,  necessitated  by  the  growing 
manufacturing  and  mercantile  business  of  the  city  and  vicinity. 

The  first  board  of  directors  comprised  the  following  persons  : Peter  Gilcher, 
Jacob  Engles,  Henry  J.  Donahoe,  Philip  Graefe,  Christian  L.  Schoepfle,  George 
J.  Anderson,  and  Lawrence  Cable.  The  last  named,  Mr.  Cable,  was  elected 
president;  Jacob  Engles,  vice-president;  and  George  J.  Anderson,  cashier. 
The  capital  stock  of  the  bank  was,  and  now  is,  one  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

Prom  the  time  of  the  starting  of  the  bank  to  the  present,  Lawrence  Cable 
has  ably  filled  the  office  of  president.  Mr.  Anderson  resigned  the  cashiership 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


395 


after  about  a year’s  service,  and  Henry  Graefe  was  appointed  in  his  stead. 
The  latter  continued  until  January,  1884,  when  he  was,  in  turn,  succeeded  by 
Frederick  P.  Zollinger. 

Upon  one  occasion,  during  the  cashiership  of  George  J.  Anderson,  this 
bank  was  the  victim  of  a forged  draft  to  the  extent  of  twenty-five  hundred 
dollars,  but  through  the  prompt  action  of  Mr.  Cable,  the  president,  the  forger 
was  overtaken  just  as  he  was  about  to  leave  the  city,  and  compelled  to  deliver 
up  his  ill-gotten  gains.  His  story  was  so  exceedingly  plausible,  and  his  pro- 
testations of  innocence  so  well  feigned  that  the  president  did  not  seek  to  arrest 
and  detain  him,  but  rather  to  recover  the  cash.  Subsequent  events,  however, 
clearly  proved  that  the  person  was  an  expert  criminal,  and  not  a “ minister  of 
the  gospel,”  as  he  had  proclaimed  himself. 

The  present  surplus  of  the  Third  National  Bank  is  thirty-two  thousand 
dollars.  Its  officers  are : Lawrence  Cable,  president ; R.  E.  Schuek,  vice- 
president;  Frederick  P.  Zollinger,  cashier;  and  J.  M.  Schumacher,  teller ; 
board  of  directors  : Lawrence  Cable,  Henry  J.  Donahoe,  R.  E.  Schuek,  Will- 
iam H.  Gilcher,  Norman  Kelley,  Jacob  Kuebler,  and  C.  G.  Neilsen. 

The  Citizens'  National  Bank.  This  institution  is  the  youngest  of  its  class- 
in  Sandusky,  having  been  incorporated  on  the  20th  of  February,  1884;  but, 
notwithstanding  its  recent  organization,  its  business  has  been  of  such  magni- 
tude that  its  management  has  declared  an  annual  dividend  of  eight  per  cent, 
for  four  successive  years,  and  the  bank  now  has  an  accumulated  surplus  of  five 
thousand  dollars.  . 

The  first  board  of  directors  of  the  Citizens’  Bank  comprised  these  men ; 
George  A.  Marsh,  Homer  Goodwin,  Truman  B.  Taylor,  Albert  E.  Merrill, 
William  Schade,  Philip  Graefe,  George  Feick,  Gustavus  Graham,  and  Joseph 
Kronthal.  The  officers  were : president,  A.  E.  Merrill ; vice-president,  Gus- 
tavus Graham;  cashier,  Henry  Graefe.  The  original  capital  stock  of  the  concern 
was  authorized  at  three  hundred  thousand  dollars,  but  the  bank  has  thus  far 
transacted  its  business  with  a single  hundred  thousand. 

Mr.  Merrill  has  held  the  presidency  since  the  organization  of  the  bank. 
John  Krupp  succeeded  to  the  vice-presidency  in  January,  1886.  Mr.  Graefe 
still  continues  as  cashier.  The  present  directors  are  William  Schade,  Joseph 
Kronthal,  Vincent  Kerber,  William  Graefe,  John  Krupp,  George  A.  Marsh, 
Albert  E.  Merrill,  George  Feick,  and  Truman  Taylor. 

LOCAL  IMPROVEMENT  COMPANIES. 

Sandnsky  Gas  Light  Company  and  Sandusky  Electric  Light,  Fuel  Gas 
and  Supply  Company. — Prior  to  1854  there  had  been  a growing  public 
sentiment  in  favor  of  establishing  a gas  light  plant  in  the  city  ; but  nothing 
definite  was  done  until  May  ii,  of  that  year,  when  a charter  was  granted  to 
the  company  first  named  in  the  heading  of  this  chapter. 


396 


History  of  Erie  County. 


The  original  incorporators  were  A.  V.  Barringer,  Earl  Bill,  J.  A.  Camp,  L. 
S.  Hubbard  and  E.  B.  Sadler.  The  company’s  application  was  certified  by  F. 
M.  Follett,  as  notary,  and  Rice  Harper  as  clerk  of  court;  Wm.  Trevitt  signing 
the  charter  as  secretary  of  State. 

The  original  capital  stock  of  $75,000  was  advertised  for  sale  in  the  col- 
umns of  the  Daily  Conitnercial  Register  and  the  Sandtisky  Daily  Mirror. 
Subscriptions  to  the  amount  of  $42,750  were  taken,  and  on  May  24  an  organ- 
ization was  effected,  the  five  incorporators  being  chosen  as  directors.  E.  B. 
Sadler  was  elected  president,  J.  A.  Camp  secretary,  and  E.  S.  Hubbard,  treas- 
urer. The  works  were  erected  by  J.  Lockwood  & Co.,  on  the  grounds  still 
occupied  by  the  compan3c  In  April,  1855,  the  first  semi-annual  report  shows 
that  ninety-one  private  consumers  were  taking  gas,  and  that  the  city  was  using 
seventy  street  lights.  A dividend  of  three  per  cent,  was  declared  the  first 
year. 

Wm.  H.  Hudson  was  elected  superintendent  in  June,  1855,  to  hold  the  po- 
sition at  the  pleasure  of  the  board,  which  he  did  to  their  satisfaction  until  his 
retirement  in  1874,  when  L.  Moss  took  charge  until  1878,  following  T.  Taylor, 
who,  after  a short  term,  surrendered  the  position  to  the  present  efficient  manager, 
Mr.  Thomas  Wood,  who  is  known  as  an  able  advocate  of  electric  lighting  and 
fuel  gas,  if  not  as  substitutes  for  coal  gas,  at  least  as  valuable  auxiliaries  in 
meeting  a popular  demand.  In  1857  C.  Leonard  became  president  of  the 
company,  in  1858  S.  B.  Caldwell  succeeded  him,  in  i860  A.  H.  Moss  followed, 
and  in  1865  W.  A.  Simpson  was  chosen,  the  last  named  gentleman  filling  the 
position  until  1886,  when  A.  J.  Stoll  was  elected  to  this  important  office. 

The  first  franchise  was  for  twenty  years,  and  in  1874  the  city  granted  a 
franchise  for  ten  years,  with  the  stipulation  that  the  city  might  purchase  the 
property  during  that  time  at  an  appraiser’s  valuation,  otherwise  the  franchise 
to  become  perpetual.  The  city  did  not  purchase  the  plant  and  the  franchise 
is  now  perpetual. 

The  capital  stock  was  increased  in  1874  to  $115,000,  and  about  $40,000 
spent  in  improvements.  In  1880  the  stock  was  increased  to  $125,000,  and  in 
1888  to  $250,000.  In  1886  a new  company,  having  substantially  the  same 
stockholders  as  those  represented  in  the  gas  company  (which  remains  un- 
changed), was  organized  under  the  name  of  the  Sandusky  Electric  Light,  Fuel 
Gas  and  Supply  Company,  with  H.  C.  Post  as  president,  C.  C.  Keech  vice- 
president,  A.  W.  Prout  treasurer,  and  Thomas  Wood  superintendent  and  sec- 
retary. The  last  two  gentlemen  holding  corresponding  positions  in  the  gas 
company. 

The  capital  stock  now  aggregates  $270,000,  the  increase  being  the  initial 
step  in  the  introduction  of  fuel  gas  and  incandescent  lighting. 

The  gas  company’s  real  estate  comprises  nearly  an  acre  of  land  on  Law- 
rence, between  Market  and  Water  streets,  covered,  except  sixteen  square  rods. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


397 


with  buildings.  Nothing  but  the  land  remains  of  the  original  plant  which  was 
provided,  of  course,  with  facilities  proportioned  to  the  skepticism  of  investors, 
and  to  the  limited  demand  for  gas  at  that  time.  There  were  at  first  but  six 
retorts,  and  perhaps  two  or  three  miles  of  mains,  all  told.  But  by  1869,  when 
Mr.  Wood  engaged  with  the  company,  the  capacity  had  been  increased  one 
hundred  per  cent,  and  a gas-holder  capable  of  storing  32,000  feet,  erected. 
At  the  present  writing  there  are  between  fourteen  and  fifteen  miles  of  main 
pipe,  thirty-six  retorts,  and  two  gas-holders,  with  a combined  capacity  of 
100,000  cubic  feet. 

There  are  two  engines  in  use,  one  of  one  hundred  and  twenty-fi\''e,  and  the 
other  seventy-five  horse  power.  Barney  & Kilbey,  who  built  the  two  engines, 
will  soon  finish  one  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  horse  power  for  use  by  the  Elec- 
tric Light  and  Fuel  Gas  Company,  in  supplying  the  incandescent  lights.  The 
Electric  Light,  Fuel  Gas  and  Supply  Company,  at  first  more  directly  for  elec- 
tric lighting,  was  organized  in  1886,  with  a capital  stock  of  $10,000,  after- 
wards increased  to  $20,000. 

The  first  street  electric  lights  were  put  in  position  in  1886,  and  soon  be- 
came so  popular  that  by  1888  the  whole  city  was  lighted  with  the  arc  electric 
system,  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  being  required  for  this  purpose.  The 
electricity  is  generated  by  five  dynamos,  and  fifteen  miles  of  wire  conducts  the 
electric  current  throughout  the  city. 

The  gas  company  has  an  extensive  plumbing  and  gas  fitting  establishment 
in  the  Sloane  block,  and  with  the  electric  light  company  gives  regular  em- 
ployment to  thirty  men,  and  furnishes  occasional  work  for  nearly  as  many 
more.  Wages  to  hands  run  from  $1.50  to  $2.50  per  day,  according  to  the 
class  of  work  performed. 

Among  public  improvement  enterprises  these  companies  take  high  rank, 
from  the  fact  that  their  efficient  officers  hav^e  kept  up  with,  if  not  ahead  of,  the 
progressive  spirit  of  the  times.  They  were  among  the  first  to  introduce  elec- 
tric lighting,  and  demonstrate  its  practicability  to  less  enterprising  corpora- 
tions. 

The  Sandusky  Street  Railway  Company. — This  corporation  was  brought 
into  life  under  the  provisions  of  the  laws  of  Ohio,  during  the  latter  part  of  Au- 
gust, 1881,  the  incorporators  being  W.  E.  Ludlow,  A.  J.  Stoll,  John  C.  Zollin- 
ger, Clark  Rude,  John  T.  Beecher,  and  W.  E.  Haekedorn.  P'rom  these,  officers 
were  chosen  as  follows:  president,  W.  E.  Ludlow  ; vice-president,  John  C.  Zol- 
linger; secretary,  W.  E.  Haekedorn,  and  treasurer  Clark  Rude.  The  capital 
stock  of  the  company  was  fixed  at  $75,000.  The  first  board  of  directors  com- 
prised these  persons:  W.  E.  Ludlow,  Clark  Rude,  A.  J.  Stoll,  John  Homegard- 
ner,  John  T.  Beecher,  John  C.  Zollinger  and  W.  E.  Haekedorn. 

This  company  seems  to  have  performed  no  further  act  than  the  organiza- 
tion above  stated,  and  all  work  of  construction  therefore  fell  to  their  successors. 


398 


History  of  Erie  County. 


On  the  8th  of  May,  1883,  the  company  sold  their  franchise,  and  all  rights  un- 
der it,  to  Messrs.  C.  W.  D.  Miller,  A.  VV.  Bishop,  A.  H.  Pomeroy,  Thomas 
Curchward,  S.  H.  Dewey,  L D.  Alcott  and  P.  W.  Barrett,  all  of  Berea,  O., 
who,  having  become  the  stockholders  of  the  concern,  elected  the  following 
board  of  directors:  C.  VV.  D.  Miller,  A.  W.  Bishop,  A.  H.  Pomeroy,  P.  W.  Bar- 
rett, and  subsequently  Thomas  Curchward,  L.  D.  Alcott  and  S.  H.  Dewey.  A. 
VV.  Bishop  was  chosen  president;  Thomas  Curchward,  vice-president;  A.  H. 
Pomeroy,  secretary  and  treasurer,  and  C.  W.  D.  Miller,  superintendent. 

Under  this  organization  the  work  of  construction  and  equipment  was  com- 
pleted. The  line  of  the  road  commenced  at  the  foot  of  Columbus  avenue,  and 
from  thence  to  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  depot  by  the  way  of 
Columbus  avenue,  Haye’s  avenue  and  North  Depot  street.  The  road  was 
completed  and  put  in  operation  in  the  month  of  August,  1883. 

This  company  continued  in  the  management  of  the  road  until  the  23d  of 
January,  1885,  at  which  time  they  sold  their  franchise  and  acquired  property, 
and  a new  organization  was  effected  by  the  selection  of  another  board  of  direct- 
ors as  follows : Augustus  H.  Moss,  J.  O.  Moss,  Augustus  C.  Moss,  Charles  V. 
Olds  and  Clark  Rude,  all  well  known  business  men  of  Sandusky.  Charles  V. 
Olds  was  elected  president,  Augustus  H.  Moss,  vice-president,  Augustus  C. 
Moss,  secretary  and  treasurer,  and  Clark  Rude,  superintendent. 

As  the  road  was  tlien  formed  it  was  operated  by  this  company  until  May, 
1885,  when  an  extension  was  built,  continuing  the  line  from  its  terminus  at  the 
Lake  Shore  depot,  west  to  Camp  street;  thence  through  Camp  to  West  Wash- 
ington; thence  east  to  Washington  Row;  thence  to  Columbus  avenue,  striking 
the  original  line,  and  following  it  to  its  terminus  at  the  foot  of  the  avenue.  This 
extension  made  a “belt  line,”  a trifle  more  than  three  miles  in  length.  It  was 
■completed  and  put  in  operation  about  the  1st  of  July,  1885- 

In  July  of  the  succeeding  year,  1886,  another  extension  was  built,  reaching 
from  Haye’s  avenue  south  through  Columbus  avenue  to  the  fair  grounds.  A 
•still  further  e.xtension  of  this  last  line  will  be  made,  probably,  in  the  near  future, 
as  far  as  the  Soldier’s  and  Sailor’s  Home. 

Mr.  Olds  filled  the  office  of  President  of  the  company  until  his  death  in  De- 
cember, 1887,  upon  which  event  Augustus  H.  Moss  was  elected  to  that  posi- 
tion. The  present  officers  are  president,  Augustus  H.  Moss;  vice-president, 
J.  O.  Moss;  secretary  and  treasurer,  Augustus  C.  Moss;  superintendent,  Clark 
Rude;  directors,  A.  H.  Moss,  Jay  O.  Moss,  A.  C.  Moss,  Horace  O.  Moss,  Clark 
Rude.  The  stables  and  other  buildings  of  the  company  are  situate  on  Hayes' 
avenue,  at  the  east  end  of  North  Depot  street. 

SANDU.SKY  FIARBOR. 

Sandusky  has,  undoubtedly  the  finest  land-locked  harbor  on  any  of  the  great 
lakes.  Lor  safety  it  is  unsurpassed,  and  in  natural  advantages  shows  such  su- 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


399 


periority  over  those  cities  of  the  coast  that  have  outstripped  Sandusky  as  to  be 
the  marvel  of  the  age  why  it  is  thus.  When  tornadoes  and  cyclones  sweep  over 
the  prairies,  and  pursue  their  devastating  way  on  either  side,  this  city  remains 
untouched,  and  the  inhabitants  almost  believe  they  live  a charmed  life.  With 
Cedar  Point,  the  peninsula  and  the  surrounding  shore  there  is  such  an  environ- 
ment as  few  cities  or  harbors  possess,  and  had  the  people  been  quick  to  see,  and 
wise  to  plan,  Sandusky  Harbor  would  to-day  be  alive  with  masts  and  smoke- 
stacks, and  Chicago  would  find  a dangerous  rival  on  the  shores  of  Erie. 

There  were  great  opportunities  in  the  early  days,  and  at  the  present  time 
it  seems  almost  incredible  that  they  were  not  seized  and  improved.  P'rom  an 
old  record  of  that  time  we  learn  that  “in  1828  there  were  four  hundred  and 
thirty- nine  arrivals  of  vessels.  Several  steamboats  navigated  the  lake  from 
Buffalo  to  Detroit,  stopping  here  to  receive  passengers,  and  already  Sandusky 
was  beginning  to  be  of  importance,  for  it  was  the  only  point  on  the  Southern 
shore  where  merchandize  could  be  landed  for  the  interior.”  From  an  old  Ga- 
zetteer take  the  statement  that  “during  all  this  time  Sandusky  Bay. and  sur- 
roundings were  wholly  in  their  natural  condition.  Not  a dollar  had  been  ex- 
pended for  improvement  while  the  mouths  of  the  rivers,  for  most  part  of  the 
time  in  the  business  season,  were  closed  up  by  sand-bars,  which,  at  times,  were 
so  firm  that  loaded  wagons  could  pass  over  them.”  Then  there  came  a time 
that  the  government  put  its  shoulder  to  the  wheel  and  said  “there  must  be  a 
better  channel,”  and  dredging  was  begun  and  carried  on  until  a channel  was 
made  from  the  lighthouse  at  Cedar  Point,  to  the  part  of  the  bay  opposite  the 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  docks. 

The  channel  thus  made  was  two  hundred  feet  wide,  and  sixteen  feet  deep, 
and  after  coming  from  the  light-house  it  made  a sharp  elbow  opposite  the  city, 
and  then  came  in.  It  is  now  proposed  and  will  soon  be  carried  out  that  another 
channel  shall  be  made,  more  direct  than  the  old  one,  whereby  the  elbow  shall  be 
cut  off,  and  a mile  and  a half  of  distance  saved.  This  is  the  great  question  of 
the  present,  and  when  accomplished  the  bay  will  rank  with  any  in  our  land. 

The  topography  of  the  coast  surrounding  the  bay  has  changed  so  much  in 
fifty  years  that  were  one  brought  to  life  who  was  familiar  with  it  at  that  time, 
they  would  scarcely  recognize  the  contour  of  the  shore.  In  1821,  Peninsula 
Point,  a promontory  jutting  out  toward  Cedar  Point  from  the  shore  this  side  of 
Marblehead,  was  a prominent  landmark.  The  water  of  the  lake  flowed  into  the 
bay  through  a narrow  strait,  not  over  one  hundred  rods  wide,  formed  by  the 
two  projecting  points.  One  of  the  oldest  inhabitants  of  the  city,  Mr.  B.  F. 
Dwelle,  tells  of  standing  on  Peninsula  Point  with  his  rifle,  and  shooting  at  geese 
on  Cedar  Point.  At  this  time  the  Point  in  question  rose  above  the  v^^ater’s 
level  fifteen  feet  in  great  sand  banks  where  foxes  burrowed  and  raised  their 
young.  These  banks  were  just  in  the  rear  of  the  sloping  beach,  and  beyond  lay 
a strip  of  tall  timber  land,  with  a stretch  of  prairie  reaching  out  to  the  other 


400 


History  of  Erie  County. 


shore.  Then  the  water  began  to  encroach  on  the  Point,  and  a marsh  was 
formed  that  threatened  to  break  off  the  peninsula  from  the  main  land. 

A crib  of  rocks  and  sand  at  considerable  outlay  of  labor  and  capital  was 
constructed  to  save  it.  but  it  was  useless,  and  Point  and  crib  went  under  to- 
gether, and  sand  banks  and  trees  were  lost  to  view  beneath  the  rolling  waves. 

At  the  present  time  where  the  bold  peninsula  reared  its  head  fifteen  feet 
above  the  water,  the  waves  of  old  Erie  lie  from  six  to  ten  feet  in  depth.  In 
1867  Mr.  Dwelle  walked  across  this  spot  on  the  ice  forty  or  fifty  rods  from  shore, 
and  saw  through  the  transparent  ice  the  remains  of  the  old  crib. 

Young’s  Point,  still  farther  to  the  west  is  one  of  the  environments  of  the 
bay,  and  at  the  beginning  of  the  present  century  was  uninhabited  by  white 
men,  until  Mr.  Dwelle’s  father  settled  here  about  1821.  Eorty  or  fifty  fam- 
ilies of  the  Indians  made  it  their  headquarters  a part  of  the  year,  and  gained 
a livelihood  by  trapping  and  hunting.  B.  F.  Dwelle,  then  a mere  boy,  caught 
the  fever,  and  tells  of  his  first  money  earned  b\^  muskrat  skins.  He  remem- 
bers distinctly  coming  from  Buffalo  in  a sailing  vessel,  when  his  father  moved 
to  the  fire-lands,  and  after  seventeen  days  they  reached  the  lake  shore  off  Cedar 
Point,  where  they  were  put  ashore  on  a kind  of  raft  with  a feather  bed  laid  on  it. 

Cedar  Point  then  was  a bit  of  wild  land  seven  miles  long  sheltering,  by  its 
long  arms,  Sandusky  bay.  It  was  covered  with  timber,  and  a sandy  beach 
edged  the  shore.  There  was  at  that  time  no  large  amount  of  navigation  on  the 
lake,  and  no  light-house  reared  its  head  on  the  Point  to  warn  of  danger.  About 
184001'  1841  the  lighthouse  was  built  and  later  the  range-lights  were  placed  in 
the  vicinity — one  at  the  mouth  of  the  bay  and  two  inside — forming  a series  of 
lights  well  known  to  all  pilots  and  navigators  on  Lake  Erie.  During  the  sum- 
mer season,  when  fishing  and  sailing  are  the  pastimes  of  the  hour,  it  is  con- 
sidered quite  the  thing  to  sail  to  the  range-lights,  and  perhaps,  visit  the  light- 
house on  Cedar  Point  on  the  return. 

In  1882  B.  F.  Dwelle  leased  the  Point  from  its  owners,  Mrs.  Adolf  and  Mr. 
Stoll,  and  proceeded  to  make  improvements  upon  it  with  a view  to  attracting 
pleasure  seekers  to  its  shores.  The  first  thing  to  be  done  was  to  built  a dock 
where  boats  could  land  their  passengers,  and  then  a steamboat  began  making 
trips  across.  After  partially  clearing  a part  of  the  land,  a walk  was  built 
across  from  the  bay  to  the  lake;  a house  was  erected  on  the  side  near  the  bay, 
and  later  bathing  houses  were  put  up  on  the  lake  shore,  and  Sanduskians  be- 
gan to  enjo}'  their  resort  by  forming  parties  and  excursions  to  Cedar  Point. 
Mr.  Dwelle  expended  five  thousand  dollars  on  Cedar  Point,  paying  no  rental 
for  the  first  season  ; a moderate  amount  for  the  second,  with  the  same  rate  of 
increase  each  year  for  the  five  of  his  lease.  All  this  time  the  resort  grew  in 
favor.  The  steamboat,  Hayes,  made  frequent  trips,  and  the  bay  was  aflutter 
with  white-winged  sailing  vessels  through  the  summer  months.  So  popular 
did  Cedar  Point  became  that  boats  could  scarcely  be  supplied  to  meet  the  de- 
mand, and  newer  and  better  sailing  craft  were  added  to  the  stock  on  hand. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


401 


Boat  building  and  renting  is  now  an  established  business,  and  although 
some  of  the  firms  own  forty  or  fifty  boats,  it  frequently  happens  that  every  boat 
is  out,  and  the  party  waiting  must  give  up  their  sail  until  another  day.  With 
the  delightful  breeze  of  the  water;  the  pursuit  of  pleasure  under  its  many  forms, 
such  as  fishing,  picnicking,  gathering  pond-lilies  and  bathing,  the  summer 
in  Sandusky  is  a season  of  continued  gaiety  and  delight.  Under  a new  ar- 
rangement the  Point  is  now  leased  to  a company  of  five  gentlemen,  including 
its  former  proprietor,  Mr.  Dwelle.  These  men  are  alive  to  the  possibilities  of 
the  place  and  enter  heartily  into  its  development  until  the  Cedar  Point  of  the 
future  will  rival  any  of  the  resorts  of  our  sea-boards  in  attractive  features.  A 
building  is  to  be  erected  on  the  farther  shore  to  combine  all  the  features  of 
amusement  and  entertainment  to  be  found  at  the  fashionable  watering  places. 
The  old  walk  across  the  Point  will  be  taken  up  and  relaid  by  a plank  walk 
twelve  feet  wide  ; grounds  will  be  cleared  and  beautified  and  the  delightful 
stroll  to  the  lighthouse  made  more  agreeable.  This  company  expect  to  make 
an  outlay  of  $20,000  the  coming  season.  The  new  building  will  be  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  feet  long  by  eighty  wide. 

Those  who  have  travelled  and  visited  the  summer  watering  places  come  to 
Sandusky  and  find  here  the  perfection  of  a resort.  There  could  be  but  two 
features  added  as  an  improvement  to  make  it  out-rival  any  that  are  known, 
viz.,  mountain  scenery  and  mineral  springs.  But  when  it  is  remembered  that 
Saratoga  has  no  fishing,  no  possibilities  of  sailing  and  picnicking,  and  Long 
Branch  lies  under  a glare  of  sunlight  with  little  variety  to  its  daily  program, 
then  contrast  these  with  Sandusky  and  its  many  attractions.  First  among  these 
we  have  placed  Cedar  Point  because  the  aged  or  infirm,  or  those  with  moder- 
ate purses  can  all  enjoy  the  bathing,  sailing,  fishing  and  sociability  of  this  near 
delight.  Then  there  are  the  various  islands,  each  of  which  is  a gem  in  its  way. 
A steam  tug  from  Sandusky  will  take  a party  to  Canada’s  shores  or  Pelee 
Island,  where  the  Pelee  club  owns  an  elegant  club-house  with  all  the  acces- 
sories of  such  an  institution.  This  is  one  of  the  events  of  the  season,  and  the 
memory  stores  it  up  as  a red-letter  day.  On  Pelee  Island  the  dock  is  lined 
with  blocks  of  native  sand-stone,  rich  with  fossils  of  by- gone  ages,  waiting  for 
shipment.  A walk  through  a delightful  grove  over  velvety  grass  brings  the 
visitor  to  the  club  house  with  its  broad  piazzas  and  welcome  shade.  Then 
lunch  and  the  trip  home  in  the  early  evening. 

Put-in-Bay,  with  its  noted  wine  cellars,  is  sure  to  attract  strangers  who 
have  heard  of  it  from  afar.  Ives  wine  cellar  is  a curiosity,  in  and  of  itself, 
and  when  it  is  estimated  how  great  the  amount  of  the  wine  made,  really  is 
stored  here,  the  figures  seem  almost  incredible;  750,000  gallons  yearly  is  the 
standard  amount  of  this  cellar,  but  the  proprietor  says  it  always  e.xceeds  these 
figures,  and,  with  the  exception  of  Heidelberg,  Germany,  here  is  found  the 
largest  wine  cask  in  the  world,  containing  over  fourteen  thousand  gallons. 


402 


History  of  Erie  County. 


and  large  enough  for  a cotillion  to  form  on  its  head.  With  its  bands  of  brass 


it  is  beautiful  to  behold. 

Just  across  from  Put- in- Bay  is  Gibraltar,  the  summer  home  of  Jay  Cooke. 
It  is  built  of  native  stone  upon  a rocky,  jutting  point  of  land,  and  its  name  is 
peculiarly  fitting  to  it.  Here,  through  the  heated  term,  it  has  been  the  custom 
for  Mr.  Cooke  to  invite  eight  or  ten  clergymen  at  a time  to  spend  a week  or 
two  in  bodily  recuperation,  and  many  a jaded  man  has  had  occasion  to  thank 
the  owner  for  the  first  real  rest  of  his  life.  North  Bass,  Middle  Bass,  Catawba 
and  Kelley’s  Island,  have  each  their  attractive  features  ; and  to  those  who  do 
not  enjoy  the  water,  there  are  delightful  drives  into  neighboring  townships. 
All  that  is  needed  to  bring  thousands  every  summer  to  Sandusky,  where  hun- 
dreds now  come,  is  a wider  knowledge  of  its  advantages,  which  may  be  enu- 
merated under  the  heads  of  cheapness,  beauty,  health,  social  delight,  bathing, 
fishing  and  sailing. 

The  business  of  the  harbor  is  by  no  means  to  be  overlooked  as  an  item  of 
prosperity.  During  the  year  1887  the  following  entries  were  made  of  dutiable 


articles  in  their  natural  state  : 


No. 

Cattle 32 

Pigs 2 

Horses 2 

Corn  (bu) 21 

Pills  (England) 

Smoked  or  frozen  fish  (lbs) 1,109,441 

Butter  (lbs) 794 

Potatoes  (bu) 169 

Lumber 

Vegetables 


There  were  entered  commodities  free  of  duty  : 

Fresh  fish,  3,024,984  lbs ■.  . . 

Furs  undressed 

Green  hides 

House  goods 

Fine  wool  and  other  commodities 

Round  timber 

Sand 


Value 


4 
215 

5 
21 


Per  cent, 
20 
20 
20 
5 

50 


Amoiuit. 


$79 

60 

80 

43 

00 

2 

10 

10 

50 

5.547 

23 

31 

76 

2 

00 

51 

20 

54 

$5,769 

21 

■ 37,211 

00 

00 

00 

30 

00 

. . 175 

00 

. 11,054 

00 

. 4,220 

00 

50 

00 

$52,838 

00 

$5,767 

21 

$58,605  21 


Investments  in  fisheries,  etc $300,000  00 

Value  of  fish  handled  annually  in  this  port $1,000,000  00 

Received  irom  Canadian  fisheries  (lbs) 4,137,435 

Foreign  entries  of  vessels 606 

Foreign  clearances 5®5 

Foreign  entries  of  merchandise 595 

Domestic  entry  of  vessels 1.725 

Domestic  clearances L74° 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


403 


In  addition  to  the  above  are  entries  from  the  district  islands.  The  district 
lies  between  Vermillion  River  on  the  east  and  Portage  River  on  the  west. 

SANDUSKY’S  FISH  TRADE. 

It  is  always  interesting  to  trace  the  rise  and  progress  of  a large  industry  and 
note  the  steps  by  which  it  has  grown  to  its  vast  proportions.  This  is  certainly 
true  of  the  fish  business  of  Sandusky,  O.,  which  is  still  comparatively  young, 
but  of  world-wide  notoriety.  To  read  of  its  early  start,  seems  like  a page  of  ro- 
mance, and  merely  a thread  of  identity  connects  the  primitive  trade  of  its  first 
beginning  with  the  large  interests  of  to-day.  Sandusky  ranks  among  the  first 
of  the  fresh  water  fish- markets  of  the  world.  In  quality,  quantity,  and  the 
mercantile  value  of  its  fisheries,  it  is  unsurpassed  by  any  other  city  on  lake  or 
river. 

Fishing  began  first  in  the  bay,  while  Sandusky  was  but  a mere  village,  and 
for  many  years  there  was  no  market  for  the  fish  caught.  These  were  mostly 
catfish,  caught  with  hook  and  line,  and  they  were  exchanged  for  household 
commodities  through  the  firms  of  Hollister  & Co.,  and  William  Townsend. 

The  population  of  the  neighboring  region  must  have  salt  and  flour,  and 
such  necessities,  and  others  needed  leather  for  their  shoes,  and  a few  grocer- 
ies; so  the  exchange  was  effected.  Large  covered  wagons,  drawn  by  four  or 
six  horses,  and  loaded  with  maple  sugar,  flour,  geese  feathers,  etc.,  drove  into 
town,  and  passed  the  night  in  the  large  yard  opposite  the  present  I.  B.  and 
W.  R.  R.  depot.  In  these  wagons  were  all  the  conveniences  for  primitive 
housekeeping,  such  as  bed,  frying-pan,  coffee-pot,  etc.  This  was  the  first  de- 
mand for  catfish,  which  were  scalded,  salted,  packed  and  kept  on  hand  by  the 
two  dealers  mentioned.  There  was  no  hotel,  and  but  little  money  in  Sandusky 
at  that  time,  and  the  barter  was  carried  on  in  produce  exchange.  At  that 
time  the  business  yearly,  in  fish,  amounted  to  less  than  five  hundred  dollars  a 
year.  To  contrast  this  with  the  present  business,  that  aggregates  about  $600,- 
000  per  annum,  shows  the  marvelous  strides  made  in  the  course  of  a single 
lifetime. 

Fish  are  classified  by  dealers  into  two  general  divisions,  viz.  : hard  and 
soft.  To  the  former  belong  pickerel,  black  bass,  muscalonge  and  whitefish 
To  the  latter:  perch,  catfish,  bass,  pike.  These  terms  have  no  reference  to 
the  quality,  flavor  or  fibre  of  the  fish,  but  relates  simply  to  their  marketable 
value.  This  has  greatly  changed  in  the  course  of  years.  Herring,  formerly 
considered  the  most  worthless  of  all  fish,  and  absolutely  without  any  value,  as 
also  sturgeon,  that  were  constantly  thrown  away  when  caught,  are  now  the 
most  profitable  fish  in  the  trade.  Last  year,  1887,  the  catch  of  herring  sent 
from  Sandusky  was  valued  at  more  than  $240,000. 

Two  great  industries  have  sprung  up  in  connection  with  the  fish  trade — 
salting  and  freezing.  The  latter  is  the  newer  and  more  recent.  The  first  fish 


404 


History  of  Erie  County. 


were  frozen  in  1867  as  an  experiment.  It  was  a success.  Year  by  year  this 
has  increased  until  during  the  past  year  3,71 5,000  pounds  were  frozen.  To 
visit  the  fish  houses  and  see  the  operation  of  preparing  for  and  freezing  this 
vast  amount  of  fish,  is  one  of  the  most  interesting  sights  imaginable.  Sheet 
iron  pans  a few  inches  in  depth  by  two  feet  long  and  a foot  wide,  are  used  for 
this  purpose.  Into  these,  with  their  noses  all  one  way  are  laid  the  herring,  or 
fish  to  be  frozen,  and  this  pan  is  packed  in  large  wooden  boxes  with  salt  and 
ice  interspersed.  When  the  box  is  full  (and  each  box  holds  half  a ton),  the 
lid  is  put  on,  and  these  boxes  are  set  in  a row  around  the  warehouse.  This  is 
called  the  process  of  sharp  freezing,  and  at  the  end  of  six  hours  they  are  frozen 
as  hard  as  ice.  They  are  then  taken  from  the  pans  and  packed  in  storing 
rooms  from  floor  to  ceiling  until  the  rooms  are  solid  with  frozen  fish,  whose 
noses  all  point  one  way.  These  storing  rooms  are  about  sixteen  feet  square, 
and  kept  at  a steady,  freezing  temperature.  When  the  fish  are  shipped  they 
are  packed  in  wooden  boxes  and  sent  off  in  refrigerator  cars. 

In  1851  J.  Spencer,  with  that  foresight  peculiar  to  New  Englanders,  came 
to  Sandusky  from  Westbrook,  Conn.,  to  engage  in  the  fish  business.  He 
brought  the  first  pound  ever  used  here,  and  drove  the  stakes  in  the  bay.  At 
this  time  whitefish  were  unknown  in  this  locality,  and  no  one  had  thought  it 
possible  to  fish  in  the  lake.  Spencer  would  come  in  the  spring,  remain  two 
months  and  then  go  back  to  Connecticut.  All  his  nets  were  made  there  by 
women  and  brought  here  and  joined  together.  In  1852  he  persuaded  Captain 
Kize,  of  Sandusky,  to  go  in  the  business  with  him,  and  the  latter  having  just 
been  appointed  to  take  care  of  the  light- house  at  Marblehead,  urged  the  exper- 
iment of  trying  a pound  there.  Not  to  lose  too  heavily,  Mr.  Spencer  bought  a 
second-hand  shad  net  in  Connecticut  for  fifteen  dollars,  to  which  they  put  lead- 
ers and  heart,  and  put  it  out  there,  and  the  experiment  resulted  in  a season’s 
catch  that  amounted  to  $1,800. 

The  largest  catch  in  the  fall  of  1887  was  said  to  be  1,200  tons  on  the  6th 
and  7th  of  November,  whereby  all  hands  were  kept  at  work  day  and  night.  A 
large  amount  of  the  fish  brought  to  Sandusky  come  on  steamboats  that  run  to 
the  different  islands.  The  Eagle  brings  as  many  as  three  hundred  boxes  per 
day,  and  other  vessels  are  laden  in  proportion. 

There  was  a change  inaugurated  this  year  in  the  prices  paid  for  fish,;':, 
whereby  one-eighth  of  a cent  was  added  each  month.  In  December  two  and 
one-half  cents  were  paid,  in  January  two  and  three-eighths  cents,  etc.,  etc. 
Dealers  at  a distance,  in  order  to  take  advantage  of  this  rate,  made  it  a rule  to 
crowd  their  orders  upon  the  latter  part  of  the  month,  and  thus  escape  the' 
added  fraction.  The  demand  for  salt  fish  was  never  better  than  during  1887- 
Over  3,000,000  pounds  were  packed  and  shipped,  amounting  in  dollars  and 
cents  to  more  than  $100,000  in  salt  fish  alone. 

From  reliable  statistics  the  following  figures  give  some  idea  of  the  business; 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


405 


Capital  invested,  $500,000;  nets  operated,  558:  fishermen  employed,  325;  other 
employees,  200.  Fish  caught  are  in  the  following  quantity : Herring,  11,914,- 
500  pounds ; saugers,  980,000  pounds;  whitefish,  567,950  pounds;  hard  fish, 
508,620  pounds ; perch,  352,165  pounds;  catfish,  151,560  pounds;  sturgeon, 
550,000  pounds.  The  value  as  follows:  Herring,  $238,280;  saugers,  $19,606; 
white,  $37,656;  hard,  $30,5  17;  perch,  $5,28 1 ; cat,  $9,693;  sturgeon,  $27,500. 
Of  the  total  receipts,  4,000,000  pounds  came  from  Canadian  waters.  There 
are  eight  firms  engaged  in  scale-fish  and  two  in  sturgeon.  The  latter  was  for 
many  years  considered  worthless  and  thrown  away  as  a monster  of  the  finny 
tribe,  but  in  1867  Siemon  Schacht  began  the  caviare  business  in  a small  way. 
This  opened  a market  for  sturgeon  for  which  the  fishermen  were  paid  twelve 
and  a half  cents  for  the  female,  while  the  males  were  thrown  away.  Then 
Mr.  Schacht  began  smoking  and  packing  sturgeon  meat.  By  degrees  other 
parts  of  the  fish  were  utilized  for  fish  oil  and  isinglass,  until  now  every  stur- 
geon brings  one  dollar  each.  This  fish  is  rapidly  decreasing,  although  the  firm 
Fruechtnicht  & Neilson  received  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  tons  of  sturgeon, 
from  which  they  produced  nine  hundred  kegs  of  caviare.  The  senior  member 
of  this  firm  is  in  Germany  at  present,  that  being  the  market  for  caviare,  and 
from  that  country  it  is  shipped  back  again  as  an  imported  article. 

There  are  ten  firms  engaged  in  the  fish  business  in  Sandusky.  Of  these 
eight  deal  in  scale  fish,  and  two  in  sturgeon — the  firm  of  Fruechtnicht  & Neil- 
son, also  Paysen  & Co.  Of  the  former  trade  are  Adolph  & Zollinger,  Arend 
Brothers,  Hosmer  & Co.,  Lay  Brothers,  Henry  Lay,  H.  C.  Post  & Co.,  Siemon 
Schacht,  A.  J.  Stoll, 

In  amount  of  business  done,  perhaps  this  list  should  be  headed  by  the  firm 
of  H.  C.  Post  & Co.,  and  A.  J.  Stoll,  but  it  is  known  that  several  of  these  firms 
do  more  than  $100,000  worth  of  business  yearly. 

H.  C.  Post  & Company.  The  first  regular  business  in  packing  and  export- 
ing fish  from  Sandusky  in  large  quantities  began  about  1856.  At  that  time  the 
firm  of  Jackson  & Post  commenced  business  in  a little  building  fourteen  by 
sixteen  on  the  corner  of  the  dock  near  their  present  spacious  quarters.  For 
this  building  they  paid  a rental  of  one  dollar  a week  for  the  time  they  occupied 
it,  which  was  but  a portion  of  the  year.  Their  rent  at  the  present  time  is 
about  one  thousand  dollars  a year. 

In  this  small  way  they  began  by  buying  fish  from  fishermen,  mostly  from 
Spencer  & Kize,  at  Marblehead.  At  that  time  their  trade  scarcely  amounted 
to  $5,000  per  annum. 

In  i860  Canadians  began  bringing  fish  from  other  waters  in  pound-boats 
or  sharpies.  The  firm  changed  to  Post  & Lewis,  and  has  since  become,  and 
now  is  known  as  that  of  H.  C.  Post  & Co.  The  first  experiment  in  freezing 
fish  took  place  in  1867  and  was  a decided  success.  Since  that  time  an  enor- 
mous industry  has  been  added  to  the  old  method  of  salting  and  packing, 
52 


4o6 


History  of  Erie  County. 


until  now  this  firm  alone  handles  the  fish  caught  in  one  hundred  and  forty- 
pounds. 

Herring,  formerly  considered  worthless,  is  now  the  principal  article  of  trade,, 
and  is  exported  by  this  firm  in  immense  quantities  to  New  York,  Philadelphia, 
Baltimore,  and  Washington. 

In  the  year  1876  the  steam  tug  Louise  was  built  by  Beemiller,  Schatt,  and 
the  engineer,  and  after  two  or  three  years  was  bought  by  H.  C.  Post  & Co.  to 
run  to  Canada  for  fish.  This  firm  also  run  the  City  of  Dresden,  for  the  same 
purpose.  They  bought  a farm  of  eighty  acres  on  Point  Pelee,  where  they  have 
built  a house  for  dressing  fish  that  measures  forty  by  ninety,  also  a boarding- 
house for  their  employees,  and  ice-houses  and  boats.  This  gives  them  the  con- 
trol of  the  point,  which  with  the  shore  of  the  mainland  under  their  control, 
gives  them  more  than  fifteen  miles  of  fishing  waters.  They  catch  in  April, 
May,  June,  and  July,  and  sell  fresh  or  salt.  From  September  till  the  lake  is 
frozen  they  export  them,  fresh,  salt,  or  frozen,  and  through  the  season  employ 
from  seventy-five  to  one  hundred  men.  They  have  ten  freezing  rooms  sixteen 
feet  square,  and  the  fish  purchased  by  them  this  fall  amounted  to  sixty  thou- 
sand dollars,  while  their  spring  trade  will  be  at  least  twenty  thousand  dollars 
more.  H.  C.  Post  has  been  a leader  in  the  business  from  the  first,  and  emi- 
nently successful,  and  to  visit  his  packing-house  and  storing-rooms  convinces 
the  observer  that  in  the  course  of  a single  life-time,  by  the  use  of  ordinary 
means,  an  industry  may  grow  from  a child  to  a giant.  The  sales  from  this 
firm  for  1887  amounted  to  6,795,700  pounds  of  fish  — an  enormous  quantity 
when  the  mind  fully  grasps  it. 

A.  J.  Stoll. — In  1877  A.  J.  Stoll  bought  from  L.  Anthony  his  present  com- 
modious place  at  the  foot  of  Columbus  avenue,  formerly  occupied  by  O’Hagan 
& Anthony.  He  proceeded  to  fit  up  the  building  for  the  business  of  salting^ 
freezing  and  packing  fish,  with  rooms  for  freezing  and  preserving,  storing,  etc. 
With  a frontage  of  one  hundred  feet  and  a depth  of  two  hundred,  he  has  a 
capacity  for  storing  four  hundred  and  fifty  tons.’  Their  most  profitable  busi- 
ness is  in  handling  and  exporting  fresh  and  frozen  fish.  Salting  is  not  con- 
sidered profitable,  and  only  the  surplus  is  thus  used. 

Mr.  Stoll  handles  the  fish  from  seventy-five  pounds,  employs  during  the 
busy  season  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  men,  has  his  ice-houses  capable  of 
holding  a year’s  supply  of  ice,  and  carries  on  a large  and  successful  business. 
He  buys  fish  from  the  south  shores  of  Lake  Erie,  the  islands  of  the  lake  and  the 
shores  of  Canada.  His  business  has  trebled  itself  in  ten  years,  and  he  is  known 
as  one  of  the  most  prosperous  men  in  the  trade.  During  the  fall  he  ship.s 
mostly  to  Buffalo,  New  York,  Pittsburgh  and  Philadelphia.  During  the  entire 
year  he  supplys  towns  in  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Kentucky,  New  York,  and 
Pennsylvania. 

Adolf  & Zollinger. — In  1856  Ferdinand  Geiersdorf  started  this  business 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


407 


and  continued  in  it  for  many  years.  He  died  in  1870,  and  two  years  later  Mr. 
Adolf  took  charge  of  it.  In  1880  it  became  the  firm  of  Adolf  & Zollinger.  It 
is  one  of  the  most  prosperous  houses  in  the  trade  in  Sandusky,  and  has  a 
capacity  for  storing  four  hundred  tons  of  frozen  fish  and  an  unlimited  quantity 
of  salt  fish.  It  controls  seventy-five  pounds  and  employs  about  seventy-five 
men.  In  1887  its  business  amounted  to  $75,000. 

Henry  Lay  & Co. — The  firm  of  Henry  Lay  & Co.  was  established  almost  a 
quarter  of  a century  ago  by  A.  Biemiller,  who,  at  that  time,  occupied  a little 
building  fourteen  by  sixteen,  and  began  fish  business  in  a small  way.  He 
continued  in  the  business  until  i88oor  1881,  when  Henry  Lay  went  into  part- 
nership with  him,  and  the  firm  became  Biemiller  & Co.  Six  months  later  Mr. 
Biemiller  died  and  Henry  Lay  became  proprietor,  and  the  firm  was  changed 
to  Henry  Lay  & Co. 

The  buildings  occupied  in  salting  and  packing  cover  two  hundred  feet  in 
length  by  sixty-four  in  width.  This  firm  gives  employment  to  from  twenty 
to  sixty  men.  They  use  their  own  boats,  and  put  up  annually  eight  thousand 
packages  of  salt  fish,  besides  freezing  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  tons.  His 
trade  extends  to  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  and  is  one  of  the  most  pros- 
perous firms  in  the  city. 

Siemon  Schacht. — The  business  of  which  Mr.  S.  Schacht  is  sole  proprietor 
was  established  in  1865  by  the  Schacht  Brothers.  The  trade  at  that  time  was 
the  usual  wholesale  business  of  frozen,  fresh  and  salt  fish  for  home  consumption 
and  distant  cities.  Schacht  Brothers  were  succeeded  by  Schacht  & Co.,  and 
these  in  turn  were  succeeded  by  Schacht  & Fruechtnicht.  On  the  retirement 
of  Mr.  Fruechtnicht  in  1880,  Mr.  S.  Schacht  became  the  sole  owner. 

The  building  occupied  by  this  firm  is  one  hundred  and  eighty  feet  in 
length  by  twenty-five  in  width.  The  firm  gives  employment  to  fifteen  men, 
and  during  the  busy  season  often  more.  They  send  out  four  thousand  pack- 
ages of  fresh,  six  thousand  of  salt,  and  sixty  or  seventy  tons  of  frozen  fish  an- 
nually. Their  trade  is  mainly  located  in  Ohio,  Indiana  and  New  York. 

Hosmer  6f  Co. — This  well-known  house  was  established  in  1857  by  Mr. 
Alvord,  and  was  known  as  Alvord  & Co.  It  is  one  of  the  oldest  firms  in  the 
•city,  and  has  done  a large  business  in  fish,  buying  in  Canada,  and  following 
the  ordinary  custom  of  salting,  freezing  and  packing  for  distant  markets.  In 
1887  the  firm  was  changed  to  J.  Hosmer  and  Co.  Last  year  they  did  a busi- 
ness amounting  to  $45,000. 

Pay  sen  &f  Co.,  wholesale  and  retail  dealers  in  fresh  and  smoked  sturgeon, 
caviare,  isinglass,  and  fish  oil,  was  founded  by  F.  Deuklefsen  in  1878,  and  in 
1881  became  Paysen  & Co.  (the  firm  consisting  of  H.  C.  Paysen,  Mort  Man- 
gelsen  and  Jens  Brickling),  to  be  changed  in  1883  to  Paysen  & Co.  (H.  C. 
Paysen  and  William  Schoehemahn).  The  business  employs  from  ten  to  fifteen 
hands,  and  their  building  is  one  hundred  and  sixty  by  sixty  feet.  Their  busi- 


History  of  Erie  County. 


408 


ness  last  year  amounted  to  $20,000,  and  their  caviare  is  sent  to  Germany  and 
all  principal  parts  of  our  own  country. 

Frnechtnicht  & Nielsen  are  wholesale  dealers  in  sturgeon,  caviare,  isinglass,' 
etc.,  and  were  first  established  by  Schacht  & Fruechtnicht  in  1866.  Their 
warehouse  is  one  hundred  and  eighty  by  twenty-five  feet,  and  in  it  are  em- 
ployed from  fifteen  to  twenty-five  hands.  The  general  trade  reaches  not  only 
to  many  parts  of  our  own  country,  but  quite  an  extensive  trade  has  been 
opened  with  Germany.  The  firm  was  first  known  as  Schacht  Brothers,  who 
were  succeeded  by  Schacht  & Co.,  and  in  1881  by  the  present  firm,  Claus 
Fruechtnicht  and  Carl  G.  Nielsen,  both  natives  of  Germany.  An  average  of 
fifteen  thousand  sturgeon  are  handled  every  year.  For  home  consumption 
these  are  smoked,  but  for  eastern  markets  they  are  frozen,  as  they  are  apt  to 
get  strong.  From  the  bladders  isinglass  is  made,  and  caviare  from  the  eggs,, 
while  the  offal  is  used  for  fish  oil,  thus  utilizing  those  portions  of  the  fish  hith- 
erto considered  most  worthless,  and  bringing  into  good  repute  a coarse-grained 
fish  that  has  always  been  cast  out  and  despised. 

Lay  Brothers. — This  firm  was  first  established  over  twenty  years  ago  by 
John  Lay,  and  afterward,  about  the  year  1880  or  1881,  the  present  firm  was 
formed.  It  occupies  a two-story  building,  thirty- five  by  sixty  feet  in  dimen- 
sions, and  employs  several  boats  and  a working  force  of  many  men  to  carry 
on  the  business.  They  freeze  three  hundred  tons  annually  and  have  a sale  of 
five  thousand  half-barrels  of  salt  fish,  and  the  same  amount  of  fresh  fish.  The 
amount  of  capital  invested  in  nets,  boats  and  appurtenances  is  twenty  or 
twenty-five  thousand  dollars.  They  are  also  one  of  the  seven  dealers  who  are 
interested  in  the  Sandusky  Salt  Fish  and  Steamboat  Company. 

Arend  Bros. — In  the  year  1864  Casper  Boigt  founded  a business  in  fresh 
and  salt  fish,  and  native  wines.  From  the  magnitude  of  its  business  it  rose  to 
a prominent  position  among  the  fish  houses  of  Sandusky,  and  in  1885  passed 
into  the  hands  of  Arend  Brothers. 

The  building  is  situated  on  Railroad  street  between  Wayne  and  Columbus 
avenue,  and  has  a first-class  position.  It  is  a fine  substantial  building  sixty- 
six  by  one  hundred  and  forty  feet  with  ice  houses  and  ample  facilities  for  its 
business.  The  buildings  have  a capacity  for  one  hundred  and  ten  tons  of  frozen, 
fish,  and  a large  amount  of  salt  fish.  The  annual  trade  at  the  present  time 
amounts  to  two  hundred  tons  of  frozen,  three  thousand  barrels  of  salt  fish  and 
three  thousand  barrels  of  fresh  fish.  Beside  a large  local  trade  this  house  car- 
ries on  an  extensive  wholesale  business  all  over  the  United  States. 

The  Sandusky  Steamboat  and  Fish  Company. — This  was  incorporated  in 
1887  as  a stock  company  with  twenty  thousand  dollars  stock  on  an  equal  basis. 
There  are  seven  firms  interested,  and  the  purpose  was  to  hold  the  Canada  trade 
for  these  houses.  The  following  are  the  firms  included  in  this  syndicate  or 
corporation:  Adolf  & Zollinger,  Schacht  & Co.,  Lay  Brothers,  Henry  Lay  & 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


409 


Co.,  Arend  Brothers,  Hosmer  & Co.,  A.  Stoll.  These  men  put  in  an  equal 
amount  of  capital  and  share  in  the  profits  equally.  They  have  also  pooled 
their  united  interests  in  a salt  fish  trust  company  to  control  the  trade  in  salt  fish 
also. 

Hugo  OJily  and  August  Gunther. — This  firm  have  just  established  a house 
at  the  foot  of  Sycamore  street  for  pickling  fish.  This  industry  promises  to  be 
as  successful  as  have  been  everything  connected  with  the  fish  trade  of  San- 
dusky. 

Bear  &f  Ruth  have,  been  for  so  many  years  connected  with  the  mercantile 
life  of  this  city,  and  more  particularly  with  the  fish  trade,  that  a history  of  the 
business  cannot  well  be  written  without  giving  their  names  a place,  although 
they  went  out  of  the  business  last  year.  They  did  a large  business  for  many 
years  as  Hosmer,  Bear  & Co.,  but  in  1873  it  passed  into  the  hands  of  Bear  & 
Ruth.  This  firm  occupied  a large  two-story  structure  one  hundred  and  eighty 
by  thirty-three  feet  in  dimensions,  where  the  business  steadily  increased  until 
they  left  it  in  1887. 

SANDUSKY  ICE  INTERESTS. 

The  present  mammoth  ice  houses  of  Sandusky  were  almost  unthought  of 
twenty  years  ago,  indeed  the  man  who  then  dared  to  build  even  one  of  the 
largest  of  them  might  have  expected  to  be  set  down  at  once  as  rash,  if  noth- 
ing worse. 

The  first  to  put  up  ice  in  any  considerable  quantities  and  to  see  with  any 
degree  of  certainty  the  future  of  Sandusky’s  ice  trade  was,  as  far  as  we  can 
ascertain  from  any  accessible  data,  Mr.  E.  E.  Upp,  a life  long  resident  here, 
and  successor  to  his  father’s  ice  interests  established  as  early  as  1852,  though 
he  did  not  begin  shipping  until  about  1858-9.  The  demand  gradually  in- 
creased from  the  latter  date  until  in  1868,  he,  with  Rush  R.  Sloane  and  W.  V. 
Latham  put  up  an  ice  house  with  a capacity  of  sixteen  thousand  tons.  The 
move  was  regarded  by  many  business  men  a very  risky  experiment,  from  the 
fact  that  the  expense  of  storing  was  then  comparatively  heavy,  and  the  market 
quite  uncertain.  The  experiment  however  proved  a marked  success,  and  was 
the  forerunner  of  the  very  extensive  trade  since  established. 

Mr.  Upp  soon  after  invented  the  switch  for  inclined  runways,  and  in  1870- 
introduced  the  use  of  steam  elevators,  thus  facilitating  in  a wonderful  degree 
the  process  of  putting  in  ice,  and  lessening  the  expense  in  a proportionate  de- 
gree. He  is  president  and  manager  of  the  Cincinnati  Ice  Company  and  is  in- 
terested in  the  Sandusky  and  Cincinnati  Ice  Company,  besides  being  a mem- 
ber of  the  firm  of  Upp  & Walker,  and  associated  with  Henry  Graefe  and  J.  W. 
Smith  in  the  firm  of  E.  E.  Upp  & Co.  These  firms  have  a combined  storing 
capacity  of  fifty  thousand  tons. 

John  McKelvey  & Co.  own  ice  houses  covering  over  an  acre  of  ground,  and 


410 


History  of  Erie  County. 


have  all  the  modern  facilities  for  handling  immense  quantities  of  ice.  Mr.  Mc- 
Kelvey  began  active  operations  in  ice  about  the  year  1876  and  has  continued 
in  it  more  or  less  actively  since. 

There  are  numerous  other  prominent  men  who  have  been  and  are  con- 
nected with  the  ice  business  in  Sandusky  in  a considerable  degree.  At  present 
Wm.  J.  Affleck  and  Jno.  Mackey,  Arend  Bros.,  Bear  & Ruth,  Gager  & Co., 
Holland  & Tebbut,  Kerber  & Son,  Alexander  Motry,  Smith,  Zimmerman  & 
Schmidt,  A.  J.  Stoll,  E.  E.  Upp  and  Wagner  & Co.  are  the  principal  names 
that  occur  to  the  writer,  though  there  are  many  others  of  substantial  business 
reputations  whose  names  have  been  long  familiar  to  the  trade. 

The  ice  business  though  very  extensive,  and  quite  profitable  at  times,  is 
subject  to  so  many  difficulties  in  the  way  of  an  uncertain  market  and  lively 
competition  between  the  many  firms  along  the  great  lakes  that  fortunes  are 
made  and  lost  in  it  at  times  with  a facility  that  would  do  justice  to  the  modern 
stock  exchange.  When  an  open  winter  occurs  those  who  have  stored  a large 
quantity  the  previous  year  reap  a rich  harvest  during  the  following  summer, 
but  on  the  whole  it  seems  most  reasonable  to  conclude  that  the  business  is  not 
at  present  generally  profitable  except  to  the  old  and  well  established  firms,  one 
of  which  has  a record  of  850  car  loads  shipped  over  one  railroad  south  in  a 
single  season. 

The  several  packers  of  note  including  brewers  and  wine  men,  put  up  about 
300,000  tons  of  ice  in  the  year,  at  an  expense  for  help  of  not  less  than  $60,- 
000,  or  about  twenty  cents  per  ton.  Employment  is  thus  furnished  for  several 
weeks,  at  a time  of  year  when  it  is  most  valuable  to  them,  to  nearly  2,000 
men.  The  ice  is  taken  from  the  bay  not  over  half  a mile  from  shore  on  an  av- 
erage. With  the  small  army  of  men  cutting  and  fishing  out  the  ice,  horses 
scraping  or  planing  the  surface  to  remove  roughness  or  dirt,  and  the  tons  of 
smooth,  square  blocks  from  six  to  sixteen  inches  thick,  flying  up  the  inclined 
runways  to  the  gable  ends  of  over  a score  of  great  dark  buildings,  the  scene  is 
quite  an  inspiring  one,  and  not  unfraught  with  a certain  amount  of  danger. 

Hardly  a season  passed  without  a number  of  serious  accidents,  such  as 
broken  limbs,  or  immersions  in  the  channels  from  which  the  ice  has  been  taken. 
The  latter,  though  not  apparently  a very  serious  affair,  might  quite  easily  be- 
come so  if  the  unfortunate  victim  should  by  some  means,  get  in  under  the  ice, 
instead  of  remaining  in  the  channel.  But  the  men,  like  all  hardy  cheerful  Amer- 
ican and  German  laborers,  go  to  their  tasks  with  glad  hearts,  thankful  for  the 
opportunity  to  earn  a few  dollars  in  mid-winter,  and  caring  little  for  the  nec- 
essary exposure  to  secure  an  honest  living. 

Most  of  the  ice  dealers  who  do  the  extensive  packing  for  outside  markets 
are  provided  with  facilities  supplying  the  home  trade.  Subscription  routes  are 
laid  out  in  the  early  spring,  and  the  clumsy  covered  wagons  rumble  their  daily 
rounds  throughout  the  season. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


41 1 


GRAPE  CULTURE  AND  WINE  MAKING. 

These  interests,  when  carried  to  any  considerable  extent,  are  necessarily  so 
closely  related,  that  it  is  deemed  best  to  treat  of  them  here  under  a general  head, 
although  grape  raising  in  a very  small  way  was  begun  on  the  islands  in  this  vi- 
cinity some  years  before  grapes  were  produced  in  such  quantities  that  it  became 
necessary  to  convert  them  into  wine  for  want  of  an  accessible  and  profitable 
market. 

Mr.  Charles  Carpenter,  of  Kelley’s  Island  is  credited  with  being  the  first  to 
foresee  the  great  future  in  store  for  this  uncommonl)^  favored  grape  producing 
section.  He  came  to  the  island  in  1842,  and  noticing  the  few  vines  growing 
in  gardens  there,  he  was  struck  with  the  superiority  of  the  fruit  over  that  of  the 
same  varieties  in  the  East.  Mr.  D.  Kelley  brought  cuttings  of  Catawba  and 
Isabella  from  Elyria  in  1843,  and  setting  them  in  his  garden  was  much  grati- 
fied at  the  result,  as  the  Catawba,  which  ripens  so  imperfectly  in  inland  places, 
matures  to  perfection  here  because  of  the  protection  afforded  from  frost  by  the 
waters  of  the  lake. 

In  1845  Mr.  Carpenter  began  planting  in  limited  quantities,  on  account  of 
the  scarcity  of  vines,  but  by  1850  he  had  increased  his  vineyard  to  an  acre; 
this  was  quite  the  most  exteusive  vineyard  to  be  found  in  this  vicinity  at  that 
time.  In  the  latter  named  year  he  pressed  two  small  casks  of  wine  (one  each 
of  Catawba  and  Isabella),  which,  when  it  was  a year  old,  was  pronounced  by 
Cincinnatians  the  best  wine  they  had  ever  tasted. 

Planting  in  a small  way  soon  became  quite  general,  and  a ready  market  was 
found  for  the  fruit,  at  from  ten  to  fifteen  cents  a pound,  a price  that  would 
make  millionaires  in  a few  seasons  of  some  of  our  present  grape  raisers  who  are 
making  very  comfortable  incomes  by  selling  their  fruit  at  from  one  to  three 
cents.  Vineyards  increased  in  size  very  gradually,  there  being  considerable 
skepticism  manifested  with  regard  to  a market  when  ail  should  come  into  bear- 
ing. Mr.  Carpenter  when  asked  if  he  thought  it  safe  to  plant  as  much  as  a quar- 
ter of  an  acre,  replied  that  almost  any  quantity  could  be  sold  as  soon  as  gen- 
eral attention  was  attracted  by  the  planting  of  large  vineyards. 

Phylloxera  did  not  trouble  the  earlier  grape  growers  as  it  does  those  of  the 
present  time ; and  for  some  years  there  appeared  to  be  nothing  in  the  way  of 
discouragements.  So  promising  indeed  was  the  outlook,  that  land  which  in 
1845  could  be  purchased  for  fifteen  dollars  an  acre,  was  sold  within  a few  years 
at  from  five  hundred  to  a thousand  dollars  an  acre,  usually  paying  good  inter- 
est on  the  investment. 

In  1854  Mr.  Carpenter  built  a wine  cellar  30  by  90  feet;  but  this  was  soon 
outgrown,  and  in  1859  he  commenced  one  in  a seam  between  lime  rocks  in  his 
quarry;  he  made  the  second  cellar  36  by  123  feet,  and  covered  it  with  a stone 
arch  sixteen  feet  high.  The  Kelley’s  Island  Wine  Company  was  formed  in 


412 


History  of  Erie  County. 


1866  ; renting  Mr.  Carpenter’s  cellar  for  a few  years,  they  found  the  business  so 
profitable  that  they  purchased  it  later  on  and  created  a main  building  82  by 
128  feet,  and  three  stories  in  height.  The  present  large  cellars  are  crowded  to 
their  utmost  capacity,  and  sale  for  the  product  is  found  in  all  the  leading  cities 
of  the  world. 

Ten  other  establishments  make  wine  in  greater  or  less  quantities,  and  it  is 
estimated  that  six  hundred  thousand  gallons  are  produced  annually  on  this  isl- 
and alone,  while  the  grape  interests  have  extended  to  adjacent  islands  and  to 
the  mainland  surrounding.  Thousands  of  acres  of  grapes  grow  in  this  vicinity, 
and  the  annual  sales  bring  millions  in  money  to  our  people. 

The  grape  interests  nearer  Sandusky  did  not  begin  a general  development 
until  about  i860  or  1861,  most  dates  being  approximately  fixed  by  those  who 
depend  on  memory  for  their  statements,  at  “about  the  commencement  of  the 
great  Civil  War.”  Grape  planting  on  a large  scale  began,  we  may  say,  in  Erie 
county  at  Kelley’s  (the  only  island  within  its  borders),  and  on  the  mainland  east 
of  Sandusky,  in  what  is  known  as  the  “big  field.”  Erom  these  points  it  spread 
toward  the  west  side  of  Sandusky,  and  in  many  other  directions,  but  in  no  case 
extending  back  to  any  great  distance  from  the  water,  which  is  the  great  climatic 
equalizer  that  makes  grape  culture  a success. 

The  exact  dates  of  many  beginnings  is  not  obtainable ; but  in  cases  where 
it  can  be  had,  the  uniform  rule  of-this  writer  has  been  to  place  industries  in 
chronological  order,  rather  than  to  try  arranging  them  in  alphabetical  order,  or 
with  respect  to  their  relative  importance,  concerning  which  opinions  might  dif- 
fer very  widely,  and  still  the  difference  of  opinion  be  perfectly  honest. 

Before  taking  up  the  wine  producing  establishments,  mention  may  be  made 
of  the  Lake  Erie  Wine  and  Fruit  Growers  Association,  established  March  12, 
1886,  and  officered  as  follows;  President,  W.  V.  Latham  ; vice-president,  Will- 
iam Altstaetter;  secretary,  I.  F.  Mack;  treasurer,  Otto  Engels.  The  objects 
are  to  promote  harmony  among  fruit  and  wine  growers,  prevent  hostile  legis- 
lation, and  to  improve  the  quality  of  fruits  and  wines,  as  well  as  to  widen  the 
market  for  such  products. 

Probably  there  is  very  little  if  any  impure  wine  manufactured  in  this  vicinity, 
but  the  practice  of  gallusizing  wine,  (putting  water  and  sugar  into  the  pure 
grape  juice),  is  commended  by  consumers  and  dealers,  though  most  agree  that 
this  is  not  in  any  sense  adulterating,  and  that  it  improves  the  quality,  (when  not 
carried  to  excess),  by  reducing  the  acidity  of  the  product.  The  general  verdict 
is  that  wines  from  the  sweeter  varieties  needs  no  reducing,  and,  that  the  first 
flow  of  Catawba,  before  the  press  has  been  applied,  is  quite  sweet  enough  in  the 
natural  state.  There  is,  then,  no  reason  for  believing  that  the  wines  of  old  Erie 
are  in  any  sense  impure,  or  inferior  to  those  of  any  other  portion  of  the  coun- 
try, or  the  world.  Aiming  now  to  give  a straightforward  history  of  an  impor- 
tant and  growing  industry,  we  will  proceed  with  one  who,  as  nearly  as  we  can 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


413 


learn,  is  the  oldest  grape  grower  and  manufacturer  of  wine  in  this  vicinity 
after  Mr.  Carpenter  already  mentioned. 

Thaddeus  Torch,  a pioneer  in  the  grape  and  wine  production  on  the  east 
side  of  Sandusky,  purchased  ten  acres  of  land  from  Mr.  John  Upp  about  the 
year  i860,  and  has  been  engaged  in  grape  raising  on  the  original  lot  ever  since, 
making  several  additions  as  the  demand  for  wine  increased.  He  is  credited 
with  having  as  many  varieties  of  vines  as  any  raiser  in  this  section. 

The  cellars  are  located  on  the  Huron  road  east  ot  Hancock  street,  and  have 
a capacity  of  from  fifteen  to  twenty  thousand  gallons.  Much  of  the  work  is 
performed  by  himself  and  family,  and  the  wines  produced  are  kept  up  to  a high 
standard  by  his  personal  supervision.  From  twelve  to  twenty  thousand  gallons 
is  about  a fair  estimate  of  his  annual  product,  the  quanity  depending  of  course, 
to  quite  an  extent,  on  the  crop  from  year  to  year. 

Sweet  and  dry  Catawba,  Delaware,  Ives,  etc.,  are  produced  more  of  late, 
but  Mr.  Torch  was  in  the  business  when  Isabella  wine  was  quite  generally  pro- 
duced. The  latter  grape  was  discarded  on  account  of  a tendency  to  mildew, 
and  because  of  the  rankness  of  the  flavor  as  compared  to  Catawba  and  the 
finer  varieties. 

The  wine  of  this  establishment  finds  a market  mostly  in  Ohio  cities,  although 
like  his  larger  competitors  the  proprietor  fills  occasional  orders  from  distant 
places. 

Conrad  Ernst.  This  establishment  is  an  outgrowth  of  the  wine  business 
of  A.  Biemiller  & Co.,  begun  in  1869  by  Vincent  Kerber,  A.  Biemiller  and  C. 
Ernst,  the  present  owner  Mr.  Kerber  and  Mr.  Ernst  each  had  vineyards 
prior  to  their  partnership.  The  former  was  one  of  the  earliest  grape  growers 
on  the  mainland,  having  begun  in  i860. 

In  1873  Scott  Sanford  bought  into  the  firm  of  Biemiller  & Co.,  and  Messrs. 
Kerber  and  Biemiller  retired.  Mr.  Sanford  retired  in  1875,  leaving  Mr.  Ernst 
the  sole  owner. 

The  business  location  was  changed  in  1875  to  its  present  site,  and  the 
building  now  occupied  was  erected.  The  cellar  is  twenty-four  by  eighty  feet, 
with  a press  room  above.  The  capacity  of  this  establishment  is  about  35,000 
gallons  of  wine  per  year,  which  is  shipped  over  a wide  portion  of  our  country. 
Two  men  are  kept  at  work  the  year  around,  and  during  six  weeks  in  the  fall 
from  ten  to  twelve  men  are  employed. 

Engels  & Krudwig.  In  1878  Messrs.  H.  and  O.  E.  Engels,  with  R.  P. 
Krudwig,  established  the  business  which  now  amounts  to  an  average  annual 
product  of  two  hundred  thousand  gallons.  The  manufactory  consists  of  a 
commodious  stone  storage  building  with  a brick  structure  for  the  press,  engine 
and  machinery.  The  grounds,  occupying  the  corner  of  Water  and  Wayne 
streets,  are  quite  extensive,  and  afford  facilities  for  the  large  business  trans- 
acted. 


53 


4H 


History  of  Erie  County. 


The  wine  is  kept  in  one  hundred  and  thirty  storage  casks  with  an  average 
capacity  of  eighteen  hundred  gallons  each.  The  grapes  are  mainly  raised  in 
the  vineyards  of  the  proprietors,  though  considerable  quantities  are  purchased 
from  other  grape  raisers  on  the  islands  and  mainland. 

A twenty  horse  power  engine  furnishes  the  power  for  pressing  and  other 
purposes.  The  shipments  of  this  firm  extend  over  the  entire  United  States. 
Nearly  all  the  leading  brands  of  native  wines  are  produced.  This  establish- 
ment is  the  outgrowth  of  one  started  by  Jacob  Engels,  who  began  the  impor- 
tation of  wines  to  Sandusky  about  the  year  1850,  and  commenced  grape  grow- 
ing here  in  i860,  on  a ten  acre  tract  east  of  the  town. 

Adam  Bauer,  Still  Wines.  Factory  on  Decatur  street,  near  Monroe,  a frame 
building  thirty  by  sixty  feet.  Mr.  Bauer  commenced  the  grape  and  wine 
business  in  1861,  and  has  been  connected  with  it  ever  since,  some  seasons  pro- 
ducing about  eight  or  nine  thousand  gallons  of  wine  which  is  mostly  sold  in 
the  State  of  Ohio.  Mr.  Bauer  is  a German  by  birth,  but  is  a very  old  resident, 
having  come  to  this  city  in  1844.  He  was  one  of  the  first  men  to  purchase  a 
part  of  the  Upp  property  and  plant  it  with  grapes,  and  still  has  the  same 
vineyard  with  several  acres  added.  The  direct  management  of  his  work  at  the 
cellars  is  in  the  hands  of  his  son,  the  father  spending  most  of  his  time  at  the 
vineyard. 

William  H.  Mills  commenced  raising  grapes  in  1861,  planting  eighty-two 
acres  on  his  farm  of  three  hundred  acres,  in  the  west  end  of  the  city  at  that 
time.  The  first  wine  from  this  vineyard  was  pressed  in  1865,  since  which 
time  he  has  produced  an  average  of  15,000  gallons  per  year.  French  makes 
of  champagne  are  a specialty  with  Mr.  Mills,  and  more  of  an  effort  is  made  to 
produce  an  excellent  quality  than  to  produce  a great  quantity  of  wine.  The 
■original  vineyard  has  been  reduced  somewhat  of  late,  but  more  vines  are  to  be 
planted  in  the  near  future.  A cellar,  thirty  by  one  hundred  and  sixty-five 
feet,  with  eighteen  feet  walls,  and  an  arch  fifteen  feet  in  height,  constitutes  the 
storing  capacity  of  the  establishment. 

The  date  of  Mr.  Mills’s  first  planting  will  show  that  he  was  one  of  the  pio- 
neers in  grape  culture  on  the  mainland  in  this  vicinity,  and  his  familiarity 
with  the  products  of  the  vine  is  evident  to  all  who  have  heard  him  talk  on  the 
■subject. 

His  wines  were  awarded  high  honors  at  the  Centennial  Exposition,  where 
the  superiority  of  Lake  Erie  wines  over  those  of  the  Pacific  slope  was  very 
clearly  demonstrated.  He  remembers  when  the  so-called  Greek  wines  were 
sold  at  $3.50  per  bottle,  but  considers  their  quality  quite  inferior  to  those  of 
local  vintage  now  selling  at  one- fifth  the  price. 

Catawba  and  Delaware  grapes  are  the  varieties  mostly  pressed  at  this  es- 
tablishment. About  two  years  is  taken  in  preparing  the  wine  for  the  mar- 
ket, and  a second  fermentation  is  obtained  in  the  process  of  manufacture. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


415 


This  second  fermentation,  he  says,  can  only  be  produced  when  pure  juice  is 
used. 

E.  L.  Steuk,  manufacturer  of  dry  wines,  but  making  a specialty  of  Cataw- 
ba, is  located  at  the  corner  of  the  West  Market  Square  and  Decatur  street. 
This  business  was  started  in  1863  by  Wm.  Steuk,  father  of  the  present  owner. 
Mr.  Steuk  conducted  the  business  under  his  own  name  up  to  1874,  when  he 
associated  E.  L.  Steuk  with  himself  under  the  firm  name  of  Wm.  Steuk  & 
Son.  In  1876  the  father  died  and  left  his  part  of  the  business  to  his  wife,  who 
acted  as  a silent  partner  up  to  1882,  when  the  present  owner  purchased  her 
interest  and  has  retained  the  entire  management  since.  He  makes  from  eight- 
een to  twenty  thousand  gallons  a year,  exclusively  dry  or  unsweetened  wines, 
which  he  sells  throughout  Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Wisconsin,  and  to  some  ex- 
tent in  New  York  State. 

Like  many  other  producers  Mr.  Steuk  does  much  of  his  own  work,  and 
gives  his  personal  attention  to  the  conditions  and  methods,  so  nearly  alike  in 
many  cases,  but  after  all,  depending  for  their  results,  very  largely  on  the  tact 
and  judgment  of  the  individual  who  carries  them  out.  The  building  is  of 
wood,  and  is  about  forty  by  sixty  feet,  two  stories  high,  and  has  a large  cellar 
in  the  lime  rock  which  underlies  the  city. 

George  Daniel.  Wine  cellars  located  at  the  corner  of  Adams  and  Law- 
rence streets.  The  business  was  begun  by  the  present  proprietor  in  1865, 
and  has  been  continued  since  in  a greater  or  less  degree.  Mr.  Daniel  manu- 
factures from  si.x  to  eight  thousand  gallons  per  year  of  Catawba,  Ives  Seed- 
ling and  Virginia  Seedling  wines,  the  last  named  variety  being  bottled  by  him. 
His  sales  are  made  to  the  retailers  in  different  towns  in  Ohio.  Little  help  is 
emplo5^ed  except  in  the  pressing  season.  The  cellars  are  twenty-eight  by 
thirty,  and  eighteen  by  thirty  respectively,  with  a storage  room  fourteen  by 
eighteen.  Mr.  Daniel  was  appointed  postmaster  at  Sandusky,  by  President 
Cleveland,  in  1887. 

John  G.  Dorn,  grower  of  grapes  and  manufacturer  of  all  varieties  of  native 
wines,  both  dry  and  sweet,  is  located  at  No.  418  to  424  Water  street,  in  a 
stone  building  sixty  by  one  hundred  and  ten  feet  and  three  and  one-half 
stories  high. 

All  necessary  facilities  are  found  in  the  building  for  handling  the  immense 
quantity  of  wine  which  this  well  known  firm  is  called  on  to  furnish  the  wide 
market  in  which  their  products  are  sold.  The  trade  extends  to  all  principal 
cities  of  the  Union  — east,  west,  and  south,  and  to  the  upper  lake  cities. 

The  business  was  begun  in  1872  by  John  P.  Dorn,  father  of  the  present 
proprietor,  and  conducted  very  successfully  up  to  the  time  of  his  death.  In 
1886  it  came  into  the  hands  of  the  son  who  is  still  widening  the  field  of  sale, 
and  the  source  of  supply.  Mr.  Dorn  has  a vineyard  of  about  one  hundred 
acres  near  Venice,  this  county,  and  in  1887  planted  eighty  acres  of  young 


vines. 


4i6 


History  of  Erie  County. 


In  addition  to  the  many  tons  of  grapes  raised  by  the  proprietor,  considera- 
ble quantities  are  purchased  from  year  to  year  of  other  growers  who  have 
limited  wine-making  facilities,  or  none  at  all. 

The  establishment  produces  not  far  from  a hundred  thousand  gallons  of 
wine  a year,  and  a still  running  in  one  of  the  departments  of  the  enterprise 
turns  out  from  one  fifty  to  two  hundred  barrels  of  grape  brandy.  The  firm 
has  a large  ice-house  in  which  about  six  thousand  tons  are  stored  annually  for 
use  in  the  business.  Mr.  Dorn  intends  increasing  his  facilities  in  the  near 
future,  and  to  this  end  has  enlarged  his  vineyard  as  before  stated.  His  busi- 
ness furnishes  employment  for  fifteen  men  during  a greater  part  of  the  year, 
and  at  times  a much  larger  force  is  required.  The  buildings  are  well  located 
and  commodious,  with  convenient  storerooms,  and  a well  furnished  and  com- 
fortable office  on  the  ground  floor. 

E.  R.  Moos,  Hayes  avenue,  near  Tyler  street,  succeeded  in  1876  to  the 
wine  business  established  by  his  father,  A.  Moos,  in  1868. 

The  present  cellars,  etc.,  were  erected  in  1882.  The  building  is  of  lime- 
stone, is  twenty-six  by  sixty-four  feet,  and  is  one  and  one-half  stories  in  height 
with  a basement. 

The  average  product  is  thirty  thousand  gallons  per  year  of  red  and  white 
dry  wines.  One  man  is  employed  steadily,  and  a dozen  or  more  are  kept  at 
work  during  the  fall.  Mr.  Moos  is  his  own  traveling  salesman,  and  sells  his 
wines  mainly  from  Detroit  to  New  York.  Sales  have  been  made  as  far  south 
as  Richmond,  Va. 

William  Altstaetter,  whose  wine  cellars  on  Eawrence  Extension,  near  Monroe 
street,  produce  about  20,000  gallons  of  wine  per  year,  began  the  business  with 
his  brother  at  the  corner  of  Market  and  Decatur  streets  in  1876,  but  removed 
to  the  present  location  in  1879,  and  purchasing  his  brother’s  interest  has  con- 
ducted the  business  alone  since  that  time. 

All  the  leading  dry  native  wines  are  produced  at  this  establishment.  The 
goods  are  marketed  very  largely  in  Ohio,  Indiana,  and  New  York,  but  occa- 
sional orders  are  filled  in  places  much  more  distant.  The  work  is  conducted 
under  the  personal  supervision  of  the  proprietor,  who  gives  most  of  his  time 
and  some  physical  strength  to  the  work. 

M.  Hommel  commenced  the  manufacture  of  champagnes  and  still  wines  in 
1878  at  his  present  location  on  Clinton  street,  near  Sandusky  street.  By  close 
personal  attention  to  business  he  has  been  able  to  increase  his  trade  and  facili- 
ties until  he  now  uses  several  hundred  tons  of  grapes  annually,  making  some 
200,000  bottles  of  champagne  and  100,000  gallons  of  still  wines.  His  custom- 
ers are  mostly  in  the  Mississippi  Valley,  but  orders  are  received  from  San 
Erancisco  and  New  York.  His  champagnes  are  all  made  by  the  old  French 
method  which  he  learned  by  practical  experience  in  France.  Hommel’s  Extra 
Dry  and  Lac  D’Or  are  the  brands  most  largely  manufactured.  The  work  is 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


417 


conducted  in  a building  thirty-six  by  eighty-eight  feet,  five  stories  in  height, 
the  lower  part  being  of  stone  and  the  upper  three  stories  of  wood.  During  a 
portion  of  the  year  Mr.  Hommel  runs  a fruit  distillery,  manufacturing  about 
2,400  gallons  of  grape  brandy.  Besides  the  main  building  he  uses  a storing 
cellar  twenty- four  by  thirty- six  feet,  and  numerous  other  auxiliary  buildings 
perform  their  service  in  the  work.  No  traveling  salesmen  are  employed,  but 
the  proprietor  makes  a great  many  business  trips  during  the  year. 

J.  G.  Stroebel,  on  Hayes  avenue  near  Tyler  street,  has  a wine  cellar  with 
a capacity  of  thirty  thousand  gallons,  which  was  established  by  himself  in  1881. 
He  purchases  from  forty- five  to  fifty  tons  of  grapes  per  year  and  manufactures 
about  ten  thousand  gallons  of  wine.  Catawba  is  the  leading  white  wine  and 
Concord  and  Ives  Seedling  the  red.  The  wines  are  all  dry  or  unsweetened, 
and  are  sold  mostly  throughout  southern  Ohio. 

A.  Schmidt,  jr.,  & Co.,  of  Tiffin  avenue,  makes  a speciality  of  Sherry  and 
Port  wines.  This  company  succeeded  in  1883  to  the  property  and  business  of 
the  Sandusky  Wine  Company,  which  was  one  of  Sandusky’s  first  organised 
efforts  to  produce  wine,  having  commenced  operations  on  Water  street  in 

. The  present  building,  which  is  120  by  50  feet,  and  three  stories  in 

height,  having  ample  cellars  for  the  storage  of  wine,  was  erected  in  1875  by 
the  original  company. 

This  establishment  has  a capacity  of  200,000  gallons  a year,  and  averages 
175,000  gallons  of  sweet  wines  which  are  marketed  from  the  Mississippi  River 
to  Boston  and  south  as  far  as  New  Orleans. 

Large  quantities  of  grapes  are  annually  purchased  by  this  firm  from  the 
adjacent  vineyards  between  Sandusky  and  Venice,  and  from  growers  on  Mar- 
ble Head  Peninsula  and  Lake  Erie  Islands.  Mr.  Smith  does  most  of  the  solic- 
iting in  person,  leaving  the  direct  management  of  the  cellars  in  charge  of  the 
competent  superintendent  and  his  other  employees. 

A Textor,  Columbus  avenue,  adjoining  the  L.  S.  &.  M.  S.  R.  R.  makes 
ten  or  twelve  varieties  of  dry  and  sweet  wines,  which  he  ships  to  all  parts 
of  the  United  States,  from  Kansas  eastward.  Only  a wholesale  trade  is  so- 
licited. 

The  building  is  of  limestone,  substantially  built,  and  is  three  stories  in 
height  with  a length  of  one  hundred,  and  a width  of  forty-five  feet;  it  is 
thoroughly  heated  with  steam,  and  so  arranged  that  except  during  the  press- 
ing season  nearly  all  the  work  can  be  accomplished  by  steam  power. 

The  services  of  ten  men  are  required  during  the  busiest  portion  of  the  year. 
The  average  is  100,000  gallons  of  the  various  sorts  of  wine.  Concord,  Cataw- 
ba, Delaware,  Riesling,  Norton’s  V.  and  Claret  comprise  the  sour  wines,  and 
Sweet  Catawba,  Port,  Angelica,  Sherry  and  Ives  the  sweet.  The  business 
was  begun  in  1883  by  Wehrle  and  Farciot,  but  about  six  months  later  passed 
into  the  hands  of  A.  Textor. 


4i8 


History  of  Erie  County. 


BREWERIES. 

A.  Ilg  & Co’s  brewery  at  the  foot  of  Harrison  street,  was  established  in 
1849  by  Winson  & Fox,  who  conducted  the  business  until  1864,  when  Messrs. 
Soergel,  Dorn  and  Raible  became  proprietors  carrying  the  business  up  to  1871. 
Strobel  & Ilg  purchased  the  brewery  in  that  year,  and  in  1879  the  present 
firm  of  A.  Ilg  & Co.  became  owners  of  the  entire  establishment. 

The  grounds  comprise  about  five  acres  of  land,  and  the  brewery  building, 
a limestone  structure  two  and  a half  stories  high,  has  a base  eighty  feet  wide 
by  one  hundred  and  sixty  long.  The  ice  house  is  a frame  building  ninety  feet 
square,  and  is  packed  to  its  fullest  capacity  every  winter. 

Thirteen  men  are  steadily  employed,  and  the  annual  product  is  about 
twelve  thousand  barrels  on  an  average.  Agencies  are  located  at  Findlay  and 
Elyria.  Otto  Ilg,  son  of  the  proprietor,  and  lessee  of  the  Sandusky  Opera 
House,  keeps  the  books  and  supervises  the  home  establishment.  Most  of  the 
beer  is  disposed  of  throughout  northern  Ohio — none  is  shipped  beyond  the 
limits  of  the  State.  The  necessary  traveling  is  done  by  the  proprietors  in  per- 
son. The  business  is  having  a steady  growth. 

Frank  Stang’s  brewery  was  built  in  1857  by  Dauch  & Fischer,  and  the  first 
named  gentleman  succeeded  to  the  business  a few  years  later,  conducting  it 
until  1864,  when  Messrs.  Bricht,  Cable  & Alder  purchased  the  property  and 
continued  the  business  until  1867.  It  then  passed  into  the  hands  of  Fox  & 
Windisch,  and  Fox  alone,  who  carried  it  until  1875,  when  Jno.  Bender  became 
proprietor,  soon  after  associating  with  himself  Mr.  Stang,  who  afterwards  re- 
tired from  the  business. 

At  the  death  of  Mr.  Bender  in  1878  the  property  reverted  to  Lena  Stang, 
who,  in  1880,  disposed  of  it  to  Frank  Stang,  the  present  owner.  The  brewery 
about  225  by  250  feet,  and  three  stories  high,  is  located  north  of  Madison 
and  east  of  King  streets.  With  the  large  ice  houses  which  hold  about  10,000 
tons  of  ice,  the  building  occupies  nearly  a square,  and  has  an  annual  output  of 
from  fifteen  to  twenty  thousand  barrels  of  beer.  From  35,000  to  50,000  bush- 
els of  barley  are  used  annually,  and  the  business  furnishes  regular  work  for 
some  eighteen  or  twenty  men,  besides  a large  number  needed  during  the  ice 
packing  season.  Seven  teams  are  required  in  delivering  the  beer. 

The  trade  is  mostly  with  neighboring  counties.  Shipping  depots  are  lo- 
cated at  Elyria,  Crestline,  and  other  towns  in  this  vicinity.  Two  men  are  on 
the  road  constantly,  and  the  shipping  demand  is  rapidly  increasing.  Quanti- 
ties of  the  beer  are  sold  in  the  home  market,  and  to  the  islanders,  who  in  some 
respects  seem  to  prefer  it  to  their  “juice  of  the  vine,”  which  is  so  easy  of  ac- 
cess that  it  loses  its  charm  in  a measure.  Emil  Busch  has  for  a number  of  years 
conducted  the  local  business  and  had  charge  of  the  books  of  the  establishment. 

J.  Kuebeler  & Co.’s  brewery  was  established  in  1867  by  the  brothers,  Jacob 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


419 


and  August  Kuebeler,  who  have  remained  at  the  head  of  the  establishment 
since  that  date,  and  from  a very  modest  beginning  have  brought  the  business 
up  to  its  present  proportions. 

The  buildings  consist  of  a limestone  structure,  one  hundred  and  five  feet 
square  and  four  stories  high,  with  an  “L”  fifty-four  by  eighty  and  a frame  addi- 
tion fifty  by  one  hundred  and  twenty,  the  last  named  containing  a modern  re- 
frigerator or  ice  manufacturing  machine,  with  a capacity  of  thirty- five  tons  per 
day.  This  machine  obviates  the  necessity  for  ice,  except  what  is  needed  for 
shipping  purposes,  but  the  firm  still  packs  abont  five  thousand  tons  for  the 
latter  purpose  and  as  a reserve  in  case  of  accident.  From  fifty  to  sixty  thou- 
sand bushels  of  barley  are  malted  annually,  and  thirty-five  thousand  pounds 
of  hops  are  consumed,  the  best  of  which  are  imported  from  Germany. 

This  establishment  produces  from  one  to  two  hundred  barrels  of  beer  per 
day,  which  is  disposed  of  in  the  city  and  at  various  other  points  within  a 
radius  of  sixty  miles.  Steady  employment  is  given  to  thirty  men  and  nine 
teams,  and  the  annual  expense  account  is  very  great;  but  a fine  balance  is 
secured  by  annual  sales  of  the  product. 

Besides  the  home  brewery  there  are  branches  at  Bellevue,  Monroeville, 
Findlay  and  Elyria.  Within  the  past  two  years  the  brothers  have  each  erected 
a fine  brick  residence  with  modern  conveniences.  In  1887  the  ice  machine, 
mentioned  above,  was  put  in  at  a large  expense,  and  a gas  well  was  drilled  on 
the  premises;  but  the  supply  of  gas  is  limited,  not  being  sufficient  to  light  the 
establishment.  The  flow  of  gas  is  somewhat  stronger  when  the  well  is  pumped 
dry,  but  not  of  enough  account  to  pay  for  the  cost  of  pumping,  which  would 
be  considerable,  as  the  well  is  quite  wet. 

Streube  & Engels,  manufacturers  of  cider  and  cider  vinegar,  have  one  of 
the  most  extensive  establishments  of  this  kind  to  be  found  in  Erie  county. 
The  building  is  a frame  structure,  thirty  by  eighty  feet,  two  stories  high,  with 
a basement,  and  is  thoroughly  supplied  with  vats,  grinding  machinery  and 
storage  casks.  Throughout  the  cider  making  season  some  ten  or  twelve  men 
are  employed,  but  during  the  remainder  of  the  year  only  three  are  required. 
The  mill  is  located  on  Columbus  avenue,  north  of  the  Lake  Shore  Railroad, 
and  was  erected  in  1882  by  H.  C.  Struebe,  Mr.  Engels  becoming  connected 
with  the  business  later  on.  The  local  apple  supply  makes  no  difference  in  the 
amount  of  cider  and  vinegar  produced,  as  the  firm  ships  in  apples  from  other 
sections  when  they  are  scarce  in  this  vicinity.  The  annual  production  of  cider 
averages  in  the  vicinity  of  fifteen  hundred  barrels,  and  about  the  same  amount 
of  vinegar  is  made.  The  trade  is  confined  to  Ohio,  and  the  firm  finds  the 
field  ample  for  their  present  capacity.  Occasionally  orders  are  received  from 
other  States,  but  no  special  dependence  is  put  on  them  in  making  up  the 
year’s  supply  of  cider.  A powerful  engine,  in  a brick  addition,  furnishes  the 
necessary  power  for  the  establishment. 


420 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Bottling  Works.  Charles  Baetz,  for  over  thirty  years  a resident  of  San- 
dusky, and  for  a long  term  just  closed  this  year  leader  of  the  Great  Western 
Band,  has  for  the  past  ten  years  or  more  carried  on  the  bottling  business.  He 
puts  up  the  Pilsener  beer,  especially  prepared  from  Frank  Stang’s  brewery, 
and  has  the  sole  agency  for  the  beer  thus  prepared.  His  establishment  is 
located  in  the  basement  of  Biemiller’s  Opera  House.  The  beer,  when  sub- 
jected to  his  process  of  treatment,  will  keep  for  any  length  of  time  in  almost 
any  temperature,  and  can  be  shipped  to  a great  distance.  His  goods  are 
shipped  throughout  Ohio  and  adjoining  States,  and  meet  with  a very  ready 
sale  in  all  cities. 

J.  Murschel  & Son’s  bottling  works  was  established  in  1882  by  the  present 
proprietor  at  the  corner  of  Hayes  avenue  and  Tyler  street.  The  business  is 
carried  on  in  a frame  building  thirty-six  by  forty  feet.  Belfast  ginger  ale,  pop, 
birch  beer,  and  carbonated  drinks  in  general  are  prepared  by  this  firm  for 
shipment  to  the  islands  and  to  surrounding  towns  on  the  mainland.  Surely, 
if  there  is  another  beverage  needed  after  one  has  done  justice  to  the  many  al- 
ready mentioned  as  manufactured  here,  the  want  is  supplied  by  the  above 
mentioned  firm. 

MANUFACTURING  INDUSTRIES. 

Wood  Working  Establishments. — R.  B.  Hubbard  & Son.  This  planing- 
mill,  run  in  connection  with  Tucker  & Daniels’s  lumber  mills  at  Algonac, 
Mich.,  was  established  in  1840  by  Hubbard  & Co.  In  1844  Mr.  Hubbard  as- 
sociated with  Mr.  G.  S.  Lester  and  puixhased  timber  lands  in  Michigan  and 
erected  a saw-mill.  Watson  and  Langden  Hubbard  became  interested  later 
on,  but  in  1874  the  planing-mill  at  the  corner  of  Water  and  Lawrence  streets, 
which  is  the  object  most  directly  of  this  sketch,  was,  with  the  lumber  interests 
in  Sandusky,  purchased  by  the  present  firm.  The  building,  which  is  sixty  by 
one  hundred  feet,  two  stories  high  and  of  stone,  is  occupied  partly  by  the 
Woolsey  Wheel  Company,  but  belongs  to  the  firm  whose  name  leads  this 
sketch.  A powerful  engine,  made  by  Barney  & Kilby,  and  a large  boiler 
made  by  the  pcedecessor  of  the  present  Portland  Boiler  Company,  furnish  the 
power  for  both  establishments.  R.  B.  Hubbard  & Son  plane  and  match  flooring, 
siding  and  lumber,  and  saw  posts,  etc.  Last  year’s  work  amounted,  in  round 
numbers,  to  nearly  two  million  feet  of  planed  lumber,  of  which  750,000  feet 
were  flooring,  100,000  feet  matched  siding,  and  1,200,000  feet  general  planed 
lumber.  This  business  has  been  in  operation  for  about  thirty-five  years,  and 
the  present  building  was  erected  over  twenty  years  ago.  The  firm  does  a 
general  retail  and  wholesale  trade  over  a considerable  portion  of  Ohio,  but  the 
bulk  of  the  business  is  with  local  builders  and  those  in  adjoining  counties.  A 
large  force  of  men  is  constantly  employed.  The  business  is  conducted  by  the 
proprietors,  with  William  Marshall  as  accountant  and  salesman  at  the  office. 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


421 


G.  W.  Iscman  ; long  pine  and  hardwood  lumber  and  timber ; corner 
Meigs  and  Washington  streets.  Mr.  Iscman,  the  present  proprietor  of  these 
important  mills,  succeeded  to  his  father’s  interests  here  some  years  ago,  and  is 
carrying  it  forward  very  successfully.  B.  Iscman,  the  projector  of  the  enter- 
prise, and  father  of  the  present  proprietor,  commenced  the  lumbering  business 
at  Muskallonge,  in  1841,  removed  to  this  city  shortly  after,  and  established 
the  original  Iscman  saw- mill  on  Market  street;  but  for  the  sake  of  procuring 
better  shipping  facilities  and  larger  grounds,  removed  to  his  present  location 
later  on. 

The  building  is  of  limestone  and  has  an  upper  story  of  wood  ; the  dimen- 
sions are  forty  by  one  hundred  feet,  without  the  engine  and  boiler  rooms, 
which  are  in  a wing  erected  for  them  especially.  The  engine,  of  eighty  horse 
power,  is  frequently  taxed  to  its  utmost  capacity  to  propel  the  extensive  and 
powerful  machinery  used  in  turning  out  the  very  heavy  work  in  long  timber. 
Quite  an  extensive  retail  and  wholesale  trade  in  hard  wood  and  pine  timber 
and  lumber,  is  carried  on  by  this  firm,  the  annual  output  being  nearly  one  and 
a half  million  feet.  Ten  men  are  regularl}"  employed  at  the  mill,  and  consid- 
erable work  is  necessarily  furnished  choppers  and  lumbermen  at  the  other  end 
of  the  line,  as  it  were. 

The  pine  logs  are  raffed  down  from  the  Michigan  forests,  and  at  times  have 
been  quite  an  inconvenience  to  the  small  sailboats  with  which  Sandusky  peo- 
ple recreate  during  the  summer  season.  Of  course,  the  writer  has  no  inten- 
tion of  reflecting  on  the  proprietor  or  others  connected  with  the  mills,  as  they 
probably  do  all  in  their  power  to  accommodate  their  neighbors. 

Jay  C.  Butler  & Co.,  at  the  corner  of  Water  and  Decatur  streets,  estab- 
lished their  present  firm  relations  in  1880,  at  which  time  they  succeeded  Jaj' 
C.  Butler,  before  whom  were  Wells  & Butler,  Upp  & Wells,  Norcross  & Upp, 
Norcross  alone,  and  Thorp,  Norcross  & Thorp,  who  started  the  business  on 
Water  street,  near  Fulton,  in  1855. 

The  main  building  is  two  hundred  and  sixteen  by  fifty-two  feet,  of  brick, 
three  stories  high  with  a basement.  It  is  supplied  with  all  modern  conven- 
iences, heated  by  steam  and  lighted  with  gas.  The  power  is  furnished  by  a one 
hundred  and  fifty  horse  power  engine,  and  there  is  a great  variety  of  improved 
wood  working  machines  in  the  various  departments  of  the  factory.  The  prin- 
cipal products  are  sash,  doors  and  blinds,  but  a large  trade  has  been  recently 
built  up  in  telegraph  arms  and  insulator  pins,  many  of  the  leading  construct- 
ors getting  their  supplies  from  this  firm.  Boxes  and  fish  packages  are  also 
made  to  quite  an  extent. 

The  factory  grounds  are  quite  extensive,  and  there  are  several  auxiliary 
frame  buildings.  An  average  force  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  is  employed 
throughout  the  year,  while  the  annual  product  is  somewhat  above  one  hundred 
thousand  dollars  in  value.  The  principal  sales  are  made  in  Ohio,  to  builders, 

54 


422 


History  of  Erie  County, 


but  large  orders  are  received  from  all  parts  of  the  United  States.  The  busi- 
ness is  increasing  steadily,  as  each  year  finds  a wider  area  over  which  the  sales 
extend,  and  there  is  no  falling  off  in  the  territory  already  covered.  They  have 
a private  dock  at  which  much  raw  material  is  received  for  the  factory,  and 
from  which  a portion  of  the  products  are  sent  abroad. 

VVoolsey  Wheel  Company  was  founded  by  Pierce,  Woolsey  & Company  in 
1855,  The  firm  name  afterwards  became  Hubbard  & Woolsey,  and  in  several 
subsequent  changes  the  name  of  Woolsey  remained  prominent  in  flie  trans- 
action of  the  business  of  the  establishment. 

In  1877  a stock  company  was  organized  with  a capital  of  $45,000.  The 
stock  has  since  been  increased  to  $70,000,  and  the  business  enlarged  in  pro- 
portion. From  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  men 
are  employed  steadily,  and  their  wages  aggregate  over  $60,000  per  annum. 
The  manufacture  of  all  styles  of  wheels  is  carried  on,  taking  the  material  in  the 
rough  and  turning  out  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  sets  per  day  under  favor- 
able conditions  and  with  the  maximum  force.  The  machinery  is  extensive 
and  necessarily  quite  varied,  as  the  bending  of  felloes,  turning  of  spokes,  bor- 
ing of  square  sockets  for  the  tenons,  and  most  other  parts  of  the  work,  includ- 
ing the  final  polishing,  are  done  by  machinery.  Native  hickory,  elm  and  oak 
are  used  in  the  construction  of  the  wheels,  which  ai'e  shipped  to  all  parts  of 
the  United  States,  and  bear  an  excellent  reputation  in  the  market. 

Lawrence  Cable  is  president  of  the  company,  and  George  A.  Cook,  treas- 
urer ; E.  McFall  is  secretary.  Superintendent  E.  Flickenger  has  direct  charge 
of  the  business. 

Schoepfle  and  Sloane.  This  enterprising  establishment  dates  back  to  Jan- 
uary, i860,  when  it  was  started  with  a limited  capital  by  Jacob  Schaub,  C.  F. 
Schoepfle,  Andrew  Riesterer  and  Casper  Schneider,  under  the  firm  name  of 
Schaub  & Company.  The  firm  then  manufactured  sash,  doors  and  blinds,  in 
a stone  building  on  the  dock  north  of  Railroad  street,  where  the  Woolworth 
Handle  Factory  has  since  been  established  in  a new  building,  the  old  one  hav- 
ing been  destroyed  by  fire. 

Mr.  Schaub  retired  from  the  business  in  the  fall  of  i860,  and  the  style  be- 
came Schoepfle  & Company,  continuing  until  1862,  when  Mr.  Schneider  sold 
his  interest  to  Martin  Groehr.  In  1863  business  was  removed  to  its  pres- 
ent location  on  Water  street,  where  a large  stone  building,  then  owned  by  Pitt 
Cooke,  was  leased,  and  subsequently  purchased  by  the  present  proprietors. 

Mr.  Riesterer,  in  1877,  sold  his  interest  to  Schoepfle  & Groehr,  who  car- 
ried on  the  business  together  until  1883,  when  F.  G.  Sloane  purchased  Mr. 
Groehr’s  interest  and  the  present  firm  relations  were  established.  The  build- 
ing is  located  at  the  corner  of  Water  and  Fulton  streets,  and  the  business  has 
been  enlarged  to  include  the  manufacture  of  desks,  bar  fixings  and  hard  wood 
trimmings  for  the  inside  of  houses,  such  as  banisters,  wainscoting,  etc.,  which 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


423 


they  have  furnished  for  many  principal  buildings,  both  public  and  private, 
throughout  the  State.  They  are  also  securing  a large  trade  in  telegraph  arms 
which  have  been  used  so  extensively  lately  in  the  United  States.  Their  fac- 
tory buildings  include  a three-story  and  basement  stone  building,  having  a 
width  of  sixty-two  feet  on  Water  street,  extending  back  to  Railroad  street, 
and  an  office  and  ware-room,  frame  building,  twenty-two  by  sixty-four  feet. 
The  dock  is  one  hundred  by  five  hundred  feet,  and  has  an  ample  depth  of 
water  for  the  boats  employed  in  their  trade.  The  power  for  the  factory  is 
furnished  by  an  eighty  horse  power  engine.  Their  dry  kilns  have  a capacity 
of  70,000  feet  per  week.  Fifty-eight  hands  were  employed  by  this  firm  dur- 
ing the  past  season,  and  produced  a large  amount  of  finished  work. 

D.  J.  Brown  & Company ; patent  sawed  elm  hoops,  and  bilge  sawed  keg 
staves.  This  large  and  important  industry  was  established  at  Oak  Harbor,  in 
1862,  by  Otto  Schimansky,  who  removed  to  the  present  location,  at  the  foot 
of  Anderson  street,  in  1865. 

The  present  mill  comprises  a main  building  forty  by  eighty  feet,  two  stories 
in  height,  with  three  additions,  thirty  by  eighty,  and  a warehouse  forty  by  one 
hundred  and  eight  feet.  There  is  a one  hundred  and  fifty  horse  power  saw- 
mill capable  of  turning  out  thirty  thousand  feet  of  lumber  a day. 

Messrs.  Brown  & Schimansky,  the  present  owners,  have  a capital  of  $23,- 
000  invested,  and  employ  fifty  men  during  three-fourths  of  the  year,  which  is 
all  the  time  given  to  active  operations  at  the  establishment,  the  remainder  of 
the  time  being  given  to  disposing  of  the  products  and  renewing  stock.  Four 
and  a half  million  hoops,  and  two  million  staves  are  turned  out  yearly,  and 
sold  mostly  in  the  East  and  South,  trade  extending  quite  uniformly  over  the 
several  States  of  the  union  between  New  York  city  and  New  Orleans. 

The  monthly  pay  roll  of  the  establishment  averages  $1,200  while  the  mill 
is  in  active  operation,  and  the  annual  product  is  in  the  neighborhood  of  $75,- 
000.  Large  quantities  of  logs  are  shipped  to  the  mill  from  Canada,  and  from 
the  forests  of  Michigan  and  elsewhere.  The  mill  is  located  on  the  grounds 
once  occupied  by  the  Sandusky  Basket  Factory,  which  with  an  old  mill  were 
purchased  by  the  present  proprietors  in  1865. 

The  specialties  produced  by  this  enterprising  firm  show  quite  plainly  how 
important  a business  may  become  when  followed  with  zeal  and  an  enterpris- 
ing spirit.  Though  the  business  itself  would  at  first  thought  seem  to  be  only 
a part  of  the  barrel  making  business,  it  has  grown  to  be  an  important  indus- 
try, from  the  fact  that  great  skill  and  concentration  of  effort  make  it  possible 
for  the  firm  to  produce  this  part  of  cooper’s  stock  cheaper  than  it  could  be 
produced  where  the  barrels  are  made,  while  the  quality  is  equally  good. 

The  Sandusky  Wheel  Company,  with  buildings  and  grounds  extending 
from  McDonough  to  Shelby  street,  fronting  on  Water  street,  and  reaching 
southward  nearly  across  the  block,  employs  at  present  from  two  hundred  to 


424 


History  of  Erie  County. 


two  hundred  and  forty  men  ; has  a capacity  of  two  hundred  set  of  wheels  and 
considerable  buggy  body  and  other  work  daily.  The  main  building  is  of  lime- 
stone one  hundred  and  twenty  by  one  hundred  and  ninety  feet,  three  stories 
in  height,  with  a brick  extension  in  the  rear.  A one  hundred  and  fifty  horse- 
power engine  drives  the  entire  machinery,  which  is  of  the  latest  improved 
patterns  throughout,  and  capable  of  doing  many  things  that  men  only  a few 
years  ago  believed  could  only  be  done  by  hand. 

The  Greggs,  and  later  Barney,  Ockobock  & Torrey  carried  on  this  business 
in  its  earlier  stages  of  development;  but  in  1867  the  present  stock  company 
was  organised  with  a capital  of  $200,000.  The  business  of  this  company 
extends  over  a very  wide  area,  and  a traveling  salesman  is  employed  continu- 
ally. A monthly  pay  roll  of  from  $8,000  to  $10,000  is  regularly  disbursed  by 
the  company  besides  large  amounts  for  material  from  which  to  manufacture 
the  wheels,  bodies,  and  seats. 

Mr.  J.  M.  Boalt,  president,  has  been  a resident  of  Sandusky  from  boyhood; 
vice-president  C.  M.  Cook  came  here  from  Toledo  in  1870;  O.  B.  Bannister, 
secretary,  has  been  connected  with  the  firm  since  1869.  Samuel  Irvine,  super- 
intendent, has  been  in  the  employ  of  the  company  for  nearly  twenty  years, 
and  thoroughly  understands  all  the  details  of  the  business. 

A.  Kunzman,  on  Water  street,  near  Wayne,  conducts  the  manufacture  of 
all  styles  of  carriages,  buggies,  wagons,  cutters,  etc.,  and  has  been  at  this  busi- 
ness m Sandusky  since  1867,  when  he  came  here  from  Port  Clinton,  where  he 
had  been  in  the  same  line  of  business  since  1854.  The  main  building  is  three 
stories  high  and  forty-six  by  sixty- eight  feet  on  the  ground,  with  a blacksmith 
shop  in  the  rear.  Mr.  Kunzman  keeps  about  fifteen  men  steadily  at  work 
in  the  various  departments  of  the  establishment,  and  gives  much  of  his  own 
time  to  the  inspection  of  the  work  turned  out. 

The  average  annual  product  is  $15,000,  and  the  goods  are  shipped  over  a 
wide  extent  of  territory.  Considerable  local  trade  is  also  secured.  All  the 
ironing,  painting,  upholstering,  etc.,  is  conducted  in  the  establishment,  which, 
as  the  description  shows,  is  quite  spacious. 

A.  Schwehr’s  cigar-box  factory.  In  1880  the  Fox  Brothers  established 
this  business  near  the  present  location,  at  the  corner  of  Water  and  McDonough 
streets.  Later,  A.  J.  Hare  became  interested,  but  in  1884  the  present  pro- 
prietor took  hold  of  the  business  and  has  brought  it  up  to  its  present  flourish- 
ing condition.  The  establishment  employs  twenty  people  steadily,  and  has  a 
capacity  of  ten  to  twelve  hundred  boxes  per  day.  Mr.  Schwehr’s  trade  ex- 
tends about  one  hundred  miles  in  all  directions,  and  amounts  to  nearly  four- 
teen thousand  dollars  a year.  Much  of  the  work  is  done  by  machines  operated 
by  women  and  boys. 

J.  H.  Soncrandt  came  to  Sandusky  in  1885  and  established  a barrel  factory 
under  the  Arm  name  of  Soncrandt  & Bailey ; but  the  latter  named  gentleman 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


425 


retired  from  the  firm  recently,  and  the  extensive  and  increasing  business  is 
now  conducted  by  the  former  alone.  Mr.  Soncrandt  is  also  interested  largely 
in  a much  more  important  establishment  at  Trowbridge,  O.,  where  he  manu- 
factures staves,  heading,  etc,,  and  procures  the  material  for  the  shops  in  this 
city.  The  shop  furnishes  employment  for  thirty  men,  and  an  annual  product 
of  three  hundred  thousand  barrels  is  a fair  estimate  of  the  average  work  ac- 
complished. The  barrels  are  mostly  used  by  the  lime  men  of  Sandusky  and 
Marble  Head  Peninsula  across  the  bay.  The  deftness  with  which  each  man 
performs  his  allotted  portion  in  the  turning  out  of  a barrel  is  only  equaled  by 
that  of  the  men  employed  in  the  wheel  and  tool  factories,  where  co-operation 
in  labor,  if  not  in  net  results,  is  brought  to  perfection.  The  shops  are  located 
on  Water  street,  near  Monk’s  ship-yard.  Though  the  buildings  are  all  of 
wood,  they  are  conveniently  arranged  and  necessarily  quite  extensive.  The 
grounds  are  quite  large  also,  and  conveniently  located  with  relation  to  the 
lime-kilns  in  the  northeastern  part  of  the  city. 

Mackey  & Merrick,  Water  street,  near  Decatur,  manufacture  wooden  ware,, 
step-ladders,  clothes-bars,  tables,  etc.,  and  do  contract  work  in  wood.  Their 
factory  is  twenty- four  by  eighty  feet  and  three  stories  in  height.  The  busi- 
ness was  established  in  1887,  but  is  growing  in  importance.  Shipments  are 
made  to  Pennsylvania  and  New  York,  but  the  bulk  of  the  business  is  with 
Ohio  towns. 

Iron  and  Metal  Workers. — Portland  Boiler  Company.  In  1849N.  H.  Moore 
began  the  boiler  making  business  in  Sandusky  on  a small  scale.  The  business 
was  quite  successful  and  increased  in  volume  until  in  1883  it  was  organized  in- 
to a stock  company  under  its  present  name.  J.  F.  Kilby  is  now  president,  W. 
E.  Chapman,  manager,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  office  is  located  near  the 
factory. 

The  company  makes  a specialty  of  large  stationary  and  marine  boilers,  the 
reputation  of  which  has  been  well  established  during  the  past  forty  years. 
The  demand  is  mostly  for  steel  boilers  during  the  later  years  of  the  enter- 
prise. The  steel  is  punched  by  machinery,  but  the  riveting  is  done  by  hand. 
The  shops  are  located  on  West  Water  street  near  the  I.  B.  and  W.  depot. 

The  stockholders  have  been  very  fortunate  in  receiving  dividends,  one  of 
20  per  cent,  having  just  been  declared.  None  but  first  class  work  is  turned 
out  by  this  company. 

Cutlery  and  Gun  Factory.  J.  Ambacher,  in  January,  1868,  located  at  his 
present  place  of  business  on  West  Market,  and  began  to  manufacture  and  re- 
pair guns  and  cutlery.  He  is  a practical  workman  himself  and  the  business 
has  had  a very  steady  growth  until  at  the  present  writing  his  orders  extend  as 
far  as  California,  although  the  bulk  of  his  business  is  in  Ohio  and  surrounding 
States.  Four  men  are  engaged  regularly,  and  at  times  others  are  needed  on 
special  orders.  Razors  are  hollow  ground,  and  repairing  outside  the  regular 
line  is  done  at  times.  The  buildings  and  grounds  are  quite  spacious. 


426 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Kraaz  Plumbing  and  Gas  Fitting  Works.  Fred.  Kranz,  at  the  north  end  of 
Jackson  street  on  the  bay  shore  has  a very  extensive  and  well  equipped  estab- 
lishment for  the  manufacture  of  plumbers  goods  etc.  Everything  in  tin,  cop- 
per and  sheet-iron  work  is  done  here  at  short  notice. 

The  new  factory  is  the  outgrowth  of  a trade  established  in  1847  and  com- 
ing under  the  present  management  in  1865.  Mr.  Kranz  has  by  his  own  en- 
ergy  and  business  integrity  built  up  his  present  large  trade,  and  at  the  same 
time  improved  his  financial  resources  to  the  amount  needed  in  handling  the 
business.  Some  fifteen  men  are  kept  constantly  at  work  in  the  various  depart- 
ments of  the  business. 

Sandusky  Machine  and  Agricultural  Works  and  Klotz  and  Kromer  Ma- 
chine Company. — The  present  firm  was  incorporated  in  1870,  but  the  business 
was  begun  in  1845.  In  1877  the  consolidated  business  was  placed  in  the  ex- 
tensive shops  where  business  is  now  done  in  both  names,  at  the  old  stand  on 
Water  street  opposite  Norman  Hall. 

The  company  manufacture  marine  and  stationary  engines,  (both  automatic 
and  common)  circular  saw- mills,  ax  handle  and  spoke  lathes,  hub  and  wheel 
machinery,  wine  and  cider  presses,  hydraulic,  steam  and  hand  elevators,  a 
newly  patented  pump,  also  the  Hero  binders  and  selFrake  reaper  and  power 
corn-shellers. 

The  firm  employs  from  fifty  to  seventy  men,  and  necessarily  has  a large 
monthly  pay  roll.  The  output  in  all  the  varied  departments  of  the  industry 
amounted  in  1887  to  about  $60,000,  goods  being  shipped  over  a very  large 
part  of  the  United  States,  with  some  outside  orders.  The  Messrs.  Klotz  and 
Kromer  still  take  a very  active  part  in  the  business,  the  former  being  treasurer, 
and  the  latter  secretary  of  the  consolidated  company.  Mr.  W.  F.  Converse  is 
president,  and  F.  Rinkleff,  superintendent. 

Barney  and  Kilby’s  Foundry,  located  on  Water  and  Fulton  streets,  with 
offices  and  machine  shops  on  the  former.  This  firm  manufactures  engines, 
sugar  and  paper  evaporators,  wood  working  and  mill  machinery  and  all  sorts 
of  castings.  The  frontage  on  Water  street  is  one  hundred  and  thirty- two  feet, 
and  the  foundry  two  stories  high,  of  red  brick,  extends  back  three  hundred  and 
twenty  feet  on  Fulton,  with  a width  in  the  rear  of  one  hundred  and  ninety-two 
feet.  The  number  of  men  employed  averages  one  hundred  and  fifty  in  San- 
dusky alone,  while  many  hands  are  constantly  required  in  other  cities  to  place 
and  start  machines  and  engines. 

W.  W.  Wetherell  in  1846  established  this  business  as  a car-shop  ; afterward 
it  was  conducted  by  D.  C.  Henderson  as  a mowing  machine  factory;  after- 
wards the  business  was  conducted  with  various  modifications  by  Barney, 
Hornig  & Pringle,  and  by  Klotz  & Kromer  until  the  present  firm  was  estab- 
lished in  1876.  The  facilities  were  greatly  enlarged  by  them  until  the  annual 
product  of  the  establishment  amounts  to  three  hundred  thousand  dollars  in 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


427 


value.  Shipments  of  engines  are  made  to  all  parts  of  the  United  States,  to  the 
dominion  of  Canada  and  to  Cuba.  Considerable  work  is  also  done  for  the 
accommodation  of  people  located  in  and  near  Sandusky. 

Jacob  Buyer  established  a file-making  and  recutting  establishment  on 
Water  street  in  1869,  and  afterward  removed  to  the  present  location  on  Fulton 
near  Market  street.  He  employs  seven  men  regularly,  and  has  a trade  ex- 
tending through  Ohio,  Indiana  and  Michigan,  with  occasional  orders  from 
Pennsylvania,  Virginia,  and  several  other  States  of  the  Union.  The  annual 
sales  are  quite  uniform,  and  range  from  eight  to  ten  thousand  dollars,  with 
indications  of  an  increase  in  the  near  future. 

OTHER  INDUSTRIES. 

Sandusky  Lime  Company.  This  company  represents  an  investment  of 
about  half  a million  dollars,  and  a decidedly  strong  combination  of  business 
ability  and  integrity.  The  following  manufacturing  plants  make  up  the  San- 
dusky Lime  Company  : The  Marble  Head  Lime  Company,  comprising  L.  B. 
Johnson  & Co.,  Daniel  Kunz,  the  Pt.  Marble  Head  Lime  Company,  and  John 
H.  Hudson,  contributes  sixteen  kilns  ; the  Olemacher  Lime  Company,  twelve 
kilns;  Gager  & Zollinger,  four  kilns;  the  Moss  Marble  Head  Lime  Company, 
six  kilns.  The  company  also  owns  three  kilns  in  its  corporate  name,  making 
forty-one  in  all,  with  a combined  capacity  of  4,500  barrels  per  day.  The  lime 
is  shipped  in  all  directions,  the  following  States  being  the  leading  markets  : 
Ohio,  Indiana,  Illinois,  Pennsylvania,  New  York,  West  Virginia,  Minnesota, 
and  the  Territories  also  receive  large  consignments  by  water  to  Duluth,  thence 
to  the  interior  by  rail.  The  company  is  officered  as  follows : president,  Hon. 
Frederick  Olemacher ; vice-president,  John  C.  Zollinger;  treasurer,  Leonard 
S.  Johnson  ; secretary,  Charles  B.  Dennis. 

The  Olemacher  Lime  Company  was  organized  in  1867  by  Fred.  Olemacher, 
and  had  then  a capacity  of  one  hundred  barrels  per  day.  Mr.  Zollinger  took 
an  interest  in  1871,  and  in  1880  William  Olemacher  and  others  became  inter- 
ested. 

Sandusky  and  vicinity  has  long  been  noted  for  its  excellent  lime,  much  of 
which  is  burned  across  the  bay  on  Marble  Head  Peninsula,  but  considerable 
quantities  are  also  burned  in  the  city.  By  the  present  combination  all  the 
leading  manufacturers  in  this  vicinity  get  a fair  share  of  the  trade,  and  the 
facilities  for  handling  the  product  are  greatly  improved.  L.  B.  Johnson  was 
interested  in  the  production  of  lime  before  the  Civil  War ; he  was  among  the 
first  to  see  the  importance  to  which  the  lime  interest  of  this  section  would 
attain. 

Most  of  the  gentlemen  whose  names  appear  in  this  connection  have  been 
long  interested  in  the  lime  business  in  one  way  or  another.  John  H.  Hudson 
and  Daniel  Kunz,  like  Messrs.  L.  B.  Johnson  and  Frederick  Olemacher,  are 


428 


History  of  Erie  County. 


old  residents  of  Sandusky.  L.  S.  Johnson,  C.  B.  Dennis  and  John  Zollinger 
represent  the  younger  element  of  the  corporation,  but  have  been  actiYely  en- 
gaged in  the  business  for  a number  of  years.  Several  hundred  men  find  em- 
ployment at  the  various  kilns,  and  a great  deal  of  money  is  disbursed  by  the 
company  at  their  principal  office  on  Water  street,  west  of  the  Baltimore  and 
Ohio  Railroad. 

Few  industries  are  doing  more  for  the  city  in  the  way  of  attracting  com- 
mercial attention  than  is  the  Sandusky  Lime  Company. 

Western  School  Supply.  This  firm  is  one  of  less  than  half  a dozen  such 
factories  in  the  United  States.  They  manufacture  school  crayons  of  pure 
white,  and  of  several  colors  ; also  railroad  crayons  and  carpenter’s  chalk.  The 
process  of  mixing  the  ingredients  is  kept  a secret,  the  entire  work  in  this  de- 
partment of  the  industry  being  performed  by  interested  parties. 

Most  of  the  work  of  crayon  making  is  done  in  the  spring,  fall  and  summer, 
on  account  of  the  inconvenience  attending  the  operation  of  drying  in  the  win- 
ter. John  Cowdery,  L.  Curtis  and  H.  Curtis  conduct  the  enterprise,  and  have 
been  very  successful  in  what  was  at  one  time  considered  a somewhat  venture- 
some enterprise. 

The  crayons  are  sold  all  over  the  United  States  and  in  many  parts  of 
Europe.  The  firm  manufactures  its  own  boxes  in  which  to  pack  the  chalk 
and  crayons.  There  are  some  thirty  men  and  eight  girls  employed  a greater 
part  of  the  time  between  March  1st  and  the  middle  of  December.  The  men 
work  mostly  in  the  box  department  and  the  girls  at  packing  and  dipping 
crayons.  The  crayons  are  moulded  in  brass  frames  containing  several  dozen 
each.  After  standing  a few  minutes  they  are  pounded  loose  with  wooden 
mallets,  and  put  away  to  dry  and  harden  before  packing  for  shipment. 

The  buildings  are  located  at  the  corner  of  Polk  and  Prospect  streets ; the 
grounds  occupy  about  half  a square.  The  buildings  are  of  wood,  large,  com- 
paratively new,  and  well  adapted  to  the  needs  of  the  business.  This  enter- 
prise was  started  in  1869  by  M.  F.  and  J.  S Cowdery,  the  former  for  many 
years  superintendent  of  schools  at  Sandusky,  and  widely  known  and  honored 
as  an  Ohio  educator. 

The  Adamantine  Company.  The  manufactory  in  which  this  comparatively 
new  compound  is  made  is  located  on  Water  street,  near  the  Sandusky  Wheel 
Company’s  building.  Messrs.  Brunck  & Marsh  organized  a stock  company  for 
the  manufacture  of  this  finish  for  ceilings,  etc.,  about  five  years  ago.  Some 
two  years  later  H.  W.  and  J.  H.  Wagenet,  with  Emil  Pusch,  bought  the  Marsh’s 
interest,  and  have  continued  the  business  since  with  growing  success. 

The  finish  is  in  high  favor  with  many  who  have  heretofore  used  alabastine 
and  diamond  wall  finish.  The  composition  is  covered  by  patents.  E.  Pusch 
is  president  and  H.  W.  Wagenet  is  secretary. 

Flavoring  extracts,  H.  A.  Lee  & Co.,  Water  street,  near  Jackson.  This 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


429 


business  was  established  in  1881  by  B.  F.  and  H.  A.  Lee,  and  purchased  in 
1885  by  the  present  firm.  They  do  a wholesale  business  with  towns  on  the 
lines  of  the  several  railroads  that  terminate  in  or  pass  through  Sandusky.  Mr. 
Lee  does  his  own  traveling,  and  finds  a market  in  Ohio  for  all  his  goods. 

The  Sandusky  Paper  Company  (not  incorporated)  is  located  south  of  the 
Lake  Shore  depot.  J.  J.  Hinde  is  president,  J.  J.  Dauch,  secretary  and  treas- 
urer, and  P.  Scanlan,  superintendent.  The  business  was  started  in  1880  by 
W.  J.  Bonn,  and  after  passing  through  various  hands  was  purchased  in  Sep- 
tember, 1887,  by  the  present  company. 

The  grounds  occupy  about  two  acres.  There  are  five  tenant  houses  on 
the  premises  besides  the  mill  proper,  which  consists  of  a stone  building  one 
story  in  height  and  forty  by  eighty  feet,  with  an  engine  house  thirty  by  thirty 
and  a frame  structure  thirty  by  forty,  two  stories  high  ; two  engines,  with  a 
combined  capacity  of  eighty  horse- power.  From  thirty  to  thirty-five  hands 
are  employed  steadily.  The  force  is  divided,  half  working  at  night  and  half 
during  the  day.  The  product  is  straw  wrapping  paper  exclusively,  and  an 
average  of  twenty-five  tons  a week  is  produced.  Most  of  the  paper  is  shipped 
east  as  far  as  Massachusetts. 

The  straw  purchased  from  farmers  goes  into  a vat  at  one  end  of  the  build- 
ing and  comes  out  in  sheets  of  paper  at  the  other  end,  where  it  is  packed  and 
carred.  The  annual  wages  amount  to  $12,000,  and  the  product  brings  in  the 
neighborhood  of  $75,000. 

Sandusky  Tool  Company.  This  is  an  incorporated  company  and  began  its 
existence  as  such  in  1869  with  a capital  stock  of  $125,000,  which  was  in- 
creased to  $150,000  later  on  for  the  purpose  of  enlarging  facilities.  The 
business  has  been  conducted  with  none  but  slight  intermissions  from  the  date 
of  its  establishment,  nearly  twenty  years  ago,  to  the  present  time. 

From  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  to  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  men 
have  found  steady  employment  here,  and  the  company  is  usually  disbursing 
from  ten  to  fifteen  thousand  dollars  per  month,  more  than  half  of  which  is  for 
labor.  The  principal  work  is  in  carpenters’  planes,  cabinet-makers’  tools, 
planters’  hoes,  awls,  etc.,  bench  screws,  handles,  coopers’  wood  tools,  and  vari- 
ous other  sorts  of  steel  and  wood  implements. 

White  beech  is  used  in  the  manufacture  of  planes  ; handles  are  made  of 
white  ash,  and  the  bench  screws  are  made  of  the  hard  maple.  From  three  to 
four  hundred  car  loads  of  timber  are  worked  up  by  this  company  every  year, 
a larger  portion  into  planes,  for  the  manufacture  of  which  they  have  a world- 
wide reputation.  Small  tool-handles  are  made  from  hickory,  of  which  thirty 
or  more  car  loads  are  annually  used.  Before  making  up,  all  lumber  is  quite 
thoroughly  seasoned  in  the  dry-houses,  a process  which,  in  the  case  of 
planes,  occupies  two  years  or  more.  Large  quantities  of  fancy  wood,  such  as 
mahogany,  rosewood,  lignum  vitae,  etc.,  are  made  up  into  croquet  balls,  extra 
55 


430 


History  of  Erie  County. 


fine  planes,  and  various  articles.  The  iron  working  department  furnishes 
plane  irons  in  great  quantities,  the  average  capacity  being  not  far  from  seventy 
dozen  a day.  Planters’  solid  steel  eye  hoes,  for  which  they  are  famed  through- 
out the  South,  are  quite  a specialty  at  this  establishment;  they  have  facilities 
for  making  about  fifteen  hundred  daily.  Small  awls,  gouge  chisels,  saws,  etc., 
are  turned  out  in  sets,  which  are  put  up  in  wooden  pocket  cases,  and  sold  in 
great  quantities  to  the  trade. 

The  grounds  for  manufacturing  purposes  occupy  about  five  acres  adjoin- 
ing the  city  water  works  lot  at  the  east  end  of  Market  street.  The  main  build- 
ing is  three  stories  in  height,  sixty  by  one  hundred  and  sixty  feet,  with  a wing 
twenty-two  by  one  hundred  feet,  in  which  the  immense  two  hundred  horse- 
power engine  and  the  mammoth  boilers  are  located.  The  iron  and  steel  de- 
partment occupies  a grinding  room  forty  by  sixty  feet,  an  iron  working  room 
fifty  by  one  hundred  and  four,  and  hoe  finishing  department  twenty-two  by 
one  hundred  and  thirty- six  feet.  The  warehouse  is  twenty- four  by  eighty 
feet,  two  stories  in  height.  There  is  a packing  and  storage  building  two  stories 
in  height,  twenty-four  by  sixty  feet,  with  a wing  sixteen  by  sixty,  and  five 
timber  sheds  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred  and  sixteen  feet  long  by 
thirty  feet  wide.  The  office  and  other  minor  buildings  occupy  various  por- 
tions of  the  grounds.  The  lumber  is  mostly  moved  on  small  hand-cars,  pushed 
over  wooden  tracks  that  reach  all  parts  of  the  grounds. 

The  machinery  of  the  various  departments  is  necessarily  very  complicated, 
and  many  of  the  devices  made  by  the  workmen  of  the  establishment  from  time 
to  time  are  very  ingenious,  performing  work  that  at  first  thought  would  seem 
impossible  except  by  hand.  Nearly  half  a million  feet  of  lumber  is  used  an- 
nually by  the  company  for  packing-boxes  in  which  to  ship  the  various  imple- 
.ments  turned  out  of  their  extensive  establishment. 

The  president  of  the  company,  Mr.  Mozart  Gallup,  is  an  old  and  honored 
resident  of  Sandusky,  and  is  familiar  from  long  experience  with  the  duties  of 
his  position  and  the  details  of  the  business.  Mr.  Gallup  is  also  the  manager 
and  treasurer.  He  came  to  Ohio  from  Massachusetts  in  the  year  1844,  and 
has  been  connected  with  the  present  company  since  1880,  having  come  to  it 
from  the  extensive  handle  factory  of  James  Woolworth,  lately  moved  to  Ken- 
tucky. His  son,  Frank  M.  Gallup,  recently  chosen  secretary,  has  been  long  a 
resident  of  Sandusky.  He  is  a practical  business  man,  and  quite  valuable  to 
the  business. 

J.  A.  Montgomery,  in  1869,  accepted  the  position  of  superintendent  of 
machinery,  thus  being  with  the  company  from  the  beginning  of  its  career. 
Messrs.  George  A.  Church,  foreman  of  the  wood  working  department,  and  H. 
H.  West,  in  charge  of  the  manufactured  tools  and  shipping  department,  have 
served  faithfully  since  1870,  and  are  still  in  the  emphoy  of  the  company.  This 
establishment,  like  a number  of  others  it  has  been  our  privilege  to  describe  in 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


431 


these  pages,  brings  large  amounts  of  money  to  Sandusky  and  takes  little  or 
none  away.  The  great  value  of  such  plants  to  a city  needs  no  e.xplanation. 
The  products  of  this  industry  find  a market  in  our  own  States,  in  Europe,  Au- 
stralia and  South  America. 

The  G.  B.  Hodgman  Manufacturing  Company  (Incorporated).  This  im- 
mense wood  working  establishment  began  operations  under  the  present  organ- 
ization in  September,  1885.  The  officers  are  G.  B.  Hodgman,  president,  O. 
A.  Knight,  vice-president,  and  Henry  Knight,  secretary.  The  firm  manufac- 
tures general  cooperage  supplies,  but  lists  as  specialties  syrup,  lard  and  pickle 
packages,  butter  tubs  and  patent  hoops. 

Twenty  acres  are  used  in  the  business  and  the  buildings  comprise  a ware- 
house thirty-one  by  three  hundred  and  forty-five  feet ; saw- mill  thirty  by 
one  hundred  and  sixty-five  feet ; band  factory  thirty  by  two  hundred  and 
thirty-six  feet;  cooper-shop  thirty  by  eighty  feet;  stables  thirty-two  by  seventy- 
two  feet ; blacksmith  and  wagon  shop  each  two  stories  in  height.  They  have 
a brick  engine  and  boiler  room,  their  engine  being  an  automatic  with  a forty- 
eight  inch  stroke,  the  diameter  of  the  cylinder  is  twenty-two  inches.  The 
saw- mill  and  factory  are  heated  by  steam  and  lighted  with  the  Edison  incan- 
descent light,  the  company  owning  its  own  generator  and  lighting  apparatus. 
There  are  six  stock  warehouses,  the  first  tvventy-four  by  one  hundred  and  fifty- 
six  feet,  the  second  and  third  each  ten  and  one-half  by  three  hundred  and 
seventy-five  feet,  the  fourth  twenty- four  by  three  hundred  and  thirty-six  feet, 
the  fifth  ten  and  one-half  by  four  hundred  feet,  the  sixth  twenty  by  two  hun- 
dred and  twenty- five  feet,  each  of  these  buildings  one  story  in  height.  Two 
steam  dry  kilns,  sixteen  by  twenty- two  and  twenty- two  by  twenty-eight  feet 
respectively.  Owing  to  the  bulky  nature  of  their  products  the  firm  found  it 
necessary  to  build  cars  specially  adapted  to  their  shipping  requirements. 
These  cars  are  owned  by  the  firm  and  handled  b}-’  the  railroad  companies  on 
much  the  same  terms  that  the  refrigerator  cars  are  run  for  the  large  western 
meat  shipping  establishments.  The  shipments  of  this  company  cover  a very 
large  portion  of  the  United  States,  and  the  products  enjoy  an  excellent  repu- 
tation. The  proprietors  are  well  known  for  business  integrity  and  thorough- 
ness. About  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  men  are  employed  the  year  around 
in  the  establEhment  here,  and  the  business  of  course  gives  employment  to  a 
great  Hiany  others  in  the  pineries,  where  they  own  a saw- mill  for  preparing 
the  lumber.  The  auxiliary  mill  is  at  Lenox,  Mich. 

In  1887  was  commenced  the  manufacture  of  long  bridge  and  special  bill 
timber,  for  which  they  have  a large  and  growing  demand.  Mr.  Hodgman,  the 
president,  commenced  the  present  line  of  business  alone  in  1877,  and  contin- 
ued it  with  marked  success  until  the  stock  company  was  organized  in  1885,  as 
mentioned  above. 

Kilbourn  & Company,  on  Water  street,  east  of  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio 


432 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Railroad,  conduct  one  of  the  large  cooperage  establishments  of  Sandusky. 
On  their  lot,  which  is  eight  by  twelve  rods,  are  two  buildings,  the  factory 
proper,  twenty  eight  by  ninety-six  feet,  and  the  warehouse,  thirty  by  one 
hundred  and  twenty-six  feet,  besides  numerous  sheds,  etc.,  for  storing  stock. 

Their  principal  work  is  in  fish,  syrup  and  pickle  packages,  which  are  sold 
in  a dozen  or  more  surrounding  States.  They  employ  on  an  average  twenty- 
two  men.  A branch  establishment  is  conducted  at  San  Francisco.  This  bus- 
iness was  established  in  1878  by  the  present  firm.  It  is  the  intention  of  the 
proprietors  to  enlarge  their  facilities  in  the  near  future. 

Ship  Yard  and  Dry  Dock.  J.  E.  Monk,  some  thirteen  years  ago,  estab- 
lished a ship  yard  at  the  north  end  of  Meigs  street,  on  the  bay.  Mr.  Monk 
was  a practical  builder,  having  worked  as  long  for  others  in  the  city  prior  to 
the  establishment  of  his  present  enterprise  as  he  has  since  for  himself  Some  fine 
work  has  been  turned  out  in  this  yard,  and  a great  deal  of  general  repairing  is 
being  done  all  the  time;  fifteen  or  twenty  men  are  kept  at  work  most  of  the 
season.  The  steaniers  Ferris  and  Flayes,  the  barge  Norma,  the  tug  Mystic, 
the  General  Burnside,  Silver  Spray,  L.  L.  Rawson,  Rolland  and  other  boats, 
well  known  at  Sandusky,  were  built  by  Mr.  Monk  at  this  yard. 

Stirrup  and  Whipstock  Factory.  Mr.  H.  H.  Knight,  Monroe  street,  near 
Perry,  has  been  in  his  present  line  of  business  in  this  city  for  nearly  twenty 
years.  He  makes  all  sorts  of  wooden  stirrups  and  whipstocks,  that  are  widely 
known  among  teamsters  as  durable  and  conveniently  light.  His  goods  are 
sold  in  all  the  States  and  territories,  and  to  some  extent  in  foreign  stock  rais- 
ing countries.  Mr.  Knight’s  stamp  on  a whipstock  or  stirrup  is  the  average 
cowboy  or  teamster’s  guarantee  that  the  stock  is  superior  in  quality.  He 
makes  a cowboy  stirrup,  trimmed  in  sheet  brass,  that  is  eminently  satisfactory 
to  the  hardy  sons  of  the  plains. 

Mattress  Factory.  J.  Ricker’s  mattress  factory  is  an  establishment  of  the 
city  that,  while  it  cannot  boast  as  great  sales  as  some  establishments,  is  still 
very  widely  khown,  and  covers  a large  section  of  country  with  its  wholesale 
trade.  Over  five  thousand  mattresses  are  annually  sold  by  this  concern  to 
furniture  dealers  in  the  South  and  West.  He  was  compelled  to  enlarge  his  fa- 
cilities some  two  or  or  three  years  ago  to  accommodate  the  increasing  and 
profitable  wholesale  trade.  Mr.  Ricker  is  a practical  workman  himself  and 
employs  a number  of  men  in  his  work. 

Sandusky  Basket  Factory.  This  is  the  only  establishment  of  its  kind  in  the 
city,  and  enjoys  almost  a monopoly  of  the  large  fruit  basket  trade  of  the  sur- 
rounding vineyards,  and  of  the  peach  orchards  and  vineyards  of  Marblehead 
and  the  islands  of  Lake  Erie.  The  factory  was  started  in  1883  by  C.  W.  Koe- 
gle,  C.  Doerflinger  and  Mr.  Herder.  A year  later  the  last  named  gentleman 
retired  and  was  succeeded  by  John  Doerflinger,  a brother  of  C.  W.  Doer- 
flinger. The  firm  has  remained  the  same  since  that  time.  The  business  re- 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


433 


quires  considerable  quantities  of  timber  which  is  purchased  from  adjoining 
counties,  and  from  the  Dominion  of  Canada.  The  factory  annually  turns  out 
an  average  of  about  fifty  thousand  dozens  fruit  baskets,  and  furnishes  employ- 
ment for  some  thirty-five  persons  during  a portion  of  the  year.  The  wages 
paid  vary  in  accordance  with  the  skill  and  experience  of  the  workmen,  from 
seventy-five  cents  per  day  to  two  dollars. 

The  buildings  are  located  on  the  cove  east  of  Meigs  street,  and  are  of 
wood.  All  the  necessary  modern  appliances  for  rapid  work  are  to  be  found 
in  the  establishment.  The  engine  is  run  by  C.  W.  Koegle,  one  of  the  owners 
mentioned  above. 

MERCANTILE  AND  OTHER  BUSINESS  INTERESTS  OF  SANDUSKY. 

It  is  an  undoubted  truth  that  there  has  not  been  at  any  time  during  the 
past  life  and  history  of  Sandusky  a supply  not  fully  equal  to  the  demand  in  the 
mercantile  branch  of  trade.  As  the  old  adage  has  it,  “ competition  is  the  life 
of  trade,”  but  that  same  competition,  carried  to  an  extreme,  may  be  equally 
the  death  of  trade.  Mercantile  business,  like  any  other,  if  overdone  or  over- 
represented, results  in  stagnation,  and  stagnation  generally  results  in  failure, 
unless  the  owner  happens  to  be  sufficiently  well  possessed  of  this  “ world’s 
goods  ” to  weather  a season  of  storm  ; then  those  not  so  fortunately  circum- 
stanced must  yield  to  the  inevitable. 

The  reader  must  not  infer  from  this  that  the  city  has  been  remarkable  for 
its  business  failures,  for  such  is  not  the  case.  Its  business  houses  are  as  firmly 
established  and  as  well  conditioned  as  any  other  city  similarly  situated  ; still, 
it  appears  to  the  careful  and  disinterested  observer  that  every  branch  of  trade 
is  as  well  represented,  and  possibly  a little  more  than  that,  as  the  population 
-of  the  city  and  surrounding  country  will  warrant.  This  is,  of  course,  benefi- 
cial to  the  purchaser  and  consumer,  but  is  not  especially  profitable  to  the  per- 
son whose  capital  is  invested. 

The  impression  seems  to  have  gone  abroad  through  the  country  generally 
that  during  the  last  few  years  Ohio  has  made  rapid  strides  in  the  direction  of 
prohibition,  and  it  is  quite  generally  believed,  in  some  other  States  at  least, 
that  in  the  very  near  future  Ohio  will  be  placed  on  the  catalogue  of  the  prohi- 
bition States.  But  whatever  may  have  occurred  elsewhere  to  give  rise  to  this 
belief,  the  tidal  wave  of  prohibition  has  certainly  not  touched  the  city  of  San- 
dusky, however  much  such  an  event  might  be  desirable.  We  read  in  every 
paper  of  the  great  reduction  in  number  of  saloons  in  other  places.  Can  it  be 
possible  they  have  removed  here  from  elsewhere  ? While  it  is  by  no  means 
the  province  of  this  work  to  criticise  or  comment  upon  any  existing  condition 
of  things,  the  presence  of  over  two  hundred  saloons  in  a city  of  twenty-three 
thousand  population  is  something  unusual.  But  the  city  authorities  seem  to 
he  fully  competent  to  regulate  the  economy  of  municipal  affairs,  and  it  be- 
hooves not  this  work  to  lament  or  condemn  their  action. 


434 


History  of  Erie  County. 


When  Sandusky  received  its  first  pioneer  inhabitants  the  mercantile  busi- 
ness of  the  place,  when  established,  was  held  to  the  vicinity  of  Water  street 
and  Columbus  avenue,  and  it  was  not  until  some  years  later  that  it  extended 
to  Market  street  and  other  thoroughfares.  The  bulk  of  trade  (outside  of  man- 
ufacturing and  producing)  still  holds  to  the  old  localities,  and  maybe  said  now 
to  be  confined  to  the  streets  named,  although,  with  the  gradual  increase  in 
population,  business  enterprises  were  started  and  have  been  maintained  in 
many  sections  outside  the  recognized  center. 

Having  in  this  chapter  devoted  considerable  space  to  a mention  and  de- 
scription of  the  manufacturing  and  producing  industries  of  the  city,  simple 
justice  demands  that  there  be  made  some  notice  of  the  mercantile  interests  and 
of  those  who  are  engaged  therein  ; but  it  is  impossible  to  devote  space  to  each 
individual  enterprise  beyond  a mention  in  the  general  class  to  which  each 
respectively  belongs.  And  it  is  deemed  inadvisable  for  the  intention  of  this 
chapter  to  mention  the  location  of  each  tradesman,  but  rather,  to  classify  them 
under  a general  head,  as  has  elsewhere  been  done  in  this  work,  that  the  reader 
may  gain  something  of  an  idea  of  the  increase  in  every  branch  of  trade  over 
that  done  thirty,  forty,  or  fifty  years  ago  in  the  same  territory.  And  it  is 
especially  to  be  desired  that  this  mention  will  not  be  considered  as  giving  this 
work  the  appearance  or  character  of  a business  directory,  but  that  it  will  be 
treated  as  a part  of  a record  of  the  things  that  now  exist  and  as  they  exist. 

In  1888  it  is  found  that  there  are  engaged  in  business  pursuits  as 

Agricultural  Implement  Dealers. — Arend  Bros.  (Charles  H.,  August  H.  and 
William  G.),  Jacob  Arend,  Sanderson  & Foster,  Rinkleff  & Taubert  (George 
M.  Rinkleff 'and  Lewis  J.  Taubert),  T.  B.  Taylor  & Co.  (Thomas  B.  and  Den- 
nis G.  Taylor). 

Bakers. — Herman  F.  Cluever,  Frank  Conrad,  Frank  Frank,  Glahn  & In- 
gwersen,  Jacob  Kanzler,  William  Kreutsinger,  William  Krysinger,  John  B. 
Newmeyer,  George  Prestler  & Son,  Anthony  Schaefer,  Andrew  Schott. 

Booksellers  and  Stationers. — J.  L.  Bonn  & Son,  Joseph  Eisner,  Julius  Eck- 
ener,  William  Hamilton,  H.  C.  Huntington  & Co. 

Boot  and  Shoe  Dealers. — Conrad  Braun,  Cable  Bros.,  H.  W.  Curth,  Bern- 
hard  Esch,  Frederick  Federer,  John  A.  Feuerstein,  Christian  Frey,  Geideman 
& Homegardner,  Isaac  Grasgreen,  Michael  Heinzerling,  George  Held,  Paul 
Herter,  Klieger  & Parsons,  Oswald  Link,  Joseph  Leitzinger,  George  Mayer, 
George  Oberer,  P'rank  Pietschmann,  William  M.  Rhode,  John  L.  Rieger,  Her- 
man Roth,  Ambrose  Schnell,  Theodore  Schneider,  Carl  Schultz,  Michael  Sil- 
bersack,  Christian  Stubig,  A.  W.  Tamm,  Jacob  Wiederkehr. 

Crockery,  China  and  Glassware. — Geo.  Marshall  & Co.,  William  Schoene- 
mann. 

Cigars  and  Tobacco — Jacob  H.  Bauer,  John  C,  Bickel,  Andrew  Diehl,  Jacob 
Dietz,  E.  J.  Fay,  D.  Frohman  & Son,  David  Hart,  Andrew  Kreimes,  J.  F.  Les- 


The  City  of  Sandusky, 


435 


VTr. 


ser,  Christian  Linker,  Joseph  Loth,  Harry  Molyneux,  Martin  Otner,  August 
Reinheimer,  Frank  A.  Riedy,  Henry  Ritter,  A.  E.  Ross,  Joseph  H.  Schade, 
George  Stahl,  Jacob  H.  Stein,  Charles  F.  Wetterer. 

Clothiers. — J.  L.  Hudson,  Jacob  Kronthal,  Joseph  Kronthal,  M.  & A.  Leb- 
ensburger,  McFall  Bros.,  Schnaitter  & Buderus. 

Coal  Dealers. — C.  E.  Black,  Browning  & Kelham,  M.  Callan  & Son,  E.  Col- 
ley & Son,  Frederick  Groch,  Daniel  Hoffman,  Johnson,  Kunz  & Co.,  North- 
western Coal  Sz  Stone  Exchange,  The  Sandusky  Coal  Company,  Daniel  Schaf- 
fer, William  J.  Von  Seick,  Wehrle  & Hunt,  J.  G.  Zeigler  & Son. 

Confectioners. — William  A.  Anderson,  Joseph  Bordonaro,  Martin  Boysen, 
Peter  Ebner,  L.  Seymour,  Harry  Hoffman,  Samuel  Meyers. 

Daily  Markets. — Fred.  Bumgartel,  Gottlob  Bentel,  Mrs.  John  Biglin,  Martin 
Cecil,  Dempsey  & Son,  William  Diebold,  William  Farrell,  Joseph  Gundlach, 
William  Haecker,  Jacob  Hardy,  Daniel  E.  Hartung,  John  Hecker,  Kelly  Bros., 
George  Napp,  Kuehler  Bros.,  Charles  Linder,  Jay  Littleton,  Conrad  Margard, 
Fred  Mayer,  Martin  Murschel,  Charles  Rittman,  William  Schneider,  W.  B. 
Schneider,  Speigel  Bros.,  Joseph  A.  Stoll,  Tritschler  & Smith,  D.  Wolf  & Son, 
Constantine  Zipfel. 

Druggists. — Arnold  & Henkelman,  Lewis  A.  Biehl,  James  H.  Emerich,  W. 
A.  Graham,  J.  C.  Hauser,  F.  R.  Lange,  Charles  A.  Lehrer,  Melville  Bros.,  J. 
Pape,  G.  A.  Wildenthaler  & Co. 

Dry  Goods  Dealers. — Brand  & Fox,  J.  F.  Bredbeck  & Co.,  William  Brehm, 
Carl  Ebert,  Joseph  Eby,  John  M.  Fox,  Mrs.  Nellie  Glover,  Mrs.  Lottie  Gras- 
green,  N.  H.  Hammond,  Harris  & Schumacher,  Frank  Hess,  Adolph  Hoff- 
man, August  M.  Koegele,  Powers  & Zollinger,  L.  Schuefler,  Stein  Bros., 
Edward  Weis,  Wm.  T.  West,  E.  H.  Wilcox,  Christ.  Wolf,  A.  Zerbe  & Son. 

Fancy  Goods  and  Notions. — Louis  Cohn,  N.  H.  Hammond,  Kugel  Bros., 
Paul  Westerhold. 

Flour  and  Feed  Stores  and  Mills. — T.  C.  Adams,  Dwelle  & Williams,  Ker- 
ber  & Son,  James  D.  Lea,  T.  L.  McEwen,  Anthony  Pietschman,  F.  Pope  & Co., 
Frank  Rosino,  Fred.  W.  Thomas. 

Fruit  Dealers. — Pfranklin  & Co.,  Scheufler  & Curth,  P'albot  & Freeman. 

Furniture  Dealers. — J.  C.  Butler  & Co.,  Deek  & Andus,  J.  Krupp  & Son, 
J.  B.  Mayer,  Jacob  Murchel,  Ruff,  Son  & Kugler. 

Furnishing  Goods. — John  R.  Goosman,  J.  L.  Hudson,  George  Knopf,  Jacob 
Kronthal,  Joseph  Kronthal,  W.  V.  Latham  & Co.,  M.  & A.  Lebensburger,  Mc- 
Fall Bros.,  C.  H.  Muenscher,  Schnaitter  & Buderus,  Charles  F.  Stein,  Christian 
Wiedel,  Jacob  Witzel. 

Grain  Merchants. — J.  A.  Closser  & Co.,  John  H.  Hudson,  Frederick  W. 
Thomas. 

Grocery  and  Provision  Dealers. — Louis  Altstatter,  William  Barz,  Biehl 
Bros.,  Philip  Bing,  J.  L.  Bonn  & Son,  H.  P.  Breining,  Herman  Bremer,  Buyer 


436 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Bros.,  Claussen  Bros.,  E.  N.  Curth,  Charles  Dahnke,  John  R.  Davis,  George 
Dressel,  W.  Eberle,  Daniel  Ennis,  Adolph  Ernst,  Mary  Feick,  George  Ferback, 
Michael  Fischer,  JohnVV.  Flickinger,  Mary  Fuchs,  Mrs.  F.  J.  Gehri,  Gfroehr  & 
Arnold,  John  F.  Ging,  Erich  Hartman,  F.  E.  Hastings,  August  Heiberger, 
Anthony  Herbert,  Mrs.  L.  Jackson,  Frederick  Kade,  Albert  Kerber,  Lorenz 
Kerber,  Frederick  Knopf,  Mrs.  P.  Kominger,  George  Lehr  & Co.,  Conrad  Leon- 
hiser,  Lewis  & Dwelle,  Mrs.  Bridget  Lotz,  Daniel  McCarthy,  Michael  McKer- 
nan,  F.  W.  Marquart,  George  Marquart,  John  Myer,  Henry  Miller,  J.  O.  Nichols 
& Co.,  Adam  Oehm,  Otto  Pape,  Hienry  Pfeil,  Ulrich  Rau,  F.  C.  Reyberg,  Ed- 
ward F.  Rentier,  Robertson  & Co.,  John  B.  Sartor,  C.  W.  Schade,  Joseph 
Schoefler  & Son,  Philip  Schmidt,  William  Schoenerman,  Mrs.  John  Seibel,  Silva 
& Newbaurer,  Mary  A.  Smith,  William  R.  Smith,  Charles  Speigel,  Paul  Sprau, 
Paul  Sweissinger,  William  R.  Talbot,  Lewis  F.  Taubert,  Thiene  & Son,  Mrs. 
Caroline  Walter,  J.  C.  Whetstone  & Son,  J.  Whitworth  & Co.,  Wiehman  & Sons, 
Jacob  Weidmer,  B.  PP  Weigel  & Son. 

Hardware  and  Cutlery  Dealers. — Arend  Bros.,  Jacob  Arend,  Barney  & Co., 
Sanderson  & Foster,  Butts  & Whitworth,  Rinkleff  & Taubert,  Mattern  Bros. 

Hats  and  Caps. — John  R.  Goosman,  J.  L.  Hudson,  C.  C.  Keech,  George 
Knopf,  M.  & A.  Lebensburger,  McFall  Bros.,  C.  H.  Muenscher,  Charles  P. 
Stein,  Jacob  Weitzel. 

Lnniber  Dealers. — E.  R.  Ayers  & Co.,  Eureka  Lumber  Company,  Gilcher  & 
Schuck,  Haws  & William,  R.  B.  Hubbard  & Son,  G.  W.>  Icsman,  J.  T.  Johnson 
& Co.,  Lea,  Herbert  & Co.,  Schoepfle  & Sloane. 

Marble  Dealers. — J.  V.  Brost  & Son,  Alexander  Hornig,  Ambrose  Lieb, 
Adam  Montgomery,  Christian  Schlenk. 

Millinery  Goods. — Caroline  Cady,  Amelia  Christie,  Mamie  L,  Clark,  Louis 
Cohn,  Rose  Conley,  Caroline  Feiciler,  Mrs.  B.  Goodrich,  Nora  E.  Renehan, 
William  Schade,  Mrs.  H.  C.  Young. 

Musical  Instninients. — N.  H.  Hammond,  Albert  J.  Nusly,  Paul  Westerhold, 
Mrs.  P.  A.  Follett,  Kirch  & Rife,  B.  S.  Barrett,  J.  R.  Jackson. 

Saddlers  and  Harness  Dealers. — F.  H.  Francisco,  J.  B.  Kaeferly,  F.  R, 
Lange,  Reddle  & Weier,  Conrad  Rhode,  C.  V.  Wagner,  Franz  Wagner. 

Salt  Dealers. — E.  R.  Ayers  & Co.,  C.  E.  Black,  John  H.  Hudson,  J.  T, 
Johnson  & Co.,  Frederick  W.  Thomas. 

Sand  Dealers. — John  Homegardner,  Johnson,  Kunz  & Co.,  The  Sandusky 
Paper  Company,  T.  B.  Taylor  & Co. 

Seed  Dealers. — John  R.  Davis,  Dwelle  & Williams,  S.  E.  Hubbard,  Fred- 
erick W.  Thomas. 

Jewelers  and  Silvei'ware  Merchants. — Henry  Dehnel,  Julius  Erckener,  N. 
H.  Hammond,  Charles  Heimburg,  George  D.  Lewin,  Lewis  M.  Lea,  C.  L.  Mat- 
thews, Albert  J.  Nusly,  Paul  Westerhold. 

Stone  Dealers  and  Producers. — Ira  T.  Davis,  John  Homegardner,  N.  W.  Coal 


The  City  of  Sandusky. 


437 


and  Stone  Exchange,  Ohlemacher  Lime  Company,  Michael  Callan,  Kunz  & 
Johnson,  David  McGory,  O’Donnell  Bros.,  Charles  Schoepfle. 

Stoves  and  Timvare. — B.  F.  Ferris,  Groff  & Hosfeld,  Mattern  Bros.,  J.  Mertz 
& Sons,  Rickert  Bros.,  Charles  Ross,  jr.,  John  Schuefler,  Peter  Sherer. 

MercJiant  Tailors. — Louis  Deitz,  Valentine  Heim,  Moritz  G.  Hopf,  W.  V. 
Latham  & Co.,  Charles  Miller,  Malachi  Nolan,  J.  P.  Pfell,  Schnaitter  & Bu- 
derus,  William  Seitz,  Jacob  Smith,  Ambrose  Volk,  Christian  Weidel. 

Undertakers. — Agsten  & Bernard,  Deck  & Andreas,  J.  Krupp  & Son,  Ruff, 
Son  & Kugler. 

The  above  by  no  means  represents  the  entire  mercantile  business  of  San- 
dusky, as  there  are  many — hundreds — engaged  in  some  branch  of  trade  or  pro- 
duction that  might,  in  a measure,  be  classed  as  mercantile,  while  strictly  speak- 
ing it  is  not  such,  and  it  would  be  absolutely  impossible  to  make  an  individual 
mention  of  the  name  of  each  person  engaged  in  any  trade,  business  occupation 
or  calling;  such  Ts  not  the  purpose  of  this  chapter,  nor  would  it  be  desirable  so 
to  do. 

But  there  are  other  classes  of  occupations  that  go  to  make  up  the  business 
interests  of  the  city  that  are  not  mercantile,  but  are,  nevertheless,  worthy  of 
mention  in  this  connection.  Of  barber  shops  the  city  has  twenty;  saloons,  over 
two  hundred  ; billiard  rooms,  fifteen  ; boarding-houses,  fourteen. 

Of  surgeon  dentists  there  are  the  following:  Drs.  Chandler  & Son,  A.  F. 
Miller,  Clarence  D.  Peck,  C.  T.  Stroud  & Son,  Charles  Stroud,  Edgar  T.  Waye. 

Of  insurance  agents:  J.  A.  Falk,  Harry  B.  P'inch  & Co.,  Theodore  Gerald, 
Rosenbaum  & Boslaw,  U.  T.  Curran,  Fannie  G.  Spencer,  H.  F.  Spencer,  Wag- 
enet  & Davis. 

Of  photographers:  Willard  A.  Bishop,  Charles  A.  Cross,  J.  M.  Lloyd,  C.  J. 
Pascoe,  Clayton  W.  Platt. 

Hotels. — From  the  time  that  Cyrus  W.  Marsh  remodeled  his  dwelling  and 
converted  it  into  a “ public  house,”  there  has  been  no  lack  of  hotel  accommo- 
dations in  Sandusky.  As  can  be  said  of  every  branch  of  trade  can  be  said  of 
the  hotel  business,  that  it  has  kept  even  step  with  the  times  and  the  constant 
growth  in  population.  Of  the  hotels  of  Sandusky  to-day  there  are  eighteen 
well  located,  well  appointed  and  well  conducted.  They  are  the  Bing  House, 
at  No.  735  Market  street;  the  Colton  House,  a large  stone  hotel  at  the  corner 
of  Water  and  Lawrence  streets,  Harry  Colton,  proprietor;  the  Germania 
House,  at  935  Market  street;  the  Grosser  House,  at  303  North  Depot  street; 
Grau’s  Hotel,  corner  North  Depot  and  Lawrence  streets;  the  Hoelzer  House, 
No.  212  Wayne  street,  George  Schaeber  proprietor;  Kunzmann’s  Hotel,  Nos. 
125-127  Jackson  street,  August  G.  Kunzmann,  proprietor;  the  Lake  Shore 
House,  No.  317  North  Depot  street;  the  Lake  View  House,  corner  of  Water 
and  Hancock  streets;  the  Mansfield  House,  No.  627  Water  street,  J.  A.  Mans- 
field, proprietor;  the  National  House,  corner  of  Market  and  Wayne  streets  ; 

56 


438 


History  of  Erie  County. 


the  New  Lake  House,  at  the  corner  of  Water  and  Wayne  streets,  on  the  site  of 
Marsh’s  Steamboat  Hotel,  the  first  in  the  town,  Voltaire  Scott  proprietor;  the 
Robert  Blum  House,  130  Tiffin  avenue,  Richard  Reigger  proprietor;  the  San- 
dusky House,  125  Decatur  street,  Thomas  Hess  proprietor  ; the  Schlenk  House, 
823  Market  street,  Solomon  Schlenk,  proprietor  ; Sloane  House,  Washington 
Row  and  Columbus  avenue,  Captain  A.  W.  Powers  lessee;  the  West  House, 
Columbus  avenue  and  Water  street,  Colonel  E.  Geohegan  manager,  W.  T, 
West  & Co.  proprietors  ; the  Wiedeman  House,  corner  of  Market  and  Decatur 
streets,  John  M.  Wiedeman,  proprietor. 

Of  the  hotels  above  named  there  are  two,  at  least,  worthy  of  especial  notice. 
The  West  House  was  built  originally  for  business  purposes,  and  fitted  up  for 
hotel  purposes  in  the  year  1858,  by  W.  T.  and  A.  K.  West.  It  is  a substantial 
and  fine  appearing  stone^  building,  five  stories  in  heighth,  with  a frontage  on 
Columbus  avenue  of  two  hundred  and  sixteen  feet,  and  on  Water  street  of  one 
hundred  and  thirty-five  feet.  On  the  first  or  ground  floor  there  are  commo- 
dious offices  and  rooms  for  all  hotel  purposes.  The  West  House  has  rooms 
sufficient  for  two  hundred  guests,  and  is  a thoroughly  first-class  hotel  in  every 
respect. 

The  Sloane  House  was  built  during  the  year  1880,  by  Hon.  Rush  R.  Sloane. 
The  building  is  of  brick,  four  and  five  stories  high,  and  has  an  extensive  front 
on  Washington  square  (200  feet),  and  a depth  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet. 
This  hotel  will  furnish  accommodations  for  one  hundred  and  fifty  person.  The 
present  proprietor  of  the  Sloane  House  is  Captain  A.  W.  Powers,  a “Yankee” 
by  birth,  and  a thoroughly  competent  landlord.  His  title  of  “Captain”  was 
justly  earned  by  his  service  in  one  of  the  first  regiments  that  entered  the  service 
from  Massachusetts. 


CHAPTER  XXL 
HISTORY  OF  BERLIN  TOWNSHIP. 

An  almost  universal  custom  prevailed  in  the  early  history  of  Ohio  to  name 
localities  from  those  who  first  bought  or  settled  on  them.  In  this  way, 
what  is  now  called  Berlin,  was  named  Eldridge,  from  one  of  its  original  pro- 
prietors. In  1832  it  was  changed  by  the  commissioners  of  Huron  county,  of 
which  it  was  then  a part.  About  this  time  some  of  the  territory  of  Vermillion 
was  added  to  its  northern  boundary,  extending  it  to  the  lake  shore,  and  giving 
it  a coast  of  several  miles,  thus  making  it  a township  of  great  possibilities.  In 
looking  over  a map  of  Erie  county,  the  mind  would  naturally  ask,  “ which  of 
these  townships  is  sure  to  progress  most  rapidly  ? and,  of  course,  a preference 


Berlin  Township. 


439 


would  be  given  to  those  with  a coast  line;  then  taking  all  that  lie  upon  the  lake, 
how  can  anyone  predict  a greater  success  of  one  than  of  the  others?  Yet  one 
will  often  far  outstrip  the  rest  and  attract  to  it  from  the  beginning,  those  with 
a spirit  of  enterprise  that  would  fail  to  be  drawn  elsewhere. 

When  the  subject  of  its  name  came  up  for  discussion,  there  had  been  sun- 
dry rumors  concerning  the  integrity  of  Mr.  Eldridge,  who  seems  to  have  been 
a pleasant  gentleman,  who  had  purchased  the  eastern  half  the  township  as  a 
speculation,  and  was  ruined  by  the  taxes  that  rested  on  unimproved  lands  as 
heavily  as  those  that  were  cultivated.  Rumors  came  from  the  East  that  he  had 
tried  to  redeem  his  credit  by  forgery,  and  these  rumors  were  only  too  readily 
believed  by  those  who  looked  upon  a land  speculator  with  distrust.  It  was  just 
at  the  time  of  the  Milan- Berlin  treaty,  and  when  the  commissioners  wished 
the  name  changed,  Noah  Hill  suggested  that  as  there  was  a Milan,  why  not 
have  a Berlin. 

The  township,  as  at  first  surveyed,  was  five  miles  square,  and  was  afterward 
enlarged  by  the  lake  front.  The  surface  is  level  (except  where  small  valleys 
are  formed  by  the  streams)  from  the  lake  to  the  Ridge,  where  it  rises  from  fifty 
to  one  hundred  feet,  and  then  extends  southward  as  level  as  before.  It  is  be- 
lieved by  scientific  geologists  that  this  ridge  represents  what  was  once  the  shore 
line  of  the  lake.  It  extends  through  the  township  from  northeast  to  southwest, 
and  in  one  place  called  the  “pinnacle,”  the  base  of  the  bluff  is  sixty  feet  above 
the  level  of  the  lake,  and  its  slope  presents  three  distinct  terraces  or  shore  lines, 
at  heights  of  one  hundred,  one  hundred  and  fifty  and  one  hundred  and  ninety- 
five  feet  above  the  lake,  each  indicating  a period  of  subsidence. 

Timber  was  abundant,  and  consisted  of  various  kinds  of  oak,  chestnut  and 
white  wood;  of  the  latter,  this  township  has  supplied  more  than  any  other  in 
the  fire-lands.  The  eastern  part  of  the  northern  division  was  most  heavily  tim- 
bered. 

The  soil  is  generally  sandy,  though  the  northern  is  lower  and  has  a clayey 
soil.  There  are  four  marshes  in  the  township,  of  which  two  have  been  re- 
claimed, and  the  other  two  are  expected  to  be.  Sandstone  abounds,  and  half  a 
dozen  quarries  have  been  opened  and  worked  at  different  times.  Erom  these 
large  quantities  have  been  shipped,  and  the  home  market  supplied  with  grind- 
stones, and  material  for  building. 

Salt-licks  extended  parallel  with  the  ridge,  and  were  the  general  resort  for 
deer  in  the  days  of  savage  life.  These  animals  came  in  large  numbers  and 
wore  a path  that  afterward  separated  the  lands  of  Nathan  Tuttle  and  Ezekiel 
Sayles.  During  the  dry  season  the  surface  of  the  licks  is  covered  with  an 
efflorescence  of  salt  deposit,  that  is  very  marked.  In  the  early  times  when 
salt  was  expensive  and  difficult  to  procure,  the  settlers  dug  a pit,  into  which 
they  sank  a section  of  a hollow  tree,  and  took  from  this  reservoir  the  water 
from  which  they  made  salt.  The  belief  in  the  value  of  this  salt  spring  was  so 


440 


History  of  Erie  County. 


strong  in  the  miad  of  its  first  proprietor,  Fosdick,  that  he  refused  to  sell  the 
adjacent  land  for  many  years.  Later,  Prof.  B.  L.  Hill  and  others,  made  explo- 
rations for  it,  but  were  unable  to  find  it,  the  floods  of  spring  had  swept  it  away. 
They  found  salt  water,  however,  and  proved  the  truth  of  the  reports  they  had 
received  from  the  early  settlers. 

Traces  of  the  mound  builders  can  be  found  on  the  farm  of  Henry  Hoak  in 
the  western  part  of  the  township,  and  covers  an  eighth  of  an  acre.  There  are 
at  present  large  trees  growing  on  it,  and  while  digging  a cellar  for  a new  house* 
a large  human  skeleton  was  found  in  a sitting  posture.  Others  have  been 
found  near  the  same  place,  and  various  kinds  of  relics,  such  as  arrow-heads, 
stone  a.xes,  and  such  articles  as  have  always  been  found  within  these  peculiar 
mounds.  Near  the  center  of  the  township,  on  a place  once  owned  by  Lewis 
Osborne,  is  another  mound  ; and  in  the  northern  part  of  the  township  is  an  old 
fortification  of  much  interest.  Hudson  Tuthill  possesses  some  of  the  relics 
belonging  to  this  people,  and  H.  L.  Hill  plowed  up  a French  hatchet  near  the 
roots  of  a large  stump.  The  tree  had  been  cut  down  over  twenty  years  before. 
It  was  very  large,  and  near  the  heart  of  the  tree  were  two  or  three  plain  hacks 
as  if  made  by  a hatchet.  Outside  of  these  hacks  could  be  counted  two  hun- 
dred and  nineteen  courses,  indicating  the  time  that  had  elapsed  since  the  marks 
were  made,  and  bringing  the  date  to  a time  parallel  with  the  coming  of  the 
French  to  settle  Canada. 

The  surface  of  the  country  in  this  township  is  beautifully  varied,  in  some 
places  high,  elsewhere  rolling  or  level,  and  in  some  places  large  bowlders  are 
to  be  found.  All  kinds  of  crops  can  be  grown  here,  and  no  richer  farming 
lands  can  be  found  than  those  of  Berlin  township. 

The  first  settlement  was  made  in  1808,  by  a party  of  adventurers,  who  had 
launched  a rude  boat  at  the  mouth  of  Walnut  Creek,  Pennsylvania.  There 
were  seven  of  these  men,  and  they  boldly  sailed  out  upon  the  lake  in  pursuit 
of  their  fortunes.  Their  boat  was  loaded  with  provision,  tools,  and  thirty  bar- 
rels of  whisky.  When  the  storms  began  to  beat  upon  them  they  reluctantly 
threw  overboard  the  liquor,  and  after  it  was  over  gathered  it  up  again. 

When  they  found  the  mouth  of  the  Huron,  the  sand-bar  kept  them  from 
getting  ashore,  and  they  were  obliged  to  dig  a channel  for  their  boat  from  the 
lake  to  the  river.  They  selected  a field  of  eighteen  acres  of  land  now  compos- 
ing the  Kline  and  Minuse  farm  in  Milan  township,  and  put  in  a corn  crop. 
After  putting  in  their  crop  and  hoeing  it,  they  left  it  to  go  for  their  families, 
leaving  an  Indian  to  guard  and  protect  it.  It  was  not  until  the  autumn  that 
they  returned,  the  men  as  before  by  boat  with  their  goods,  and  the  women  and 
children  on  horseback,  escorted  by  John  Hoak’s  father,  Henry  Hoak.  He  was 
the  oldest  of  all  the  pioneers,  having  first  seen  the  light  in  1745,  and  remained 
here  until  his  death,  living  to  a grand  old  age  and  dying  in  his  eighty-eighth 
year.  The  majority  of  this  brave  party  deserted  Huron  on  account  of  its  over 


Berlin  Township. 


441 


' flows,  and  settled  in  Berlin.  They  found  here  rich  soil  and  two  creeks  — one 
called  the  Chapelle,  the  other  “ The  Old  Woman  Creek,”  because  it  was  said 
: a squaw  had  drowned  in  it  at  an  early  date.  It  rises  in  Huron  county  and 

passes  through  the  whole  length  of  the  central  portion  of  this  township.  It  has 
! also  a West  Branch,  and  the  two  branches  have  had  at  different  times  more 
^ than  half  a dozen  saw-mills  built  along  their  course.  The  Chapelle  empties 
into  the  lake  in  Vermillion.  These  strangers  also  found  an  abundance  of  wild 
; game,  turkeys,  deer,  and  small  animals,  with  a sprinkling  of  wolves  and  bears, 

; sufficient  to  keep  them  in  a state  of  anxiety  continually.  Men  that  worked  by 
' night,  at  that  time,  did  so  to  the  music  of  the  wolves  that  barked  on  every  side. 

A Mr.  Freeman  who  settled  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  township,  had  noticed 
i that  his  hogs  came  to  the  house  badly  wounded,  and  one  moonlight  night  he 
heard  one  of  them  squealing.  He  seized  his  gun  and  flew  to  the  rescue.  A 
1 large  bear  was  carrying  off  a good  sized  hog.  The  hog  was  dead,  and  in 
: attempting  to  carry  it  over  a log  the  bear  had  stood  upon  the  log  and  was 

there  shot.  Its  meat  was  divided  among  all  the  settlers  and  was  enjoyed  as  a 
, rare  treat,  being  the  first  of  the  kind  they  had  ever  tasted. 

! A thrilling  wolf  story  is  told  of  a boy  named  Jacob  Simpson,  who  was  left 
I alone  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Fitzgerald.  The  boy  had  nothing  to  read,  and  no 
i company  but  a dog,  so,  as  the  evening  was  pleasant  he  went  out  of  doors  and 
I sat  on  a log,  howling  to  imitate  a wolf  The  dog  joined  in  the  concert,  and 
! his  voice  was  even  more  shrill  than  the  boy’s.  It  was  but  a short  time  before 
I they  heard  a reply  from  the  genuine  creature,  and  as  they  came  near  the  house 
i the  boy  ran  in  and  tried  to  coax  the  dog  to  go  with  him.  It  was  worse  than 
vain,  the  dog  would  not  stir,  and  the  pack  of  wolves  surrounded  the  house 
i and  attacked  the  dog.  This  made  the  dog  willing  to  join  his  master  and  he 
came  to  the  door  to  be  let  in,  and  so  closely  was  he  followed  by  the  wolves  that 
as  Simpson  opened  the  door  to  let  him  in,  he  nearly  caught  a wolf  at  the  same 
time.  He  fastened  the  door  and  piled  fire-wood  against  it  to  keep  them  out, 
and  succeeded  in  doing  so.  The  dog  wanted  to  get  out  again,  but  he  dared 
not  let  him  go  among  them,  and  they  remained  around  the  house  a long  time 
trying  to  get  in.  Life  had  little  time  for  pleasure  then,  all  thoughts  were  cen- 
; tered  on  getting  a living  and  avoiding  dangers. 

! The  first  town-meeting  was  held  at  Thompson’s  Mill,  April,  1817.  The 
> following  is  a list  of  those  chosen  township  officers:  Trustees,  John  Laughlin, 

, Samuel  Reed,  aud  John  Thompson;  clerk,  Henry  Brady;  treasurer,  John 
! Hoak  ; constable,  Daniel  Butler  ; lister  and  appraiser,  Lybeus  Storrs  ; path 
masters,  Christopher  Brumbacker  and  Thomas  Starr;  fence-viewers,  Jno. 
Hoak,  Samuel  Reed  ; poor-masters,  Heironymus  Mingus  and  Christopher 
Brumbacker.  All  the  voters  had  an  office,  and  some  of  them  two  offices,  after 
! the  idea  of  Artemas  Ward,  that  all  soldiers  should  be  brigadiers. 

The  first  house  is  said  to  have  been  built  by  John  Hoak,  near  the  western 


442 


History  of  Erie  County. 


line  of  the  township.  There  were  but  four  white  men  present  to  carry  up  the 
corners,  but  Silas  David,  an  Indian  chief,  who  was  a frequent  visitor  to  the 
whites,  brought  his  friends  to  the  “raising,”  and  would  not  allow  them  to 
touch  a drop  of  liquor  until  the  work  was  done.  Then  they  had  a drunken 
brawl.  One  of  them  became  so  beastly  drunk  that  the  others  built  a pen  of 
rails  around  him,  covered  him  up  and  left  him  till  the  morning  of  the  next  day. 

The  first  white  settler  was  John  Dunbar,  who  came  from  New  York  State  in 
1809,  and  settled  on  the  farm  afterward  owned  by  the  heirs  of  John  Westerlow. 
Here  he  cleared  the  land  and  built  a house,  and  was  afterward  joined  by  his 
brother,  Isaac,  who  came  with  him,  but  afterwards  built  himself  a house  near  the 
centre  of  the  township.  For  many  years  all  traces  of  the  family  have  been  lost. 
In  1810  he  was  joined  by  Perry  and  Thomas  Starr,  who  came  from  Connecticut 
in  a one-horse  wagon  to  Cleveland.  Mr.  Starr  was  a blacksmith  by  trade,  and 
used  to  follow  the  business  of  ironing  vessels  for  the  lake.  He  did  the  iron-work 
for  the  first  decked-vessel  that  was  built  this  side  of  Erie,  Pa.  It  was  owned 
by  Captain  Austin,  of  Vermillion.  Mr.  Starr  had  eight  children,  of  whom  his 
eldest  son,  William  Eldridge,  is  said  to  be  the  first  male  child  born  in  the  town- 
ship. He  and  Thomas  Starr  built  a mill  on  the  lands  since  owned  by  L.  H. 
Hill,  and  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  1810,  the  latter  built  a house  on  the  farm 
now  owned  by  J.  S.  Lowry.  A snow  fell  the  night  before  the  raising  and  he 
was  anxious  fearing  it  might  keep  every  one  away,  for  the  neighbors  lived  sev- 
eral miles  in  every  direction  ; but  early  in  the  morning  “ old  Mr.  Burdue,”  was 
on  hand  with  his  jug  of  whiskey  and  in  as  good  spirits  as  though  a June  sun 
were  shining.  When  the  building  was  up  the  whiskey  was  enjoyed  by  all  hands 
as  only  old  settlers  knew  how  to  enjoy  it.  In  this  building  the  brothers  kept 
bachelor’s  hall  for  a time  till  Thomas  was  drafted  in  1812,  when  he  went  into 
the  army  and  on  his  return  home  married  and  moved  to  the  center  of  the  town- 
ship. 

There  is  a story  told  of  “ old  Mr.  Burdue,”  which  deserves  a place  in  his- 
tory. Soft  water  was  like  money,  very  scarce,  and  this  man  had  a peculiar 
longing  for  it.  He  started  out  with  a piece  of  soap  in  his  pocket,  and  said  he 
should  travel  until  he  found  a spring  of  soft  water,  and  there  he  would  locate. 
In  the  afternoon  he  found  a beautiful  spring  and  decided  to  remain  there.  His 
orchard  was  the  first  to  bear  fruit,  and  by  some  strange  freak  of  circumstance 
a school-house  had  been  built  near  his  apple-trees,  and  the  old  man’s  life  was 
kept  in  a constant  state  of  worriment  to  guard  his  treasures.  The  boys  watched 
his  coming  and  sought  to  avoid  him,  and  many  said  he  seemed  to  them  like 
the  Evil  One  himself  as  he  chased  them  with  his  white  hair  flying  in  the  windi 
and  the  stones  flying  through  the  air. 

The  first  physician  who  came  to  this  township  was  Dr.  George  G.  Baker, 
who  came  from  Connecticut  in  1822.  He  did  not  remain  long  for  he  moved 
to  Florence  township,  where  he  remained  for  many  years,  and  then  to  Nor- 


Berlin  Township. 


443 


walk.  His  practice  was  large,  extending  far  beyond  the  fire-lands,  and  his 
success  in  treating  the  diseases  of  a new  country  was  far  beyond  that  attained 
by  ordinary  physicians. 

The  first  death  was  a tragic  affair  that  resulted  from  insanity.  The  wife  of 
John  Dunbar  had  been  ill  with  a fever,  and  her  health  was  so  shattered  that 
her  mind  was  left  in  a feeble  condition  that  resulted  in  her  throwing  herself  in 
the  fire  and  burning  herself  so  terribly  that  she  died  in  a few  hours  from  the 
effects  of  it.  This  was  in  i8i  i,  and  there  was  no  minister  that  could  be  found 
to  attend  the  funeral. 

The  first  grist-mill  was  built  by  John  Thompson.  The  first  postmaster 
was  Jeduthan  Cobb,  in  1820.  The  mail  was  then  carried  on  horseback  from 
Cleveland  to  Lower  Sandusky,  by  Robert  Wolverton,  who  afterward  ran  a 
sort  of  coach,  carrying  mail  and  passengers. 

The  first  hotel  was  built  by  a man  named  Walker  on  the  Walker  farm. 

Schools  here,  as  elsewhere  on  the  fire-lands,  were  among  the  first  objects  to 
be  attended  to  after  the  land  was  cleared  and  a house  built  for  the  family.  The 
first  school-house  of  Berlin  township  if  contrasted  to-day  with  the  ordinary 
country  school  buildings  of  the  region  would  afford  a striking  illustration  of 
the  march  of  civilization.  It  was  built  on  a farm  since  owned  by  Henry  Hine, 
and  in  the  year  18  ii  was  taught  by  John  Leland.  When  the  war  broke  out 
the  feeling  of  insecurity  made  many  of  the  settlers  leave  the  place  and  return 
to  the  East  and  the  school  was  broken  up.  The  panic  was  so  great  that  it 
nearly  cleared  the  township,  and  in  January,  1814,  there  were  only  four  fami- 
lies left. 

The  second  school-house  was  built  of  logs  covered  with  “ shake,”  on  the 
farm  of  Daniel  Butler,  in  1815,  and  the  school  was  first  kept  by  Sophia  Case. 

The  third  school-house  was  built  near  the  ” old  man  Burdue’s  ” spring  in 
1818.  It  was  sixteen  feet  by  twenty,  and  the  logs  of  which  it  was  built  were 
of  all  sizes  and  lengths,  some  running  far  beyond  the  others.  The  roof  was 
covered  with  “ shake,”  held  down  by  heavy  poles.  The  floor  was  made  of 
logs  split  through  the  middle,  with  seats  to  match,  without  any  backs.  Writ- 
ing desks  were  of  split  slabs,  supported  by  pins  driven  into  the  log  walls. 
There  were  three  windows,  with  greased  newspapers  for  glass.  One  entire 
end  of  the  building  was  occupied  by  the  fire-place,  which  could  burn  logs  of 
all  sizes.  There  was  not  a board  or  nail  in  the  house.  The  school  here  was 
opened  by  Thomas  Stevens,  who  received  ten  dollars  a month,  paid  in  farm 
produce  or  work.  In  1874  the  Central  district  erected  a building  at  a cost  of 
thirteen  thousand  dollars.  This  is  a graded  school,  and  from  the  beginning 
was  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Job  Fish,  who  taught  the  higher  grade. 

There  are  now  ten  school-houses  in  the  township,  valued  at  twenty-six 
thousand  four  hundred  dollars,  and  a single  year’s  expenses  now  are  over  four 
thousand  dollars.  The  central  district  also  supports  one  at  the  east  end,  whose 
building  cost  five  hundred  dollars. 


444 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Religion  was  early  planted  on  the  soil  of  Berlin.  Those  who  came  from 
New  York,  Connecticut,  Pennsylvania  and  other  Eastern  States,  to  make  their 
homes  in  the  far  West,  brought  with  them  staunch  religious  convictions  that 
were  not  likely  to  die  out.  The  first  person  who  was  known  to  have  “ expe- 
rienced religion,”  on  the  fire-lands,  was  Lazarus  Young,  whose  life  has  a rec- 
ord of  consistency  among  trials  that  would  test  a man’s  metal. 

The  Methodists  held  class  meetings  as  early  as  1812,  in  private  residences, 
with  occasional  preaching  from  Nathan  Smith,  Mr.  Westhich,  Dennis  God- 
dard, William  Pattee  and  Mr.  Walker.  At  one  of  these  meetings  the  following 
resolution  was  adopted  : 

“ Whereas,  Our  lots,  by  Divine  Providence,  are  cast  in  this  wilderness 
land,  where  we  are  destitute  of  the  preached  word,  destitute  of  an  able  shep- 
herd to  take  us  by  the  hand,  and  believing  it  to  be  our  duty,  as  professed  fol- 
lowers of  Christ  ; and  also  feeling  it  to  be  our  desire,  and  esteeming  it  to  be 
our  highest  privilege  on  earth  to  do  all  we  can  to  the  declarative  glory  of  God 
and  the  advancement  of  the  Redeemer’s  cause  in  the  world,  and  the  good  of 
souls  ; and  believing  it  will  most  conduce  to  this  glorious  end  to  form  our- 
selves into  a conference  state,  in  brotherly  compact,  and  thereby  mutually 
strive  to  maintain  the  glory  of  God,  keep  the  Christian  Sabbath,  watch  over 
one  another  in  love,  and  be  help  to  each  other  in  our  pilgrimage  journey,  and 
finding  ourselves  to  be  in  union  sentiments,  we,  therefore,  do  hereby  this  day 
agree  to  unite  in  brotherly  compact  in  the  best  of  bonds,  for  the  purpose  above 
named.  March  4,  1818.” 

Signed  by  Joshua  Phillips,  Robert  Wolverton,  P.  G.  Smith,  Levi  Ful- 
ler, Fanny  Smith,  Rebecca  Smith,  Luther  Harris. 

Some  of  these  met  in  Florence  at  the  residence  of  P.  Starr,  and  with  oth- 
ers of  that  township  were  organized  by  Elder  Warner  Goodale,  into  the  Bap- 
tist Church  of  Berlin.  They  held  their  meetings  at  private  residences  in  Ber- 
lin and  Florence,  with  occasional  preaching  from  Elders  French,  Hartwell, 
Hanks,  Tucker,  Abbott,  Rigdon  and  Call. 

Elder  Call  was  the  first  settled  minister  in  the  township,  and,  in  fact,  be- 
tween Cleveland  and  the  ” Indian  Land.”  He  settled  on  a farm  in  1820,  on 
lot  seven,  range  five.  Here  he  always  resided,  until  he  died  in  1861,  at  the 
advanced  age  of  eighty. 

The  Baptist  Church  was  really  founded  and  sustained  by  Elder  Joshua 
Phillips,  whose  name  was  first  to  be  signed  to  the  articles  of  agreement.  He 
was  dismissed  at  his  own  request  in  1833,  and  the  same  year  Elder  Algood 
was  secured  to  preach  half  the  time.  In  1837  Elder  Wood  preached  in  the 
same  way,  and  in  1838  Elder  P.  Latimer  was  secured.  He  became  a settled 
minister  in  1839.  In  1840  H.  C.  Sylvester  took  Latimer’s  place,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded in  1842  by  Elder  Warren.  During  his  ministry  he  engaged  the  ser- 
vices of  a celebrated  revivalist.  Elder  Weaver,  and  the  entire  township  was 


Berlin  Township. 


445 


awakened  as  never  before  or  since.  In  1844  Elder  Blake  was  called  to  be  pas- 
tor, and  that  year  the  first  Sabbath-school  was  organized.  Blake  was  suc- 
ceeded in  1845  by  Elders  Storrs  and  Bloomer,  and  in  1847  by  Henderson; 
he  in  turn,  in  1848,  by  Wilder,  and  he  by  Willoughby  in  1851.  During  his 
ministry  the  question  of  slavery  agitated  this  as  it  had  done  many  other 
churches,  and  it  passed  a rule,  by  a vote  of  seventeen  to  two,  that  no  slave- 
holder could  receive  the  hand  of  fellowship.  This  broke  the  power  of  a strong 
organization,  and  since  that  time,  although  the  first  church  in  Berlin,  it  has 
been  shorn  of  its  strength  and  influence. 

The  Congregational  church  organization  was  formed  in  1823  by  Rev. 
A.  H.  Betts  and  S.  B.  Sullivan,  with  nine  members.  Mr.  Betts  preached  oc- 
casionally until  1829.  At  this  time  they  secured  the  services  of  Everton  Jud- 
son  to  preach  one- third  of  the  time  for  two  years.  After  that  E.  Barber 
preached  a year,  followed  by  Joseph  Crawford  two  years,  who,  in  turn,  was 
succeeded  by  J.  C.  Sherwin  in  1840,  who  remained  until  1851.  He  was  emi- 
nently successful,  and  very  much  beloved  by  his  congregation  and  the  entire 
community.  He  was  succeeded  fora  short  time  by  James  Scott.  G.  C.  Jud- 
son  followed  him  in  1852  and  remained  one  year.  In  1853  John  Parlin  came, 
and  in  1854  was  succeeded  by  E.  A.  Demming,  who  remained  three  years. 
He  was  followed  by  E.  M.  Cravath,  who  remained  until  1863,  when  he  en- 
tered the  army  as  chaplain.  1864  saw  T.  B.  Penfield  filling  the  pulpit,  fol- 
lowed by  George  Candee,  from  1865  to  1869.  Sidney  Bryant  remained  but  a 
few  months,  and  was  followed  by  a year’s  pastorate  of  J.  C.  Thompson.  He 
was  succeeded  by  Henry  Brown,  whose  ministry  was  very  short.  In  1871 
Levi  Coring  accepted  the  call  and  remained  until  1874.  A.  D.  Hall  followed 
him  and  left  in  1878,  to  go  to  Japan  as  a missionary.  N.  S.  Wright  became 
stated  supply  at  that  time,  and  was  followed  by  Abner  A.  Pipes,  who  became 
stated  supply  until  1883.  Then  William  Jones  succeeded  as  a licentiate,  and 
afterward  became  settled  as  pastor  and  remained  until  1886,  when  J.  H.  J, 
Rice  took  charge  of  the  church  and  has  proved  himself  efficient  and  success- 
ful. The  church  is  flourishing  and  prosperous,  and  everything  looks  forward 
to  a future  of  more  efficiency  than  all  that  has  gone  before.  Mr.  Rice  came 
from  Oberlin,  where  he  studied  to  fit  himself  for  the  ministry,  having  pre- 
viously been  a teacher.  With  the  zeal  of  a young  man,  and  the  wider  ex- 
perience of  an  older  person,  he  brings  with  him  the  best  qualifications  to  in- 
sure usefulness. 

Strange  to  say  that  instead  of  finding  a Methodist  Church  the  first  to  be 
organized  in  Berlin,  as  is  generally  the  case  in  pioneer  life,  it  was  not  until 
1837  that  a chapel  was  built  by  them  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  township. 
Another  chapel  was  built  in  1850  in  the  western  part.  This  division  was  a 
most  unfortunate  affair,  and  created  a feeling  that  resulted  in  selling  the  west- 
ern chapel  for  a school-house.  In  1870  a brick  edifice  was  built  at  the 
57 


446 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Heights,  but  the  different  pastors  who  have  labored  in  this  field  it  is  not  pos- 
sible to  give.  The  church  has  grown  steadily  from  those  class-meetings  of 
the  early  part  of  the  century,  until  now  it  stands  on  an  assured  foundation 
as  a permanent  and  flourishing  institution. 

Nature  has  helped  man  to  start  the  industries  of  the  fire-lands.  Beneath 
the  soil  lie  the  formations  that  will  furnish  labor  and  wealth  to  untold 
numbers;  the  lake  shore  offers  fishing  and  commerce.  The  rich  soil  suggests 
farms  and  dairies,  and  it  needs  no  prophet  to  tell  what  shall  be  written  as  the 
industries  of  Berlin.  Quarrying,  fruit  growing,  dairying,  and  in  former  times 
lumbering  engaged  men’s  minds. 

Quarrying  was  begun  by  Joshua  Phillips  on  land  since  owned  by  J.  M. 
Stahl.  He  had  sold  the  land  to  Eldridge,  but  desiring  to  build  himself  a 
house,  he  reserved  the  use  of  the  stone  for  a year.  Elder  Phillips,  with  an 
eye  to  business,  secured  a large  number  of  teams  and  employed  the  hours  of 
that  year  in  getting  out  all  the  stone  that  he  possibly  could.  As  a result,  he 
had  not  only  enough  for  his  own  use,  but  was  enabled  to  supply  the  general 
■demand.  Even  then  no  one  knew  that  the  ledge  of  sand-stone,  which  crops 
out  on  the  northeast  of  the  Heights,  was  one  of  the  most  valuable  in  the  State. 
What  did  the  fact  matter  if  were  it  not  known  ? George  A.  Baillie  was  the  first 
man  to  make  this  fact  known. 

It  was  not  an  easy  thing  for  him  to  do,  for  it  required  a vast  amount  of 
work  to  clear  away  the  rubbish  and  demonstrate  that  this  desirable  stone  lay 
beneath.  There  was  a fine  gravel  bed  near  by,  and  because  of  this  the  Lake 
Shore  Railroad  was  willing  to  extend  a branch  road  into  the  heart  of  the 
quarry.  The  stone  is  of  superior  quality  and  seemingly  inexhaustible.  The 
•strata  lie  from  six  inches  to  eight  feet  in  thickness.  General  Gilmore  made 
a test  of  it  and  thought  it  would  bear  a crushing  force  of  14,250  per  square 
linch,  and  a well-known  architect,  E.  E.  Myers,  says,  “ He  regards  it  as  one 
of  the  best  sand  stones  he  has  ever  seen  or  used.”  It  is  apparently  unaf- 
fected by  changes  of  temperature,  by  acids  or  age.  There  were  four  hundred 
car  loads  shipped  to  New  York  in  1878.  There  is  another  quarry  seemingly 
as  inexhaustible  on  the  farm  of  H.  Hammond,  where  Mr.  Lowry  began  work- 
ing a few  years  since.  Grindstones  were  formerly  manufactured  to  quite  an 
extent,  but  the  business  is  now  discontinued. 

As  soon  as  they  had  cabins  to  cover  their  heads,  the  early  pioneers  began 
to  clear  lands  for  a crop,  and  then  set  out  orchards,  even  while  the  forest  trees 
were  still  standing.  No  apples  could  be  obtained  nearer  than  Canada,  which 
seemed  much  farther  distant  then  than  now,  when  boats  flit  to  and  fro  daily. 
The  first  fruit  trees  were  brought  from  Canada  in  1812  by  John  Hoak  and  Mr, 
Eleming,  of  Huron,  who  went  across  the  lake  and  returned  with  a boat  load  of 
trees.  Some  of  these  are  still  growing  on  the  old  Burdue  farm  and  in  the 
orchard  of  Henry  Hoak.  There  are  three  pear  trees  still  living  that  are  im- 


Berlin  Township. 


447 


mense  specimens  of  their  kind,  one  of  them  measuring  seventy  feet  in  height 
and  eight  feet  seven  inches  in  circumference.  They  yield  constantly,  and 
average  from  thirty  to  fifty  bushels  each.  This  was  the  beginning  of  an  in- 
dustry that  has  since  made  Berlin  famous,  and  no  township  can  compete  with 
it  in  the  amount  or  quality  of  fruit  raised. 

Dairying  was  not  considered  profitable  in  the  early  years  of  this  township’s 
history,  but  after  the  establishment  of  a creamery  by  Melvin  Stone  in  1877,  a 
new  impetus  was  given  in  this  direction,  and  over  two  hundred  cows  were  de- 
voted to  this  service.  A finer  quality  of  butter  was  made  at  a much  lower 
cost,  yet  bringing  a higher  market  price.  An  abundant  stream  of  water  of 
cool,  even  temperature,  afforded  the  secret  of  the  delicious  product,  and  in 
1878  an  addition  of  a hundred  cows  showed  how  successful  the  enterprise  had 
proved.  With  the  broad  prairies  of  Ohio  for  the  cattle’s  range,  there  is  no 
reason  why  she  should  not  become  as  noted  for  her  butter  as  is  New  York. 
The  one  lack  has  been  an  even  temperature,  with  good  cellars  and  spring 
water,  which  are  now  being  supplied,  and  the  art  of  butter-making  is  sure  to 
be  carried  to  perfection.  Good  butter  now  brings  from  fifteen  to  twenty  cents 
per  pound. 

Berlin  box  manufactory,  for  making  fruit  boxes,  was  first  started  in  1865, 
and  has  been  a leading  interest.  At  first  it  was  connected  with  the  sorghum 
business,  which  began  about  the  same  time.  In  the  year  1864  ten  thousand 
gallons  of  syrup  was  made  and  the  business  continued  until  1866.  In  addition 
to  making  boxes,  barrels  for  shipping  apples  were  also  made,  and  in  one  year 
six  thousand  were  sent  out.  Two  years  later  the  box  business  had  so  in- 
creased that  all  other  interests  were  closed  out.  The  owners  have  contiimally 
added  to  their  buildings  and  increased  their  operations,  until  now  one  hundred 
thousand  feet  of  timber  are  required  annually.  This  furnishes  employment  to 
many  who  could  find  no  way  to  earn  a livelihood  were  the  box  factory  closed. 
Twenty-five  or  thirty  find  steady  work  there.  Much  of  the  success  is  due  to 
the  mechanical  genius  and  enterprise  of  its  leader,  Samuel  Patterson,  who  has 
been  with  the  enterprise  from  its  beginning.  It  is  always  a place  of  interest 
to  strangers  visiting  Berlin,  and  as  fruit  interests  increase,  this  business  must 
also  grow. 

With  all  the  glow  of  natural  advantages,  of  energetic  settlers,  of  romance 
and  fact  that  are  connected  with  Berlin,  a single  shadow  has  been  thrown  over 
it  by  the  organization  of  a Free  Love  Community.  The  originators  of  the 
affair  were  not  residents  of  Berlin,  but  came  from  States  far  rernoved  from 
Ohio,  and  only  succeeded  in  drawing  into  their  toils  a single  citizen  of  the 
place,  yet  the  atmosphere  of  their  restless  ideas  seemed  to  affect  many  who 
never  became  identified  with  it,  and  there  is  no  doubt  that  Berlin  Avas  more  or 
less  injured  by  the  contact.  A Community  was  not  established  at  first.  A 
small  nucleus  was  gathered  and  their  peculiar  tenets  taught  and  disseminated 
until  i860,  when  Point  Hope  Community  was  organized  with  twenty  mem- 


448 


History  of  Erie  County. 


bers,  and  lasted  a twelve  month.  The  same  year  another  Community  was 
inaugurated,  called  the  Industrial  Fraternity,  which  also  had  twenty  members, 
and  lived  but  six  months.  Five  years  later  the  Berlin  Community,  or  Chris- 
tian Republic,  was  started  with  twelve  members  and  six  children,  and  lived 
about  a year.  In  an  able  article  from  the  pen  of  one  of  Berlin’s  most  widely 
known  citizens,  Mr.  Hudson  Tuttle,  we  are  indebted  for  much  valuable  infor- 
mation connected  with  the  history  of  the  township,  and  from  the  same  pen  we 
quote  concerning  the  Community  in  question  ; 

“ So  far  as  testing  communism,  the  affair  was  a perfect  failure.  The  drift- 
ing to  this  section  of  so  many  individuals,  who,  to  use  their  own  phrase,  were 
‘ intensely  individualized,’  and  who  remained  after  the  complete  failure  of  their 
schemes,  has  had  an  influence  on  the  character  of  the  town.  They  engaged 
in  fruit  growing,  have  multiplied  the  small  farms,  and  added  to  the  prosperity 
and  intellectual  life  of  the  people,”  etc. 

He  then  alludes  to  a sketch  of  this  movement  taken  from  Johnson’s  En- 
cyclopedia, calling  it  a society  of  Spiritualists,  which  Mr.  Tuthill  says  was 
false,  because  many  of  the  bitterest  opponents  the  Community  had  were  Spir- 
itualists. A part  of  the  number  were  atheists,  some  believers  in  different 
creeds,  and  some  were  Spiritualists.  There  was  little  toleration  shown  the 
new  comers,  and  tradition  has  a record  of  certain  women  seizing  the  mail-bag 
and  making  a bon-flre  of  it  in  the  streets,  because  it  contained  a lot  of  their 
pernicious  literature. 

Newspapers  have  not  been  a successful  investment.  The  Bulletin  was  first 
started  in  1870  by  VV.  B.  Harrison,  and  five  years  later  F.  J.  Miles  started  the 
Index.  Besides  these  there  had  been  several  papers  started  at  different  times 
by  the  Socialists,  and  after  a brief  career  died.  The  Social  Revolutionist,  in 
1857,  conducted  by  J.  S.  Patterson,  and  is  the  first  of  which  we  find  men- 
tion. Then  followed  in  quick  succession  Age  of  Freedom,  185-8  ; Good  Time 
Coming,  1859;  the  Nczv  Republic,  1862;  the  Optimist  and  Kingdom  of 
Heaven,  1869;  the  Prizicipia  or  Personality,  1868  ; the  Nezv  Campaign,  1871  ; 
the  Toledo  Sun,  1875. 

Temperance  movements  have  not  been  successful  in  Berlin  township.  The 
circumstances  of  the  pioneers  were  adverse  to  a strictly  temperate  life.  Ex- 
posure to  variable  climate,  hardships  and  privations  had  a tendency  to  make 
men  resort  to  anything  that  could  give  temporary  relief  or  comfort,  yet  in  1851 
the  Ark  of  Temperance  was  successfully  formed  and  became  one  of  the  great- 
est helps  the  township  ever  had,  mentally  and  morally.  Mr.  S.  O.  Kellogg 
was  the  founder,  and  the  movement  grew  out  of  his  desire  to  unite  men  and 
women  in  a society  of  culture  and  social  enjoyment.  The  organization  at  one 
time  numbered  one  hundred  and  eight  in  its  membership,  and  from  its  influ- 
ence went  a force  that  resulted  in  the  formation  of  several  other  Arks,  which 
would  have  no  doubt  been  in  existence  at  the  present  time  if  they  had  been 
pushed  forward  with  any  vigor  and  enthusiasm. 


Berlin  Township. 


449 


\\ 


il 

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Before  the  formation  of  this  society  there  had  been  a regular  Sons  of  Tem- 
perance, but  it  lasted  but  a short  time  and  has  never  been  revived. 

Berlin  has  cause  for  pride  in  the  record  she  made  during  the  war  by  send- 
ing her  men  to  the  army  during  the  various  wars  of  our  country.  We  find  no 
other  township  rivaling  her  in  this  respect.  During  the  War  of  the  Revolution 
Orley  Benschoter,  Hieronynmus  Mingus,  and  Aaron  Von  Benschoter  were  sol- 
diers. In  the  War  of  i8i2  Russell  Ransom,  Nathaniel  Griffen,  Ephraim  Hardy, 
Prosper  Carey,  George  Whitney,  Joshua  Phillips,  P.  T.  Barber,  Jacob  Mingus, 
Nathaniel  Burdue,  H.  Dunbar  and  T.  Miller,  served  their  country,  and  in  the 
War  of  the  Rebellion  we  have  even  a larger  list.  William  Lowry,  Samuel  Mc- 
Gurkin,  Richard  Mulleneaux,  Curtis  Mulleneaux,  Myron  Rice,  George  Burgess, 
L.  L.  Hardy,  D.  D.  Stage,  W.  A.  Keith,  Spafford  Penny,  J.  Woodward,  Osro  J. 
Lowell,  J.  Hall,  J.  Daniels,  Elisha  Jenkins,  W.  Swartz,  Diodot  Ransom,  George 
Johnson,  S.  Seeley,  C.  A.  Graves,  E.  Hoffman,  E.  Hardy,  Fred  Huntley,  James 
Smith,  Charles  Elwood,  Henry  Elwood,  Aaron  Hall,  Lucius  Smith,  Daniel 
Weatherslow,  Oliver  Benschoter,  Frank  Bemis,  William  Bellamy. 

Berlin  township  has  three  villages  within  its  boundaries.  Berlin ville  on  the 
old  State  road  was  at  one  time  a busy  little  thoroughfare,  but  when  stage- 
coaches were  superseded  by  railroads,  it  fell  into  the  background  and  remained 
the  same  little  village  to  the  present  time,  but  without  the  life  and  bustle  of  the 
early  days. 

Berlin  Heights  has  a wide  reputation,  and  had  it  been  directly  on  the  line  of 
the  railroad  would  have  grown  much  more  rapidly  than  it  has  done.  It  has 
several  stores,  several  manufactories,  a saw-mill,  a grist-mill,  a fine  school- 
building with  graded  school,  three  churches  and  a hotel. 

Ceylon  on  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Railroad  is  directly 
north  of  Berlin  Heights,  and  grew  to  its  present  size  in  an  incredibly  short 
time.  It  has  two  stores,  two  saloons,  a hotel,  a post-office  and  a saw- mill. 
There  are  six  cemeteries  in  the  township,  one  of  which  is  being  washed  away 
by  the  united  force  of  Chapelle  Creek  and  the  lake.  The  others  are  at  Berlin- 
ville,  Berlin  Heights  and  Harpen’s  Corners. 

Incidents  belonging  to  this  history  might  be  given  sufficient  to  fill  a book, 
but  a few  connected  with  those  who  were  most  prominent  in  the  townships  his- 
tory must  not  be  omitted.  Perhaps  no  man  had  more  influence  in  shaping  the 
minds  of  the  first  decade  than  the  Baptist  Elder,  Joshua  Phillips,  to  whom  we 
have  referred  in  the  previous  pages.  He  came  from  New  York,  and  alternated 
his  labors  in  preaching,  clearing  away  the  forest  and  doing  mason  work.  His 
children  became  identified  with  the  interests  of  the  country,  and  one  of  them 
had  quite  a reputation  for  success  in  treating  climatic  diseases,  and  when  in 
later  years  he  gave  up  his  practice,  he  became  a disciple  of  Ralph  W.  Emerson 
and  Parker,  and  read  constantly.  He  industriously  collected  many  of  the  facts 
that  make  history  so  interesting  and  preserved  them  for  later  generations. 


450 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Hudson  Tuttle,  a son  of  one  of  the  early  settlers,  still  lives  at  Berlin  Heights, 
and  both  himself  and  wife  are  widely  known  as  staunch  spiritualists,  and  lite- 
rary characters.  Mr.  Tuttle  has  himself  devoted  much  time  to  writing  up  the  his- 
tory of  this  portion  of  the  fire-lands,  which  he  has  done  in  a masterly  manner. 


CHAPTER  XXII. 

HISTORY  OF  FLORENCE  TOWNSHIP. 

The  name  of  this  township  was  originally  Jessup,  from  Ebenezer  Jessup, 
one  of  the  first  owners  of  the  soil.  It  was  subsequently  changed  to  Flor- 
ence. It  is  situated  directly  south  of  Vermillion,  and  east  of  Berlin,  and  is  said 
to  be  one  of  the  most  fertile  townships  in  the  county.  It  was  first  surveyed  in 
1807,  but  was  afterward  surveyed  by  Jabez  Wright  into  lots  in  1809. 

The  surface  is  rolling,  and  the  soil  a sandy  loam  and  clay.  Fine  timber 
formerly  grew  in  abundance,  and  white  oak,  ash,  walnut,  hickory,  beech  and 
maple  were  obtained  here  in  large  quantities.  Quarries  of  sandstone  have  been 
opened  in  various  parts  of  the  township,  but  one  after  another  have  been  aban- 
doned until  the  only  one  worked  a few  years  ago  was  that  known  as  the  King 
Quarry.  This  was  peculiarly  adventitious  to  the  settlers,  as  it  supplied  them 
with  grindstones. 

Vermillion  River,  which  has  its  rise  in  a little  lake  of  the  same  name  in 
Ashland  county,  passes  through  this  township  on  its  way  to  the  lake.  There 
is  but  one  other  water-course  in  the  township;  Chapelle  Creek,  that  rises  in 
Townsend,  and  entering  Florence  from  Wakeman,  a mile  and  a quarter  east  of 
the  west  town  line,  empties  into  Lake  Erie. 

Wild  animals  were  found  here  many  years  after  the  first  settlers  came,  but 
larger  game  like  bears  and  wolves,  belonged  more  to  the  marshy  districts,  and 
were  seldom  seen  here.  Deer,  wild  turkeys  and  smaller  game  abounded.  The 
honor  of  killing  the  first  bear  fell  upon  two  of  the  best  shots  in  the  country, 
Richard  Brewer  and  Christopher  Schaeffer.  The  latter  was  out  with  his  gun 
one  evening  when  a bear  ran  across  his  path  ; as  he  raised  his  gun,  some  snow 
fell  on  it,  and  obscured  the  sight  and  the  bear  got  away.  The  next  morning 
he  obtained  the  assistance  of  Brewer  and  two  good  dogs,  and  tracked  the  bear 
into  Berlin.  Here  he  ran  into  a log  and  was  wounded  by  Brewer’s  shot,  which 
was  the  signal  for  the  dogs  to  make  the  attack.  They  were  worsted,  however, 
and  Brewer  grabbed  the  bear  by  the  fur,  and  plunged  his  hatchet  into  his  head. 
At  this,  he  loosed  the  dogs  and  rolled  over  dead.  He  was  an  unusually  large 
one,  his  flesh  on  his  sides  measuring  six  inches.  This  man  Schaeffer  was  a 
lamous  hunter  and  killed  more  bears  than  any  one  in  the  township.  He  wa.s- 


Florence  Township. 


451 


noted  for  his  success  in  deer  hunting,  and  is  said  to  have  killed  over  a thousand. 
In  one  season  he  killed  seventy. 

The  first  settlement  was  made  by  Ezra  Sprague  and  family,  who  came  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Huron  by  water  in  May,  1809,  and  then  went  to  Florence 
through  an  unbroken  wilderness.  Here  he  located  and  remained  till  his  death. 
He  was  from  that  glorious  part  of  New  England  which  poet  and  painter  have 
raved  over,  the  Berkshire  Hills.  There  is  no  reason  given  why  this  man  should 
leave  a home  amid  nature’s  beauty  to  build  up  a new  home  in  a new  country. 

The  Indians  kept  the  settlers  in  a constant  state  of  alarm  and  anxiety,  and 
from  the  year  1810  to  1815  no  new  families  came  into  the  settlement.  By  this 
time  a road  had  been  opened  from  Rocky  River  to  Huron,  and  those  who  de- 
sired could  come  by  the  land  as  well  as  water.  Indians  in  straggling  bands 
were  always  coming  and  going,  and  life  had  little  cheer.  The  slightest  reports 
of  Indians  having  been  seen  in  the  vicinity  filled  every  heart  with  alarm,  and 
when  war  was  declared  all  settlers  were  apprehensive  about  their  safety.  At 
one  time  they  determined  to  fortify  themselves  by  assembling  in  one  house,  and 
a block  house  was  selected  for  this  purpose,  but  some  of  them  thought  this 
movement  unwise,  and  the  thing  was  almost  given  up,  when  a circumstance 
occurred  that  proved  the  wisdom  of  the  measure.  One  of  them  was  moving 
his  family  to  this  house  near  sundown,  and  had  given  his  gun  to  a young  man 
with  orders  to  go  ahead  and  keep  a sharp  lookout  for  Indians,  while  he  came 
on  with  his  team  and  family. 

All  went  well  until  they  were  within  half  a mile  of  the  fortress,  when  the  re- 
port of  gun  was  heard,  and  the  young  man  came  running  back,  saying  he  had 
been  shot  at  by  two  Indians.  The  settlers  knew  from  this  that  they  might  ex- 
pect an  attack  that  night,  and  proceeded  to  do  all  in  their  power  to  protect 
themselves.  The  doors  were  barricaded,  and  women  and  children  sent  into  the 
chamber.  Those  who  had  guns  stood  ready  to  fire,  and  the  rest  armed  them- 
selves with  clubs  and  pitchforks.  In  the  middle  of  the  night  the  alarm  was 
given,  and  the  Indians  approached  the  building  swinging  fire-brands  in  their 
hands.  The  settlers  had  not  thought  of  this  mode  of  attack,  and  were  greatly 
alarmed  at  the  thought  of  being  forced  from  the  house  by  fire,  or  destroyed  in 
the  flames.  It  resulted  in  no  serious  danger,  and  as  the  young  man  who  said 
he  had  been  shot  at,  slept  all  night,  they  mistrusted  that  he  must  have  given  a 
false  alarm.  What  they  took  to  be  Indians  in  the  night,  must  have  been  sparks 
blown  by  the  wind. 

The  trials  of  those  early  years  cannot  be  estimated  by  the  citizens  of  the 
township  to-day.  Clothing,  food,  household  conveniences  were  all  meagre, 
and  barely  sufficient  for  their  needs.  They  had  no  money  but  that  made  by 
cutting  larger  money  into  pieces.  The  first  paper  money  was  Oil  Creek  bank 
notes,  of  six  and  one- fourth,  twelve  and  one-half,  thirty-seven  and  one-half, 
and  fifty  cents.  This  bank  soon  failed,  and  all  who  owned  any  money  lost  it. 


452 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Salt  was  then  worth  ten  dollars  a barrel,  and  two  hundred  pounds  of  maple 
sugar  would  purchase  two  barrels  of  salt.  Tea  was  then  worth  two  dollars  and 
fifty  cents  a pound;  homespun  woolen,  four  dollars  a yard,  and  everything  else 
in  proportion. 

The  organization  of  the  township  took  place  in  1817.  Ezra  Sprague  was 
first  magistrate.  The  first  election  was  held  in  the  log  school-house,  near  the 
residence  of  John  Brooke.  The  number  of  voters  were  seventeen. 

Schools  did  not  receive  much  attention  during  the  first  years  of  the  history 
of  the  township,  and  the  first  school-house  was  built  at  Sprague’s  Corners,  on 
land  owned  by  J.  Brooks.  The  first  teacher  was  Ruth  Squire,  and  her  school 
was  supported  by  the  parents  of  the  scholars.  This  school-house  was  after- 
wards demolished  and  rebuilt  on  the  south  side  of  the  road.  The  second 
school- house  was  located  half  a mile  west  of  Birmingham,  and  this  also  had  a 
lady  for  its  first  teacher.  There  is  a historic  account  of  her  tribulations  with 
certain  individuals  because  she  insisted  on  opening  the  school  with  prayer. 

Churches  have  been  started  at  various  times,  until  nearl}^  all  denominations 
have  been  represented  in  this  township.  The  first  meetings  were  held  at  the 
house  of  Eli  S.  Barnum,  at  Florence  Corners,  under  the  care  of  itinerant  min- 
isters. The  first  religious  society  organised  was  under  Congregational  auspices. 
This  meeting  was  also  held  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Barnum,  and  was  conducted  by 
a missionary  named  Loomis.  This  society  included  members  from  Vermillion, 
Wakeman  and  Clarksfield,  as  well  as  Florence.  The  present  Congregational 
Church  was  organized  January  7,  1832,  by  a committee  of  the  Presbytery  of 
Huron,  consisting  of  the  J.  B.  Bradstreet,  Xenophon  Bitts  and  Samuel  Dunton. 

It  had  at  that  time  seventeen  members,  and  Uriah  Hawley  was  chosen  clerk. 

The  church  building  was  completed  in  1 842,  costing  $2,01 2.  The  lot  upon 
which  it  was  located  was  donated  by  Jessup  Wakeman.  For  several  years  j 
this  church  had  to  depend  on  preachers  from  the  neighboring  towns.  In  1842 
the  first  regular  pastor.  Rev.  Eldad  Barber,  was  called  to  take  charge  of  it  and 
remained  in  charge  until  1871,  almost  thirty  years.  He  was  followed  by  Hub- 
bard Lawrence  who  remained  until  1878,  and  he  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Hale,  and  he  by  Rev.  Mr.  Wright.  The  church  never  became  very  large,  and 
fifty  years  after  its  organization  its  membership  numbered  few,  if  any  more, 
than  when  it  started. 

The  first  Congregational  Church  of  Birmingham  was  originally  presbyterian.' , 

It  was  organized  in  1838  by  a committee  of  three  from  different  townships. 
Seven  years  later  it  adopted  the  congregational  form  of  government,  but  con- 
tinued under  the  care  of  the  presbytery  until  1874,  when  it  withdrew.  Eldad 
Barber  was  the  first  preacher.  Revs.  Goodell  and  Carlisle  followed  him,  and 
he  in  turn  succeeded  them.  The  last  preacher  was  C.  C.  Creegan,  of  Wake- 
man, and  after  a time  services  were  abandoned,  and  the  building  was  occupied 
by  the  Methodist  Episcopal  society. 


Florence  Township. 


453 


The  Methodists  at  first  held  their  meetings  in  the  old  log  school-house  one 
mile  from  Florence  Corners,  as  early  i8i6  or  1817,  at  which  Rev.  Nathan 
Smith  usually  officiated.  In  the  past  fifty  years  this  society  has  grown,  and 
more  than  one  now  are  flourishing  where  this  feeble  one  started. 

There  has  also  been  a Baptist  Church  started  and  organized  as  far  back  as 
1818,  by  a minister  from  Richland  county,  Rev.  John  Rigdon.  At  the  same 
time  another  Baptist  Church  was  organized  in  Lorain  county,  when  meetings 
were  held  in  the  school  house  about  a mile  east  of  Birmingham.  The  Baptists 
from  Florence  finally  united  with  these,  and  in  July,  1837,  t>y  resolution  of  the 
church  of  Henrietta,  a branch  was  organized  at  Birmingham  consisting  of  nine 
members.  The  society  was  called  the  Henrietta  and  Birmingham  Baptist 
Church.  In  May,  1840,  this  branch  organized  into  an  independent  church. 

The  Church  of  the  Disciples  was  organized  at  Birmingham  with  forty  mem- 
bers in  1845.  It  continued  to  prosper,  and  increased  its  membership  from 
forty  to  seventy,  when  one  of  its  preachers,  Sidney  Rigdon,  became  a convert 
to  Mormonism  and  drew  off  one-half  the  church.  A building  was  erected  the 
same  year  in  which  the  society  was  organized,  costing  twelve  hundred  dollars. 
For  many  years  there  was  no  service. 

The  Evangelical  Church  was  formed  twenty  years  ago  with  a membership 
of  about  twenty.  They  did  not  build  until  1866. 

The  postoffice  was  at  Florence  Corners,  in  the  days  when  the  first  mail 
route  through  the  township  extended  from  Cleveland  to  the  county  seat  on  the 
Huron  River.  Eli  S.  Barnum  was  first  postmaster. 

The  first  store  was  opened  at  Birmingham  by  Erastus  Butler,  and  in  the  tax 
reports  of  1826  he  was  the  only  trader  mentioned.  His  capital  at  that  time 
was  eighteen  hundred  dollars.  Twm  years  later  another  name  was  added,  that 
of  Cyrus  Butler,  with  a capital  of  five  hundred  dollars.  The  year  following 
Ferris  & Wood,  of  Florence  Corners  were  assessed  on  seven  hundred  and 
fifty  dollars.  In  1830  J.  V.  Vredenburg  came  in  with  a capital  of  six  hundred 
dollars;  J.  L.  Wood  with  six  hundred  and  Charles  P.  Judson  with  seven  hun- 
dred. 

Iron  was  manufactured  in  this  township  from  ore  obtained  in  Vermillion  by 
a pioneer  of  Florence,  Cyrus  Butler,  who  was  at  one  time  owner  of  the  old  mills 
at  Birmingham,  and  had  a forge  near  his  mills.  The  works  were  carried  off 
by  a freshet. 

An  ax  factory  was  also  located  there  for  a short  time,  under  the  care  of  a 
man  named  Pratt. 

Birmingham  and  Florence  Corners  are  the  only  villages  in  the  township,  and 
the  former  has  been  a place  of  considerable  business  activity,  but  it  failed  to 
secure  a railroad,  and  has  gradually  grown  more  and  more  stagnant.  The 
quality  of  the  inhabitants  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  the  Prohibition  party 
counts  several  adherents  among  their  number,  and  it  is  said  there  is  not  a 
saloon  in  the  township. 


454 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Birmingham  has  a population  at  present  of  about  three  hundred  and  fifty, 
and  has  two  schools  well  supported.  There  is  a Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
a Congregational  Church  and  an  Adventist  organization.  The  first  is  the  only 
one  that  has  a pastor  at  the  present  time. 

A handle-factory  has  been  started  here  and  several  changes  in  a business 
way.  It  has  also  a hotel,  a blacksmith  shop,  three  stores,  one  saw-mill  and 
several  smaller  industries. 


HIS  was  originally  known  as  the  township  of  Wheatsborough.  It  was 


named  after  Mr.  Wheat,  who  originally  owned  the  greater  portion  of  it, 
and  the  name  was  afterwards  changed  by  request  of  some  of  the  inhabitants, 
among  whom  was  Nathan  Strong,  an  old  pioneer. 

The  physical  features  of  Groton  are  not  unlike  those  of  its  neighbors,  gen- 
erally level,  dotted  here  and  there  with  oak  groves,  and  settled  with  thrifty, 
industrious,  farmers,  many  of  whom  are  Germans.  Half  the  township  is  prairie, 
the  northern  half  is  covered  with  scrubby  timber.  The  soil  is  rich,  black 
muck  in  the  south,  with  a sprinkling  of  sand  ; while  the  northern  portion  has 
a limestone  soil,  with  a substratum  of  limestone  adapted  to  building  purposes. 
A small  stream  runs  through  the  township,  rising  in  Lyme  and  flowing  in  a 
northeasterly  direction  to  Oxford.  The  Indians  gave  it  the  name  of  Pipe 
Creek,  which  it  still  retains.  Along  its  banks  and  at  the  bottom  is  found  a 
soft  clay  used  by  the  savages  for  making  pipes.  In  former  times  a lime  kiln 
was  in  operation  here,  but  of  late  years  it  has  been  discontinued,  and  the  stone 
is  sent  into  a neighboring  township  to  be  burned,  where  several  kilns  are  sup- 
plied by  it. 

Wild  animals  formerly  abounded  here  as  elsewhere  on  the  fire-lands,  and 
those  now  living  remember  the  time  distinctly  when  wolves,  deer,  wildcats, 
foxes,  wild  turkeys,  racoons  and  prairie-chickens  were  hunted  and  killed  here. 
In  an  old  record  is  a vivid  word-picture  of  the  method  by  which  the  natives 
used  to  attempt  to  catch  wild  turkeys.  Mr.  Rash  relates: 

“To  see  about  one  hundred  Indians  surround  the  same  number  of  wild 
turkeys,  to  see  the  turkeys  fly  without  one  of  them  being  killed,  and  to  hear 
the  outlandish  gutteral  ejaculations  of  the  exasperated  red-skins,  wishing  the 
turkeys  were  in  a place  decidely  remote  from  the  happy  hunting-grounds, 
was  very  funny  to  the  spectators.” 


CHAPTER  XXIII. 


HISTORY  OF  GROTON  TOWNSHIP. 


Groton  Township. 


455 


The  Indians  of  this  township  were  mostly  members  of  the  Senecas,  and  in 
many  respects  differed  from  the  Wyandots  and  neighboring  tribes.  These 
were  one  of  the  nations  included  in  the  Iroquois  Confederacy,  and  noted  like 
them  for  the  wisdom  and  genuine  simplicity  of  character  which  has  ever  given 
them  a place  in  history.  The  Seneca  Red  Jacket,  the  Cayuga  Logan,  and  the 
Oneida  Shenandoah  are  proof  of  the  eloquence  that  distinguished  them,  while 
the  fact  that  matrons  were  represented  in  their  public  councils,  and  exercised  a 
veto  influence  in  questions  of  peace  and  war,  prove  their  advance  and  cultiva- 
tion in  all  that  make  men  and  nations  great. 

Groton  township  is  number  five  in  range  twenty-four,  and  is  bounded  on 
the  north  by  Margaretta,  south  by  Lyme,  in  Huron  county,  east  by  O.xford, 
and  west  by  the  townships  of  York  and  Townsend,  in  Sandusky  county.  Its 
organization  dates  to  June  2,  1834,  when  an  election  was  held  at  the  house  of 
William  McCord,  and  the  following  were  elected  for  the  first  officers:  Trustees, 
Nathaniel  Chapman,  Bishop  Stebbins,  Nathan  Strong ; clerk,  Hiram  Deyo  ; 
treasurer,  Stephen  Crippen ; justice  of  peace,  Stephen  Crippen  ; constable, 
Joshua  Lace  ; fence  viewers,  George  Cook,  Orange  Potter,  Elaphall  Toppen  ; 
poor-masters,  James  Bemiss,  James  Morecraft. 

The  first  settlement  in  Groton  township  was  made  on  Pipe  Creek  by  Jona- 
than Sprague,  Squire  Richey,  and  others  in  1809.  In  1811  Captain  Seth 
Harrington,  for  many  years  one  of  the  most  prominent  men  of  his  township, 
moved  in  from  Conneaut,  Ohio,  with  his  family.  He  was  originally  from 
Rhode  Island.  He  had  a family  of  ten  children.  Among  other  early  settlers 
were  Hiram  Blackman,  George  Furguson,  Alexis  Jackson,  William  James, 
Phineas  Dunham,  and  others. 

Squire  Richey  felled  the  first  tree  and  built  the  first  log-house.  These  log- 
cabins  were  very  primitive  affairs,  but  much  more  comfortable  than  those  that 
had  been  built  on  the  fire-lands  by  the  wandering  squatters  who  preceded 
them.  These  had  built  bark  huts,  with  four  posts  and  a ridge-pole.  Layers 
of  bark  were  wound  round  the  sides  of  the  post,  over-lapping,  so  as  to  shed 
rain,  and  the  roof  was  laid  on  in  the  same  way.  The  trials  of  the  early  settlers 
were  very  great.  Not  only  were  they  in  danger  from  Indians,  but  they  suf- 
fered from  scarcity  of  food  and  clothing.  There  was  not  a family  in  this  re- 
gion during  the  years  1809  and  1810  who  did  not  endure  these  hardships  in 
some  form.  Wild  meat  could  be  procured,  it  is  true,  but  living  entirely  upon 
this  developed  feebleness  and  disease  on  every  one  except  the  savages.  For 
many  years  after  the  war  of  1812  clothing  was  made  from  the  skins  of  wild 
animals,  and  caps  of  raccoon  skin,  with  the  fur  outside,  jackets  and  pantaloons 
of  deer  skin,  and  other  garments  to  match  were  universally  worn.  There  were 
no  tanneries  to  dress  leather,  and  when  wet  these  articles  became  hard  as  a 
board,  so  that  if  thrown  on  the  floor  they  rattled  like  tin  kettles.  A man  draw- 
ing on  these  garments  in  mid-winter,  felt  about  as  comfortable  as  if  wearing 


456 


History  of  Erie  County. 


pieces  of  stove-pipe.  Besides  all  these  inconveniences,  the  season  became 
sickly,  and  for  several  years  privation  and  distress  followed  the  settlers. 

Touching  stories  are  found  in  the  ancient  records  of  events  in  Ohio  during 
those  early  days,  and  we  read  with  astonishment  and  wonder  at  the  motive 
that  induced  those  men  to  take  their  families  to  the  new  country  where  suffer- 
ing and  danger  awaited  them.  One  young  man  with  his  family  settled  in 
thick  woods,  cleared  his  small  patch  of  ground,  became  sick  and  died.  Soon 
after  a hunter  passing  the  clearing  saw  everything  still  and  mistrusted  there 
must  be  something  wrong  with  the  family.  He  opened  the  door,  and  was 
startled  by  the  appearance  of  a woman  sitting  by  the  fire,  pale  and  emaciated, 
holding  in  her  arms  a sickly  babe.  She  burst  into  tears  and  at  length  said,. 
“There  is  my  little  Edward,”  pointing  to  the  bed,  “I  expect  he  is  dying. 
And  here  is  my  babe,  so  sick  I cannot  lay  it  down,  and  I am  so  weak  I can 
hardly  sit  in  my  chair.  O,  that  I was  back  in  my  own  country,  where  I could 
fall  in  the  arms  of  my  mother!”  Tears  rolled  down  the  cheeks  of  the  hunter 
as  he  walked  away  for  help. 

Amusing  stories  are  told  by  the  pioneers,  of  the  make-shifts  so  necessary 
at  that  time,  and  in  the  light  and  comfort  of  the  present  they  are  sometimes 
heard  to  say,  “ Ah ! those  happy  days  of  primitive  simplicity  when  all  family 
pride  was  forgotten  in  general  friendship  and  kindness  of  personal  attachment.” 
Could  any  amount  of  conventional  elegance  compensate  for  the  hearty  hos- 
pitality related  in  an  old  history  when  a visit  was  gotten  up  by  the  ladies  to 
call  on  a neighbor  who  lived  at  a distance.  The  hostess  at  once  began  prep- 
arations for  tea.  She  had  but  one  fire-proof  vessel,  an  old  bake  oven,  and  of 
course  it  would  take  some  time.  Some  pork  was  fried  in  the  kettle  first  to  get 
lard,  then  cakes  were  made  and  fried  in  the  lard,  then  short-cakes  were  made 
and  baked  in  it,  then  it  was  used  as  a bucket  to  draw  water,  which  was  after- 
ward heated  in  it  and  the  tea  made  in  it.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  at  these 
times  it  was  not  customary  for  the  young  ladies  to  go  barefoot. 

The  first  frame  house  was  built  by  Seth  Harrington  in  1817,  and  was  occu- 
pied by  himself  and  wife  until  his  death,  a few  years  since. 

Tile  first  child  born  in  this  township  was  a daughter  of  George  Furguson, 
named  Ann.  She  afterward  moved  to  Michigan  and  married  a man  named 
Phillips.  The  first  death  in  the  little  settlement  was  that  of  a man  named 
Standish  Wood.  There  were  no  undertakers  on  the  fire-lands  then,  and  sorrow 
lacked  even  the  accompaniments  that  made  it  more  bearable.  Instead  of  ele- 
gant coffins  and  plumed  hearse,  the  bereaved  were  obliged  to  see  their  loved 
ones  buried  in  rudest  simplicity,  and  this  first  funeral  is  mentioned  as  an  instance 
of  the  extremity  to  which  the  early  settlers  were  reduced.  The  coffin,  in  this 
instance,  was  made  from  the  boards  of  a wagon  box,  and  those  that  were  not 
used  at  this  time  were  kept  for  another  occasion.  When  the  wagon  box  was 
at  length  used  up,  Seth  Harrington  and  George  Sprague  made  several  coffins 
from  oak  trees,  split  into  puncheons  and  dressed  down  to  look  like  boards. 


Groton  Township. 


457 


Money  was  a minus  quantity.  Dollars  and  cents  did  not  estimate  the  value 
of  people  and  their  surroundings  as  at  present,  and  when  small  change  was 
needed  a silver  dollar  was  cut  into  four  or  more  pieces,  and  this  was  usually 
done  in  such  a manner  as  to  add  twenty-five  per  cent  to  its  real  value. 

The  post-office  was  at  Cleveland,  and  all  mails  for  the  fire-lands  were  re- 
i ceived  here,  until  a route  was  established  between  Cleveland  and  Detroit,  which 
was  to  pass  through  Groton  and  vicinity.  John  Paxton  carried  the  mail  in 
1814. 

The  first  physician  was  Dr.  W.  Hastings,  who  commenced  practicing  in  the 
early  part  of  1810.  After  the  War  of  1812  he  moved  to  Knox  county,  Ohio, 
where  he  was  elected  member  of  the  Legislature.  He  returned  to  Groton  with 
his  family  in  1815.  His  wife  died  in  1848,  and  their  descendants  still  reside 
; in  the  country.  They  had  eight  children,  all  sons.  Ephraim  removed  to  San- 
dusky county  in  1825,  where  his  son,  W.  G.  Hastings,  was  for  many  years  en- 
I gaged  in  business  in  Parkertown,  but  now  resides  in  Sandusky  city.  Ephraim 
continued  to  reside  in  Groton.  The  rest  of  the  family  are  scattered  all  over — 

I some  in  California,  and  one  when  last  heard  from  was  in  Australia.  The  doc- 
tor continued  to  practice  until  his  death  in  1864,  at  the  ripe  age  of  eighty-nine 
' years.  He  practiced  forty  years  in  the  family  of  Seth  Harrington. 

The  first  magistrate  was  elected  in  1816,  and  as  Squire  Richey,  has  lived  in 
history  in  connection  with  a story  told  of  a young  couple  he  met  (while  riding 
I over  the  prairie),  who  were  going  to  his  house  to  be  married.  He  dismounted, 
, and  on  the  broad  prairie,  with  heaven’s  blue  above  them,  proceeded  to  unite 
I them  in  the  holy  bonds  of  wedlock. 

The  first  school  was  taught  by  Elijah  Eleming  in  1818,  and  was  supported 
i by  subscriptions  that  amounted  to  fourteen  dollars  a month,  and  the  school 
was  supported  by  the  prominent  families  of  the  township,  viz.,  the  Paxtons, 
Magills,  Harringtons  and  others.  This  school  was  a mere  hint  of  what  the  fu- 
ture decades  would  do  on  educational  lines,  and  the  pretty  brick  school-houses 
now  found  every  few  miles,  show  that  the  prophecy  has  been  more  than  real- 
ized. There  is  nothing  of  which  Ohio  has  juster  cause  for  pride  than  her 
school  buildings  and  educational  laws. 

The  farms  of  Groton  are  surpassed  by  none  in  other  townships.  Large, 

' finely  cultivated,  well  fenced,  and  stocked  with  good  cattle,  the  owners  have 
' homes  they  are  justly  proud  of.  Among  those  whose  names  deserve  a place 
I in  the  history  of  Groton,  are  the  early  settlers  Amos  McClouth,  Samuel  Be- 
i miss,  Charles  Rash  and  Worthington  Nims. 

I Amos  McClouth  came  into  the  township  in  1817,  with  three  other  families. 

I They  came  from  the  beautiful  Berkshire  hills  of  Massachusetts,  and  must  have 
! found  in  the  level  landscape  of  Ohio,  and  the  russet  colors  of  her  forests  in  au- 
i tumn  a great  contrast  to  the  gorgeous  scenery  they  left  behind.  Mr.  Mc- 
j Clouth,  however,  remained  in  his  new  home,  and  out  of  a family  of  ten  child- 


458 


History  of  Erie  County. 


ren  only  three  were  living  in  1880.  He  himself  died  in  1870  at  the  age  of  sev- 
enty-six. He  held  several  prominent  positions  in  the  county  and  was  at  one 
time  clerk  of  Court  of  Common  Pleas.  Although  there  were  Indians  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  new  settlement,  there  was  no  cause  of  fear  and  no  hostil- 
ities were  known. 

Samuel  Bemiss  came  from  Buffalo,  by  water,  on  the  steamer  Superior,  the 
only  vessel  on  the  lake,  she  having  taken  the  place  of  Walk-ou-ihe-  Water, 
which  had  foundered  a short  time  before.  The  interest  in  this  ancient  craft 
has  just  been  revived  by  a picture  of  the  steamboat  just  as  she  looked  in  those 
early  days. 

A post-office  was  not  established  until  1854,  previous  to  which  time  the 
inhabitants  of  Groton  received  their  mail  at  Bloomingville.  The  postmaster 
was  at  that  time  a Methodist  Episcopal  minister,  named  Rev.  Zar  Patch.  The 
office  is  now  in  the  center  of  the  township. 

Religious  meetings  were  held  in  the  dwellings  of  the  settlers  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Gurley  and  others.  The  pioneer  church  was  Methodist  and  met  in  the  north- 
east corner  of  the  township,  where  they  now  have  a church  edifice.  Another 
church  is  located  on  lot  number  thirty-five  in  section  third. 

A grist  mill  was  built  by  Eli  and  Edward  Ford  on  Pipe  Creek,  and  a dis- 
tillery just  above  it  on  the  same  stream.  There  was  also,  at  one  time,  a cabi- 
net-shop of  large  capacity  that  carried  on  a good  business. 

Charles  Rash  found  his  way  to  the  fire-lands  even  earlier  than  the  preced- 
ing, having  arrived  in  1815  from  Ontario  county,  N.  Y.  He  made  the  jour- 
ney on  horseback,  and  was  followed  by  his  brother  in  the  same  way  in  1819. 
The  journey  occupied  nine  days,  and  the  brothers  settled  on  the  farm  since 
owned  by  the  brother,  Libey  Rash.  Charles  afterward  became  justice  ot  the 
peace  in  1820,  and  served  in  that  capacity  for  eighteen  years  consecutively. 
He  died  in  1853  aged  sixty-one.  The  homestead  has  under  good  cultivation 
one  hundred  and  seventy  acres  of  land. 

Worthington  Nims  came  from  Massachusetts  in  1826,  and  selected  his 
home,  then  went  back  to  marry  his  wife,  and  come  to  reside  here.  He  built  a 
cosy  frame  house  which  has  since  become  his  carriage  house,  while  a more 
pretentious  building  takes  its  place. 

There  is  no  village  in  this  township.  The  Seven-mile  House  is  the  only 
center.  Sand  Hill  Church  is  union  of  all  denominations. 


II 


Huron  Township. 


459 


CHAPTER  XXIV. 

HISTORY  OF  HURON  TOWNSHIP. 

The  township  of  Huron  is  irregular  in  form  on  account  of  its  bordering  on 
Lake  Erie.  The  greatest  length  is  from  east  to  west,  and  the  greatest  width 
is  at  the  western  side  where  it  extends  from  Milan  township  on  the  south 
across  part  of  Sandusky  Bay  and  the  base  of  Cedar  Point  to  Lake  Erie,  whose 
turbulent  and  shallow  waters  wash  its  whole  northern  side,  and  at  various 
points  on  the  shores  have  dug  away  many  acres  of  once  valuable  farming  land. 
The  Huron  River,  which  enters  the  township  from  Milan  and  flows  diagonally 
across  the  eastern  portion  emptying  into  the  lake  at  the  eastern  side  of  Huron 
village,  is  a deep  stream,  with  rather  abrupt,  though  not  high  banks. 

The  bed  of  the  river  is  of  solid  clay,  and  an  old  reliable  resident  tells  that 
he  has  frequently  seen  steamers  in  turning  around,  purposely  run  their  bows 
against  the  side  of  the  river  bed  in  hopes  of  getting  aground  sufficiently  to 
turn  the  boat  by  reversing  the  paddle  wheels,  but  the  abruptness  and  slippery 
nature  of  the  river  bed  would  invariably  slide  the  boat  back  into  the  channel. 

This  river  is  navigable  for  the  largest  class  of  lake  vessels  for  a distance  of 
about  four  miles.  This  fact,  in  connection  with  its  having  accommodated 
small  boats  for  a much  greater  distance  up  from  the  mouth,  is  probably  the 
reason  that  Huron  was  the  site  of  one  of  the  first,  if  not  the  first,  town  on  the 
Western  Reserve.  Early  travelers,  coming  up  the  lake  in  small  boats,  found 
this  an  easy  means  of  penetrating  the  back  country,  and  no  doubt,  in  an  early 
day,  men  crossed  to  the  tributaries  of  the  Ohio  River  and  down  to  the  father 
of  waters,  of  course  making  the  necessary  portages  on  the  journey. 

Huron  township  is  not  favored  with  the  rich  river  bottom  lands  to  as  great 
an  extent  as  Milan,  although  in  some  places  there  are  considerable  areas  of 
these  lands.  A great  portion  of  the  valley  near  the  village  is  occupied  by  low 
marshes,  into  which  the  water  is  blown  daily  with  the  regularity  almost  of 
tides,  by  the  lake  breeze. 

Parties,  who  are  perhaps  in  a better  position  to  judge  than  the  author  of 
this,  have  estimated  the  marsh  lands  in  the  river  valley  and  on  the  Sandusky 
Bay  at  about  fifteen  hundred  acres,  an  estimate  that  is  certainl}^  not  too  high, 
and  possibly  not  too  low. 

The  western  part  of  this  township  is  prairie  land,  a portion  of  the  same 
strip  mentioned  in  the  description  of  Milan,  and  with  a small  exception  equally 
fertile.  The  eastern  part  is  rolling  and  was  quite  generally  covered  with 
heavy  timber,  much  of  which,  being  oak,  has  been  used  in  the  ship  yards  at 
Huron  and  further  up  the  river. 

Among  the  traces  of  the  mound  builders  in  this  vicinity  the  old  mound 


460 


History  of  Erie  County. 


west  of  the  river  on  the  W.  H.  Wright  farm,  some  three  miles  above  Huron, 
though  reduced  by  plowing  and  the  explorer’s  shovel,  is  probably  most  easily 
seen,  and  has  the  most  definite  outline.  The  whole  base  occupies  nearly  an 
acre,  and  the  top  has  an  area  of  several  square  rods.  The  highest  point  of 
this  mound  is  not  now  over  twenty  feet  above  the  surrounding  field,  though  it 
was  doubtless  much  higher  at  one  time.  There  is  also  an  old  earthwork  at 
the  mouth  of  Saw-mill  creek,  two  and  one-half  miles  west  of  Huron,  on  land 
formerly  owned  by  Dr.  Haskins.  This  prehistoric  relic  is  in  the  form  of  a fort, 
and  encloses  about  half  an  acre.  Many  stone  implements  of  greater  or  less 
value  have  been  unearthed  in  this  vicinity  from  time  to  time,  but  there  are  no 
considerable  collections  among  the  citizens  of  the  town  or  township  so  far  as 
we  know. 

The  original  grantees  of  Huron  township  lands,  like  those  of  Milan,  re- 
ceived allotments  in  proportion  to  their  losses  by  fire.  The  valuation  of  the 
lands,  like  those  of  Milan,  was  fixed  at  £s>377<  8s.  Section  one  amounting  to 
£1,344,  7s,  was  assigned  to  the  heirs  of  William  Stewart  by  Peter  Lattimer, 
John  Lester,  John  Welch,  Joseph  Hurlburt,  Samuel  Brown  and  Samuel  Latti- 
mer, whose  original  losses  aggregated  ^2,769,  6s.  5d. 

The  second  section  was  located  by  William  Winthrop,  of  New  York,  and 
the  heirs  of  William  Gale,  of  New  London,  Conn.  ; Jeremiah  Miller,  John 
Ewing,  John  Barr  and  Eben  Goddard  being  the  original  grantees,  and  their 
losses  amounting  to  Y3.408,  los.  2d. 

Section  three  was  granted  to  Joseph  Packwood,  Bathsheba  Smith  and 
Richard  Potter,  whose  combined  losses  amounted  to  ;^i,665,  2s.  id.  The  heirs 
of  William  Parkins,  New  London,  Conn.,  received  the  lands  of  this  section. 

Section  four  was  taken  by  the  heirs  of  Stewart,  Parkins  and  Winthrop,  and 
the  original  grantees  were  : Samuel  Lattimer,  Richard  Potter,  Thomas  Boyd, 
Ann  Hancock,  Richard  Stroud,  Eben  May,  widow  Austus  Piner,  Bathsheba 
Skinner,  Jabob  Eenk,  Ichabod  Powers  and  Jeremiah  Miller,  whose  losses  ag- 
gregated £3,744,  7s-  4d. 

The  township  was  divided  for  purposes  of  allotment  into  four  sections, 
each  valued  the  same  ; but  as  will  be  seen  by  a reference  to  the  figures  given 
above,  the  assignment  of  each  section  was  an  independent  transaction,  the  re- 
lations of  losses  and  relief  being  proportionate  in  each  section,  while  the 
amounts  lost  were  greater  or  less  in  each  case.  The  valuation  of  the  lands 
was  very  low,  but  no  lower  than  that  of  Milan,  a fact  that  seems  a little  strange 
when  the  amount  of  swamp  lands  is  taken  into  consideration. 

The  first  settlements  within  the  present  limits  of  this  township  are  not  very 
definitely  chronicled  in  history,  but  it  is  quite  generally  believed  that  a French 
trading  post  established  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  about  1749  was  the  first 
white  settlement  in  this  part  of  the  State.  This  settlement  was  abandoned 
previous  to  the  Revolutionary  War. 


Huron  Township. 


461 

The  early  settlement  of  Huron  township  was  quite  intimately  connected 
with  that  already  mentioned  in  the  northeastern  part  of  Milan,  and  the  Mora- 
vian mission  there  described  might  perhaps  as  justly  have  been  credited  to 
Huron  since  both  townships  were  organized  under  one  local  government  con- 
tinuing till  1820.  B.  F.  Flemond  is  said  to  have  visited  the  country  along  the 
lower  Huron  as  early  as  1790;  but,  however  this  may  be,  he  settled  here  in 
1805  on  land  known  as  lot  fifteen,  and  lying  on  the  east  bank  of  the  river  just 
above  the  present  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  railroad  bridge. 

Mr.  Flemond  was  a very  remarkable  man  for  his  time.  He  was  not  highly 
educated,  at  least  in  the  arts  and  sciences,  but  had  considerable  knowledge  of 
the  French  and  English  languages,  and  spoke  several  Indian  dialects  quite 
fluently.  Endowed  with  an  excellent  memory,  a genial  disposition,  and  in- 
domitable courage,  he  was  of  great  service  to  General  Harrison  in  the  war  of 
1812  as  a guide  and  scout. 

He  was  also  interpreter  and  assistant  executioner  in  the  case  of  the 
two  Indians  hung  at  Norwalk  for  the  murder  of  Jno.  Woods  and  George 
Bishop. 

Mr.  Flemond  was  married  in  1811  to  a daughter  of  W.  Pollock,  who  re- 
sided near  the  south  line  of  the  township.  This  was  no  doubt  the  first  Chris- 
tian marriage  solemnized  in  this  vicinity.  His  first  enterprise  in  this  section 
was  the  establishment  of  a trading  post  or  store  for  the  purpose  of  bartering 
eastern  goods  with  the  Indians  for  furs  and  other  articles  of  value.  Mr.  Fle- 
mond probably  died  about  the  year  1827,  and  his  wife  survived  him  for  about 
twelve  years.  He  also  left  three  daughters,  one  of  whom  married  John  Mc- 
Carty, and  after  his  death  became  the  wife  of  John  Miller.  She  lived  on  the 
old  farm  until  1850  or  thereabout,  when  she  moved  west,  settling  in  Wood 
county,  I believe. 

Almon  Ruggles  came  to  Huron  in  1808,  and  Jabez  Wright,  for  many 
years  agent  of  William  Winthrop,  who  owned  at  one  time  nearly  the  whole 
township,  came  here  in  the  same  year.  Winthrop  H.  Wright,  at  present  a 
very  large  land  owner  in  this  section,  is  the  son  of  Jabez  Wright,  whose  wife, 
Tamar,  was  a daughter  of  Almon  Ruggles.  W.  H.  Wright  was  born  on  the 
farm  which  he  now  owns,  in  1813,  and  has  resided  here  since. 

Jabez  Wright  and  Almon  Ruggles  conducted  the  original  survey  of  the 
township,  completing  it  in  1810,  the  work  occupying  nearly  two  years,  and 
being  quite  complete  in  its  details. 

Mr.  Wright  was  at  one  time  a judge  of  common  pleas,  and  his  accidental 
death  by  falling  down  the  lake  bank  in  1840  was  sadly  felt  by  a host  of  warm 
friends. 

Cyrus  Downing  came  to  Huron  in  1809,  settling  on  land  west  of  the  pres- 
ent village,  near  Saw-mill  creek,  where  he  resided  about  three  years,  remo\ing 
to  Cleveland,  and  dying  there  about  the  beginning  of  the  war  of  1812. 

59 


462 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Mr.  Jeremiah  Daniels  came  here  in  1809  also,  and  married  a daughter  of 
Mr.  Downing  in  1813,  settling  on  a farm  near  the  old  Downing  home,  after- 
ward owned  by  W.  J.  Hinde. 

Mr.  Daniels  carried  the  United  States  mail  between  Huron  and  Cleveland 
for  several  years.  The  round  trip  was  made  in  a week  (no  accidents  prevent- 
ing), and  was  without  doubt  considerable  of  a journey,  when  the  condition  of 
the  roads  and  the  dangers  of  the  forest  are  considered. 

Savages  at  that  time  were  marauding  occasionally  on  the  Reserve,  and 
though  Mr.  Daniels  never  met  with  any  serious  injury,  it  is  said  that  he  passed 
through  several  exciting  experiences. 

Major  H.  Russell  came  to  Huron  in  1809,  and  in  1810  built  a log-house  on 
the  Jeremiah  Benschoter  farm,  afterward  owned  by  Mrs.  Stapleton  and  Mrs. 
Joseph  Paxton.  This  building  used  as  a hotel  and  store  was  probably  the 
first  public  house  in  Huron  county,  it  was  opened  for  the  reception  of  travelers 
in  1810;  in  the  same  year  Mr.  Russell,  with  J.  S.  Sprague  as  iron  worker,  be- 
gan the  construction  of  a forty-ton  sailing  vessel,  which  he  finished  in  1811. 
This  boat  was  fastened  mostly  with  wooden  pins  instead  of  bolts.  Two  years 
later  a second  and  larger  vessel  was  completed  and  named  The  Fair  America. 
British  agents  soon  after  purchased  her,  and  she  is  said  to  have  been  delivered 
at  Buffalo  to  them. 

Mr.  Russell  cleared  a field  on  the  W.  G.  Sage  farm  about  this  time,  but  it 
was  afterward  allowed  to  grow  up  to  small  timber,  obliterating  all  traces  of  its 
first  subjugation. 

Asa  Smith  visited  this  section  in  1806,  but  did  not  locate  permanently 
until  1810.  He  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace  in  18 1 1,  and  was  quite  an 
active  citizen  until  his  death  in  1815.  His  wife  survived  him  for  a number  of 
years,  dying  in  Sandusky  in  1832. 

J.  S.  Sprague  settled  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  at  first,  but  afterward 
moved  onto  land  west  of  town,  which  is  still  known  to  old  settlers  as  the 
Sprague  place.  He  was  a man  of  great  natural  ability  and  very  highly 
esteemed  by  a large  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances.  He  was  a justice  of 
the  peace  for  eighteen  successive  years,  when  he  declined  re-election  on 
account  of  business  relations,  and  from  a feeling  that  he  had  done  his  full 
share  of  public  service. 

He  died  in  January,  1861,  at  the  old  homestead,  and  his  honored  and 
beloved  wife  followed  him  a number  of  years  later,  dying  at  the  residence  of 
her  son-in-law,  J.  Durham,  in  April,  1872. 

n I 81  1-12  William  B.  Smith  and  mother  started  a hotel  at  the  mouth  01 
Huron  River,  on  the  east  side,  and  they  continued  it  through  the  war.  Mr. 
Smith  frequently  told  of  hearing  the  guns  of  Commodore  Perry  when  the 
memorable  naval  battle  of  Lake  Erie  occurred  in  September,  1813.  He  was 
married  in  1819,  moved  to  Sandusky  in  1820,  and  was  elected  county  treas- 


Huron  Township. 


463 


urer  in  1840.  He  was  highly  respected  and  a very  useful  citizen  both  in  pub- 
lic and  private  life. 

In  1816  Reed  Sanford  opened  a trading  post  at  the  mouth  of  Huron  River, 
on  the  east  side  near  the  old  Smith’s  hotel.  J.  B.  Flemond  and  F.  Graham 
had  direct  charge  of  the  business,  and  were  eminently  successful  in  their  man- 
agement of  it.  Mr.  Flemond’s  command  of  the  Indian  dialects,  and  his  genial 
disposition  and  knowledge  of  the  tastes  and  habits  of  the  Indian  made  him 
very  valuable  in  such  a position. 

William  Winthrop  was  an  early  settler,  and  an  active  business  man,  as  well 
as  a very  large  land  holder.  He  built  the  first  saw- mill  in  this  vicinity  at  the 
mouth  of  Saw-mill  creek,  which  drains  the  prairie  section  and  empties  into 
Lake  Erie  about  two  and  a half  miles  west  of  Huron  village.  Of  late  years 
this  has  been  little  more  than  a dry  run,  from  the  fact  that  the  prairie  lands 
are  so  thoroughly  drained  as  to  precipitate  the  water  into  the  main  outlet  very 
soon  after  it  falls  in  the  form  of  rain.  In  an  early  day,  however,  when 
the  wild  grass,  the  sink  holes  and  bogs  prevented  rapid  evaporation  and 
drainage,  this  stream  furnished  a very  uniform  supply  of  water  for  milling 
purposes. 

Messrs.  N.  M.  Standart  and  C.  Butler  opened  a general  store  at  the  mouth 
of  the  Huron  River,  but  dissolved  partnership  a year  later,  and  Mr.  Standart 
soon  became  deeply  interested  in  the  development  of  Milan. 

In  1824  Daniel  Hamilton,  in  connection  with  N.  M.  Standart,  opened  a 
general  supply  store  and  commission  business  at  Huron,  and  were  assisted  by 
Charles  Standart  and  P.  Adams  as  salesmen.  Mr.  Adams  boarded  men  work- 
ing on  the  harbor  improvement  about  this  time,  and  later,  probably  in  1825, 
removed  to  the  old  Adams  homestead  (now  owned  by  Chris.  Drumm),  on  the 
Sand  road,  running  from  Spear’s  Corners  to  Huron,  where  he  resided  until  his 
death.  When  Mr.  Adams  left  the  store  the  stock  was  purchased  by  Charles 
Standart  and  G.  H.  Gibbs,  who  conducted  the  business  till  the  winter  of  1826-7. 
Mr.  Standart  then  took  the  business  alone  and  conducted  it  a year  or  so,  when 
he  built  a warehouse  and  dock,  and  embarked  in  the  general  storage  and  com- 
mission business. 

Tower  Jackson,  probably  the  oldest  remaining  settler  on  the  fire-lands  at 
this  writing,  came  to  Huron  in  1819  from  Milan.  He  was  married  at  Mon- 
roeville in  1822  to  Sarah  Clock,  a lady  widely  known  and  highly  respected, 
and  an  aunt  of  D.  H.  Clock,  editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Erie  County  Reporter, 
now  published  at  Huron. 

Mr.  Jackson  engaged  with  H.  W.  Jenkins  in  the  dry  goods  and  grocery  trade 
on  his  settlement  at  Huron,  remaining  with  him  for  several  years  In  1830 
he  went  into  partnership  with  R.  E.  Cole  in  the  general  merchandise  and  vessel 
building  business.  They  built  the  steamer  Delazvare  in  1832.  Mr.  Jackson 
removed  to  Racine,  Wis.,  in  1846,  and  in  1848  to  Cleveland,  O.,  where  Mrs. 


464 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Jackson  died  in  1854.  He  returned  to  Huron  a year  or  two  later,  and  was 
married  to  Miss  Button,  with  whom  he  is  still  enjoying  domestic  felicity  at  the 
advanced  age  of  ninety  years. 

Mr.  Jackson  is  a very  vigorous  and  hospitable  gentleman,  and  though  not 
blessed  with  a college  education,  he  takes  a deep  interest  in  all  educational 
matters  of  a local  nature.  He  built  the  Huron  House  in  1832  and  the  Amer- 
ican House  in  1840,  and  has  taken  a lively  interest  in  all  matters  pertaining  to 
Huron’s  welfare  for  a great  number  of  years. 

H.  W.  Jenkins  built  the  Ohio  Hotel  in  1832  or  thereabouts,  and  after  con- 
ducting it  very  successfully  for  a number  of  years,  went  to  Cincinnati  in  1840, 
and  afterward  removed  to  the  Isthmus  of  Panama,  where  he  died  in  1850. 

When,  in  1827,  ’Squire  Merry,  of  Milan,  as  agent  of  the  United  States 
government,  took  charge  of  the  harbor  improvements  at  the  mouth  of  the 
river,  he  was  assisted  by  a number  of  efficient  mechanics,  and  among  them  T. 
Clark  was  regarded  as  best  able  to  manage  the  carpenter  work,  necessarily 
quite  extensive  and  very  important,  from  the  fact  that  the  lake  is  quite  open, 
here  so  that  at  times  a very  heavy  sea  comes  thundering  in  upon  the  quays  at 
either  side  of  the  river  mouth. 

The  reader  will  remember  that  Milan  had  not  then  secured  the  canal,  and 
Huron  was  much  more  prominent  as  a town  than  Milan — indeed  the  latter, 
with  all  her  advantages  of  active  business  men  and  water-power,  was  quite  an 
unimportant  town  at  that  time. 

At  once  the  active  attention  of  moneyed  men  at  Buffalo,  Detroit,  and 
other  lake  cities,  was  turned  to  Huron  by  the  government  aid  which  had  been 
granted  for  harbor  improvement,  and  vessel  building  was  begun  in  a spirit  that 
argued  well  for  the  future  development  of  the  place. 

In  1828  the  steamer  Sheldon  Thompson,  of  242  tons  burden,  was  built  here 
by  Captain  F.  Church.  In  1832,  the  United  States,  of  336  tons,  and  the  Del- 
aivare,  of  170  tons.  The  Columbus,  of  391  tons,  was  completed  in  1835.  The 
energetic  Captain  Walker,  in  1836  built  the  DeWitt  Clinton,  of  493  tons,  and 
the  Little  Eric,  149  tons.  In  1837  '^he  Cleveland,  and  in  1838  the  Great  West- 
ern, of  780  tons,  (the  first  upper  cabin  steamer  on  the  lakes  in  all  probability,) 
and  the  General  Scott,  of  240  tons  were  finished.  There  were  numerous  other 
vessels  built  at  the  port  in  an  early  da\’,  and  in  fact  much  vessel  building  has 
been  done  here  from  time  to  time  in  more  recent  years,  but  data  are  not  ac- 
cessible if  indeed  it  were  unquestionably  desirable  to  devote  a greater  space 
than  has  already  been  given  to  this  industry  in  a volume  that  aims  to  be  a 
history  of  the  development  of  this  section  rather  than  an  encyclopedia  of 
chronological  events. 

Among  early  vessel  men  of  particular  prominence  were  Capain  Reed,  Cap- 
tain F.  Church,  Captain  Pangburn,  Captain  B.  Parsons,  Captain  F.  D.  Ketchum, 
Captain  W.  Cherry,  Captain  Asa  Keating,  Captain  Joseph  Keating,  Captain 
S.  Wilson,  and  Captain  S.  F.  Squires. 


Huron  Township. 


465 


Lying  as  it  does,  Huron  was  a general  stopping  place  for  boats  passing  up 
and  down  the  lakes  and  carrying  all  the  passengers  and  freight  that  was  moved 
from  east  to  west  for  a great  many  years;  in  fact,  up  to  the  date  of  the  com- 
pletion of  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Railroad.  J.  B.  Wilbor, 
who  came  here  on  the  steamer  Walk-in-the-Water,  in  1820,  from  Tonawanda, 
N.  Y.,  used  to  tell  how  some  eight  yoke  of  cattle  were  hitched  to  the  old 
steamer  to  assist  in  bringing  her  up  the  current  of  the  Niagara  River  from  that 
port,  her  engines,  like  those  of  other  steamers  of  an  early  day,  being  too  weak 
to  propel  her  against  any  considerable  resistance. 

In  1832  Mr.  Wilbor,  with  N.  M.  and  Charles  Standart,  engaged  in  commis- 
sion business  and  general  mercantile  operations  under  the  firm  name  of  Wil- 
bor & Co.,  continuing  until  1837,  when  the  firm  dissolved,  and  Mr.  Wilbor  went 
into  trade  with  J.  Fleeharty.  The  latter  firm  continuing  until  1844,  when 
Mr.  Wilbor  moved  to  Milan  where  he  remained  a few  years,  but  returned  to 
Huron,  from  whence  he  was  elected  county  treasurer  in  1850,  and  removed 
his  family  to  Sandusky  in  1854.  Returning  to  Huron  in  1857,  he  went 
into  partnership  with  J.  W.  Sprague,  building  several  large  vessels  here, 
and  doing  a general  commission  mercantile  and  forwarding  business  until 
1861. 

A.  Shirley  came  to  Marble  Head  Peninsula  in  1810,  with  his  wife’s  fam- 
ily, the  Ramsdells.  He  resided  on  the  peninsula  when  the  Indians  killed 
the  three  pioneers  whose  death  is  commemorated  by  a little  granite  slab  near 
the  farm  of  Robert  Killey.  Indeed  it  is  said  that  he  took  an  active  part  in  driv- 
ing the  red-skins  away.  Removing  to  Huron  in  1828  he  kept  the  old  red 
tavern  for  several  years,  when  he  purchased  the  land  known  as  South  Huron 
and  laid  it  out  in  town  lots.  Messrs.  S.  Van  Rensselaer  and  B.  Carman  were 
the  surveyors  who  helped  Mr.  Shirley  very  materially  in  this  undertaking,  and 
the  work  was  very  creditable  to  all  concerned  in  it. 

Mr.  Shirley  was  an  active  and  respected  citizen,  taking  an  important  part  in 
all  matters  of  general  interest.  He  built  the  “ Shirley  House  ” at  the  corner  of 
Main  and  Berlin  streets  in  1833,  but  received  little  material  benefit  from  it 
as  he  died  a year  or  so  later  of  asiatic  cholera.  His  descendants  still  reside  in 
this  vicinity.  His  wife,  a relative  of  the  Ramsdells,  now  living  in  the  western 
part  of  Erie  county,  was  a lady  noted  for  her  benevolence,  intelligence  and 
Christian  spirit.  W.  B.  Shirley,  of  Huron,  recently  deceased,  was  a son  of  this 
pioneer  couple. 

D.  Curtis  settled  on  the  lake  shore  very  soon  after  Flemond  came  here;  his 
son,  Harvey  Curtis,  who  was  born  on  the  old  homestead  in  1807,  was  probably 
the  first  white  child  born  in  this  township,  if  not  in  Erie  county.  Efforts  have 
been  made  to  contradict  Mr.  Curtis’s  claim  to  this  distinction,  but  none  seem  to 
know  really  any  more  of  the  event  than  Mr.  Curtis  himself,  and  his  claim  is 
substantiated  by  recorded  evidence,  so  as  before  stated,  he  was  probably 


466 


History  of  Erie  County. 


the  first  white  child  born  in  this  vicinity.  Mr.  Curtis  remembers  hearing- 
Perry’s  battle  on  Lake  Erie.  His  relatives  still  reside  in  this  vicinity  and  in 
Milan. 

Minor  Curtis,  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  M.  Curtis  & Son,  who  deal  so 
extensively  in  threshers  and  engines  at  Milan  and  have  sub-agencies  in  various 
parts  of  Ohio  and  Michigan,  is  a relative  of  Harvey  Curtis. 

Like  most  other  old  residents  Mr.  Curtis  remembers  incidents  much  better 
than  dates.  A great  many  little  pioneer  experiences  that  would  be  particu- 
larly interesting  if  their  dates  and  relations  to  other  events  could  be  definitely 
ascertained,  are  necessarily  omitted  from  this  work  on  account  of  the  difficulty- 
above  mentioned.  Our  sources  of  information  are  however  on  the  whole  un- 
commonly reliable. 

H uron’s  first  religious  organization  was  the  Presbyterian  society,  which  began 
its  course  here  in  1835,  though  occasional  services  were  conducted  by  Rev.  E, 
Judson,  A.  Newton,  and  others  from  1829  to  this  date.  Mr.  Newton  was  called 
to  Norwalk  in  1835,  where  he  remained  for  thirty-five  years. 

At  the  preliminary  meeting  Rev.  Conger  preached  from  Proverbs  11:30, 
“ He  that  winneth  souls  is  wise.”  The  following  named  members  joined  the 
society  and  meeting  adjourned  to  the  school-house  where  an  evening  meeting 
was  held.  Original  members:  J.  T.  Roberts,  Jerusha  Jenkins,  Clarissa  Ho- 

man, L.  Newkirk,  Mary  Jones,  A.  Sheffield,  Dorothy  Sheffield,  R.  Morril,  Jane 
Morril,  Eli  Holliday,  Katherine  Holliday,  Horace  Holliday,  O.  A.  Beecher, 
Josiah  Tracy  and  Cynthia  Wadsworth.  R.  Morril  and  E.  Holliday  were  elected 
deacons  and  elders,  and  were  duly  installed  at  this  meeting.  Revs.  E.  Con- 
ger, Xenophon  Betts  and  E.  Judson  conducted  the  proceedings. 

Regular  meetings  were  kept  up  in  the  school-house  till  1840,  when  A. 
Sprague,  J.  Wright,  J.  Sly  and  J.  Tracy,  erected  the  house  since  occupied  by 
Mr.  Alvord,  and  let  the  church  lease  it  at  a nominal  rental  for  a number  of 
years. 

Arrangements  were  begun  in  1850  for  the  erection  of  the  present  church 
edifice  which  was  completed  and  occupied  in  1854.  Rev.  C.  H.  Taylor,  J.  W. 
Sprague,  C.  Woodward  and  H.  Holliday  are  credited  with  very  active  and 
valuable  service  in  securing  the  erection  of  this  church. 

Rev.  E.  Cole  made  the  dedicatory  prayer  in  January,  1854,  and  Rev.  C.  H. 
Taylor  preached  the  dedication  sermon.  The  latter  was  installed  as  pastor  on 
the  same  day.  The  present  parsonage  was  not  built  until  1884. 

The  ministerial  succession  was  as  follows:  Rev.  J.  W.  Beecher,  Rev.  F.  Fitch, 
Rev.  S.  Smalley,  Rev.  S.  Dunton,  Rev.  E.  Cole,  Rev.  C.  H.  Taylor,  Rev.  W. 
T.  Milliken,  Rev.  G.  E.  Pierce,  Rev.  J.  G.  Rossiter,  Rev.  J.  D.  Jenkins,  Rev. 
H.  B.  Dye,  Rev.  A.  Baker,  Rev.  H.  B.  Rice,  Rev.  C.  K.  Smoyer,  Rev.  J.  H. 
Snowden,  Rev.  E.  L.  Dresser,  Rev.  E.  O.  Hoyt,  and  the  present  incumbent. 
Rev.  W.  T.  Hart. 


Huron  Township. 


467 


Since  its  organization  there  have  been  received  into  membership  some  three 
hundred  and  fifty-four  people,  of  whom  two  hundred  or  more  are  still  mem- 
bers. During  revivals  in  1873  thirty-four  conversions  were  made,  and  in  1887 
twenty-five.  The  first  superintendent  of  Sunday-school  was  Mr.  J.  Tracy, 
whose  name  was  mentioned  in  connection  with  the  first  regular  place  of  wor- 
ship. 

A Baptist  Church  was  organized  at  Grangers’,  or  Haley’s  Corners  in  1833, 
and  services  held  in  the  school-house  for  many  years. 

The  present  very  strong  Episcopal  society  was  started  in  1837,  Rev.  F.  M. 
Levenworth  beginning  his  labors  here  at  that  time.  The  work  was  taken  up 
in  1839  by  Rev.  Samuel  Marks,  a man  of  sterling  qualities,  fine  education  and 
affable  disposition.  He  was  dedicated  to  the  service  of  Christ  by  Bishop  Mc- 
Bvaine,  at  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  and  seemed  to  have  an  inspiration  proportion- 
ate to  the  directness  of  his  ordination  from  the  aknowledged  head  of  his  re- 
ligious denomination.  Fully  equal  to  a much  more  important  position  he 
remained  until  his  death  a few  years  ago,  in  the  service  of  his  little  flock  at 
Huron. 

The  name  of  this  honored  servant  of  Christ  has  been  commemorated  by  both 
the  Masonic  and  Odd  Fellows  Societies,  of  each  of  which  he  was  a member, 
honored  beyond  the  common  degree  by  his  brethren.  But  there  is  no  honor 
that  can  outshine  or  outlive  the  loving  pastoral  service  which  he  rendered  both 
in  and  out  of  the  pulpit.  Many  a loving  friend  both  at  Huron  and  in  other 
parts  of  the  State  will  echo  the  sentiment  of  the  writer,  and  add  many  a veri- 
fying example  of  his  faithful  service. 

The  Methodist  Society  in  1871  erected  their  present  church  and  have  regu- 
lar services. 

There  are  two  German  churches,  a Futheran  and  an  Evangelical,  each  of 
which  is  flourishing,  and  there  is  a prospect  that  a Catholic  Church  will  be 
erected  during  the  coming  summer,  grounds  having  recently  been  purchased 
with  that  end  in  view. 

The  German  Futheran  Society  was  organized  in  1862,  and  their  house  of 
worship  erected  in  1868. 

Mr.  John  Graham,  with  neighbors  and  friends  in  “West  Huron,”  near  the 
western  line  of  the  township,  erected  a church  for  the  Methodists  of  that  sec- 
tion, and  considerable  interest  has  been  manifested  in  its  success  from  time  to 
time  by  outside  parties,  as  well  as  by  local  friends.  Gustavus  Graham  and 
John  Graham,  jr.,  are  descendants  of  the  founder  of  this  place  of  worship,  Erie 
county  people  know  both  these  gentlemen  too  well  to  need  an  introduction  by 
the  writer. 

Alvin  Coe,  in  1810,  is  said  to  have  taught  the  first  school  in  this  section, 
and  his  successor  was  Miss  T.  Ruggles. 

In  1815  Wm.  Chapman  opened  a school  on  lot  twenty-five,  section  three, 


468 


History  of  Erie  County. 


and  conducted  it  with  gratifying  results  for  several  years.  Winthrop  H.  Wright, 
before  mentioned,  remembers  attending  this  school  some  time  after  it  was 
first  opened. 

The  present  schools  are  fairly  well  graded,  and  supplied  with  an  excellent 
corps  of  teachers;  Miss  Rena  Halladay,  a graduate  of  the  Milan  Western  Re- 
ser\'e  Normal,  under  the  principalship  of  Prof.  B.  B.  Hall,  has  charge  of  the 
High  School;  Miss  Allie  Snyder,  a teacher  of  twenty  year’s  very  successful 
experience  at  Vermillion  and  elsewhere,  has  charge  of  the  A Primary  School; 
Miss  L.  Spore,  a young  lady  of  recognized  ability,  has  charge  of  the  Gram- 
mar School,  and  Misses  M.  Kiefer,  and  Mary  Hall,  a lady  of  many  years 
successful  experience  in  her  special  line  of  work,  conduct  the  two  lower 
primaries. 

Superintendent  Dougal,  a stranger  among  the  professional  teachers  in 
this  part  of  the  State,  has  undertaken  to  introduce  some  improvements  in  the 
school  course.  He  is  credited  with  bringing  about  a change  in  the  time  of 
graduation. 

The  school-house  is  a fine  new  brick  building,  erected  in  1886  at  a cost  ap- 
proximating $20,000.  The  special  district  boundaries  are  identical  with  those 
of  the  village  corporate  limits.  The  enrollment  reaches  from  two  hundred  and 
fifty  to  three  hundred. 

Prominent  among  the  early  papers  of  the  reserve  was  the  Commercial  Ad- 
vertiser, published  in  Huron.  It  began  its  short  course  in  January,  1837;  was 
burned  out  in  1838,  resumed  in  1839,  and  discontinued  in  1842.  Volumes  one 
and  two,  published  by  H.  C.  Gray  & Co.,  were  shown  us.  It  is  a four  page  paper,, 
six  columns  to  the  page,  and  largely  made  up  of  clippings.  The  markets  are 
reported  as  a matter  of  course,  and  some  effort  is  made  to  keep  up  with  local 
port  entries  and  clearances,  but  the  present  style  of  general  local  news  is  almost 
entirely  wanting.  One  number  contains  an  account  of  the  appearance  of  a 
wolf  on  the  ice  in  the  harbor,  and  the  efforts  of  hunters  to  capture  the  brute. 
Among  the  literary  clippings  is  an  account  of  General  Santa  Anna’s  visit  to 
Louisville,  Ky.,  and  the  statement  by  a Cincinnati  Whig  correspondent  that  an 
irate  citizen  of  Cincinnati  went  gunning  after  the  distinguished  Mexican,  but 
failed  to  get  him  because  of  a change  of  route,  occasioned  by  an  ice  gorge  in 
the  river.  Under  “Late  and  interesting  news  from  Texas,’’  this  journal  tells 
eight  days  after  the  occurrence,  of  the  interment  of  General  Austin  ; it  also 
mentions  indications  of  a rumpus  between  Mexico  and  the  United  States  over 
affairs  connected  with  the  Republic  of  Texas.  The  issue  of  February  21,  1837, 
contains  an  account  of  a public  meeting  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  blacks 
and  mulattoes  from  coming  to  Sandusky,  in  violation  of  an  express  statute  law. 
Dr  G.  R.  Morton  is  reported  as  chairman  and  Albert  S.  Cowles  as  secretary; 
committee  on  resolutions  Messrs.  Wheeler,  Brown,  Cowles,  Lester  and  Hull. 
A local  correspondent  calls  attention  to  the  fact  that  Huron,  while  behind  only 


Huron  Township. 


469 


one  town  (Cleveland)  on  the  lake  shore  between  Buffalo  and  Detroit,  and  while 
building  two  and  three  steamers  costing  from  thirty  to  seventy  thousand  dol- 
lars each,  has  not  a fit  place  in  which  to  worship  the  God  vouchsafing  her  ma- 
terial blessings.  The  issue  of  March  21,  1837,  contains  Martin  Van  Buren’s 
Inaugural  Address.  April  i ith  of  the  same  year  announces  the  opening  of  the 
Welland  Canal  upon  the  fifteenth  of  that  month.  April  25th  contains  a proc- 
lamation concerning  public  lands  by  Samuel  Houston,  president  of  the  Repub- 
lic of  Texas.  May  30th  announces  that  there  are  all  told  forty-two  steamboats 
plying  on  the  lakes,  and  expresses  great  satisfaction  at  the  increase  during  the 
preceding  twelve  years,  from  one  to  the  number  stated.  The  issue  of  Tuesday, 
July  18,  1837,  says,  “ Daniel  Webster  arrived  in  Huron  on  Friday,  on  the  steam- 
boat Thomas  Jejferson.  A goodly  number  of  our  citizens  went  on  board,  but 
the  lateness  of  the  hour  deprived  many  of  che  opportunity  who  wished  to  see 
him.  He  is,  as  we  learn,  hastening  on  his  way  homeward.”  Many  clippings  in 
this  paper  from  contemporaries  would  be  of  interest  to  readers  of  United  States 
History,  as  it  covers  the  Seminole  War,  Texan  struggle  with  Mexico,  and  the 
Patriot  War  in  Canada,  but  in  a local  history  it  does  not  seem  advisable  to  go 
into  further  detail  on  these  subjects.  As  a local  paper,  though  not  up  to  the 
present  standard  in  local  matter,  and  of  course  slow  in  outside  news  like  others 
of  its  day,  it  may  still  be  considered  a very  excellent  paper  for  those  times. 

The  facilities  for  travel  may  be  compared  with  those  of  to-day  by  noting 
the  time  (six  days)  in  which  the  steamboats  proposed  to  make  the  round  trip 
with  passengers  from  Buffalo  to  Detroit,  duringthe  summer  of  1837.  their 
advertisements  are  the  same  in  regard  to  this  matter,  and  of  course  the  distance 
could  not  have  been  made  in  so  short  a time  by  any  other  means  of  trans- 
portation. 

The  Huron  Beacon  was  published  from  1853  to  1854,  but  no  copies  are  ac- 
cessible. 

The  Huron  Times  was  a local  publication,  started  in  1876,  but  afterward 
removed  to  Sandusky  by  its  editor,  J.  D.  Sweeney. 

The  present  H2iro)i  Reporter  began  its  course  in  the  spring  of  1879,  Mr.  T. 
M.  Clock,  son  of  the  present  proprietor  having  it  in  charge.  It  was  then  a four 
page  paper,  but  in  the  following  December,  D.  H.  Clock,  the  present  editor, 
took  it  in  charge  and  enlarged  it  to  an  eight-page  paper,  securing  a local  edi- 
tor in  the  towns  of  Vermillion  and  Berlin  as  well  as  at  Huron,  and  devoting  a 
page  each  to  matters  of  special  interest  to  the  respective  villages.  As  a county 
paper,  it  is  very  creditable  to  its  energetic  and  able  editor,  and  is  securing  a full 
share  of  the  patronage  accorded  to  local  papers  by  the  intelligent  population 
for  which  this  section  is  noted. 

To  the  newspapers,  as  usual,  the  author  of  these  lines  is  under  obligations 
for  dates  and  noteworthy  events  that  could  have  been  secured  in  no  other 
way. 


60 


470 


History  of  Erie  County. 


For  the  use  of  volumes  one  and  two  of  the  Commercial  Advei'tiser  the 
writer  is  indebted  to  A.  J.  Brainard,  an  old  and  respected  citizen  of  Huron, 
whose  name  has  not  before  been  mentioned  in  this  article.  He  came  hereabout 
forty  years  ago  and  has  been  one  of  those  quiet,  useful  citizens  whose  unosten- 
tatious good  works  are  never  appreciated  until  it  is  too  late. 

For  access  to  valuable  data  we  are  under  obligations  to  D.  H.  Clock  of  the 
Reporter  and  others.  Were  this  an  essay  on  newspapers  and  newspaper  men 
in  general,  the  writer  might  wax  eloquent  over  the  many  past  courtesies  as- 
well  as  the  present  favors.  But  it  is  merely  local  and  we  forbear. 

Mark' s Masonic  Lodge  is  one  of  the  old  established  institutions  of  the  town, 
named  in  honor  of  Rev.  Samuel  Marks,  and  embracing  in  its  membership  the 
best  of  men,  and  those  whose  names  might  have  been  much  more  widely  hon- 
ored under  more  propitious  environments  than  they  have  enjoyed  in  this  quiet 
section  of  our  great  Republic. 

Lake  Eric  Lodge  /.  0.  O.  F.,  was  established  in  1887,  and  is,  as  far  as  can 
be  determined  at  this  early  stage  of  its  existence,  destined  to  shine  among  sim- 
ilar organizations  in  the  near  future. 

Morse  Post  G.  A.  R.,  was  also  established  in  1887,  and  is  in  quite  a flour- 
ishing condition. 

The  Knights  of  Labor  have  established  a prosperous  lodge  which  began  its 
course  in  September  of  the  same  year.  Three  new  lodges  in  a single  year  is  a 
record  not  often  beaten  by  towns  of  Huron’s  size. 

Tlie  first  physician  located  at  Huron  was  Dr.  A.  Gutherie,  who  settled  here 
in  1813,  remaining  until  1817,  when  he  removed  to  the  Dominion  of  Can- 
ada, and  for  some  years  the  village  was  undoctored  as  it  were,  except  by  Dr. 
McCrea,  who  lived  in  the  western  part  of  the  township. 

Dr.  Charles  Fegget  came  here  in  1830,  and  remained  until  his  death,  in  ' 
1832.  The  doctor  and  his  wife  were  accidentally  drowned  in  the  Huron  River, 
near  Wint  Wright’s  farm,  by  the  upsetting  of  a row  boat.  Their  bodies  were 
not  found  until  the  next  day,  when  their  unaccountable  absence  from  the  vil- 
lage called  out  a searching  party. 

In  commenting  on  the  medical  practitioners  who  followed  Dr.  Fegget  at 
Huron,  Dr.  G.  S.  Haskin,  to  whom  we  are  under  obligations  for  data  of  con-  j 
siderable  importance  on  several  subjects,  says  that  numerous  physicians  were 
attracted  to  Huron  by  the  great  marshes  which  were  considered  mias- 
matic. But  he  adds,  all  is  not  gold  that  glitters,  and  the  enticing  swamps  were 
delusive,  as  they  were  on  a level  with  Take  Erie,  and  the  waters  were  pure  and 
refreshing. 

Dr.  Haskins  was  a pioneer,  and  came  to  the  Reserve  in  1831,  locating 
at  Huron  in  1832,  and  practicing  here  until  his  death  in  1886.  He  was 
quite  universally  esteemed  as  a physician,  and  had  many  warm  personal 
friends. 


Huron  Township. 


471 


; Dr.  J.  Caldwell  settled  in  Huron  in  1833,  and  continued  to  practice  until 
‘ 1866,  when  he  died. 

: Dr.  J.  T.  Cushing  came  in  1865,  and  Dr.  E.  H.  McNutt  in  1874;  both 

^ have  since  removed  to  fairer  fields. 

At  present  there  are  three  practicing  physicians.  Dr.  J.  B.  Esch  (son  of 
I Dr.  Esch,  of  Cleveland  lately  deceased,  and  brother  of  W.  J.  Esch  who  has 
i just  succeeded  to  his  father’s  extensive  practice  in  that  city),  is  one  of  the  most 
; popular  and  able  physicians  in  Erie  county.  He  came  to  Huron  some  eight 
or  ten  years  ago,  and  is  the  oldest  resident  doctor  in  the  village. 

[ Dr.  E.  G.  Goodsel,  who  began  here  in  1882,  is  enjoying  a good  practice, 
and  Dr.  F.  W.  Morley  is  quite  widely  known  and  employed.  He  located  here 
in  1884  or  thereabouts. 

Attorneys  have  never  seemed  to  have  a particular  desire  for  Huron  ozone. 
Whether  this  peculiar  coldness  of  the  profession  was  due  to  the  very  peacable 
; character  of  the  people  or  some  other  equally  potent  cause,  we  are  not  pre- 
' pared  at  present  to  state,  but  for  some  reason  lawyers  have  always  been  scarce 
here,  and  this  is  sufficient  for  present  purposes,  without  discussing  the  reasons 
I further. 

I Mr.  T.  Alvord,  the  only  member  of  the  legal  fraternity  now  at  Huron,  is  a 
i young  man  of  acknowledged  ability,  and  far  brighter  prospects  than  any  of  his 
; predecessors.  He  secures  a share  of  the  practice  before  the  Court  of  Common 
i Pleas  at  the  county  seat  (Sandusky). 

Among  prominent  families  who  came  here  in  a comparatively  early  day, 
i and  whose  descendants  are  a part  of  that  staunch  and  intellectual  farming  com- 
' munity  for  which  Erie  county  is  noted,  are  the  families  of  J.  Van  Benschoter, 

; E.  M.  Granger,  John  Hughes,  Wolvertons,  David  Everett,  Swifts,  Starrs,  Rose- 
' kelleys,  Jarrets,  Isaac  Collins,  B.  B.  Jones,  the  Harris  families,  Edwin  Stowe, 
i the  Coles,  the  Scotts,  the  Hardys,  the  Cowans,  Quayles,  Dales,  Crisses,  Car- 
penters, Meekers,  Ryans,  Lakes,  Krocks,  Brooks,  and  many  others  whose 
names  are  prominent  in  the  village  affairs,  but  do  not  at  present  come  to  mind. 

The  present  population  of  Huron  village  is  about  thirteen  hundred,  and  that 
of  the  township  outside  of  the  corporation  is  somewhat  less,  making  a total  of 
not  far  from  twenty-three  hundred,  or  about  half  that  estimated  by  the  authors 
t of  a history  published  a few  years  ago. 

Before  the  completion  of  the  Milan  canal,  the  prospects  for  Huron’s  ad- 
vancement wete  very  bright,  except  that  there  was  a great  deal  of  suffering 
j and  death  from  cholera  in  1834.  The  five  physicians  residing  here  at  this 
j time  labored  manfully  for  a time,  but  continuous  influx  of  foreign  immigrants, 

I in  many  cases  bringing  infected  goods  and  those  sick  with  the  dread  disease, 
j had  its  effect  even  on  the  medical  practitioners,  and  when  one  of  their  own 
I number  died,  the  others,  excepting  the  valiant  Dr.  G.  S.  Haskins,  left  for  more 
j congenial  parts. 


472 


History  of  Erie  County. 


After  this  scourge  had  departed,  as  it  did  with  early  winter,  business  inter- 
ests began  looking  up  and  immigration  increased  until  within  the  next  decade 
a population  of  over  two  thousand  had  settled  here,  and  business  during  the 
first  half  of  the  time  had  been  very  extensive  and  profitable,  but  as  intimated 
in  the  History  of  Milan,  the  business  men  began  moving  up  to  the  new  head 
of  navigation,  and  a great  shrinkage  in  real  estate  values  followed,  involving 
several  active  and  wealthy  men  so  deeply  that  they  never  entirely  recovered. 

Property  that  had  been  nominally  worth  thousands  of  dollars  was  sold  for 
taxes,  and  destructive  fires  (said  in  some  cases  to  have  been  set  for  the  sake  of 
securing  the  insurance)  were  quite  common.  During  these  conflagrations  the 
records  of  the  village  were  destroyed,  and  this  fact  has  been  a matter  of  con- 
siderable inconvenience  to  the  city  fathers  as  well  as  to  us. 

Betrayed  in  a certain  degree  by  her  early  friends  who  sought  better  invest- 
ments at  Milan,  and  hampered  for  lack  of  sufficient  capital  and  enterprise, 
Huron  has  still  her  great  natural  advantages  and  some  stirring  and  successful 
business  men.  Among  the  few  men  who  have  remained  with  Huron  during 
adversity  and  success  ever  since  his  first  settlement  in  the  village  in  1833,  is 
Jno.  W.  Wickham.  A very  great  loser  by  shrinkage  in  real  estate  values 
during  the  dark  days  already  mentioned,  Mr.  Wickham  has  never  flagged  in 
his  efforts  for  and  interest  in  the  commercial  development  of  the  town. 

The  old  gentleman  is  eighty- two  years  old,  but  his  intellectual  vigor  and 
social  powers  are  unimpaired.  No  pleasanter  hour  was  spent  by  the  writer  in 
search  of  data  for  the  present  work  than  that  with  Mr.  Wickham  at  his  com- 
fortable fireside.  His  wife,  a daughter  of  S.  Van  Rensselaer,  one  of  the 
pioneers  of  Huron,  is  a lady  remarkably  well  preserved  for  her  advanced  years. 
She  attended  the  Erie  County  Teachers’  Association  held  in  Huron  April  14, 
1888. 

Jno.  W.  Wickham,  jr.,  conducts  the  large  business  established  in  1833  by 
his  father  and  at  present  covering  all  the  principal  lines  of  trade  carried  on  in 
Huron.  Mr.  J.  Winchell  is  intimately  connected  with  the  management  of  the 
business,  having  assisted  in  the  office  for  years. 

This  firm  handles  pine  lumber  in  considerable  quantities,  and  also  buys  and 
packs  a great  portion  of  the  catch  of  Huron  fishermen.  The  fish  interests  at 
this  point  are  far  from  insignificant,  indeed  they  are  quite  important  and  give 
employment  to  a large  number  of  men.  Wickham  & Co.  also  handle  salt,  sand, 
lime,  plaster,  etc.,  and  buy  many  thousand  bushels  of  grain  during  the  year. 

There  is  also  a large  elevator  at  the  L.  S.  and  M.  S.  crossing  which  handles 
a great  deal  of  the  grain  of  this  section.  This  business  is  controlled  mainly  by 
a company  of  dealers  more  specially  interested  in  grain  and  potatoes. 

The  village  has  two  hotels.  The  Aicher  House,  an  establishment  run  for 
years  by  John  Aicher,  now  deceased,  is  at  present  under  the  proprietorship  of 
John  Aicher,  jr.,  a very  well  informed  and  thorough  young  business  man,  who 


Kelley’s  Island. 


473 


is  bringing  it  back  to  its  old-time  reputation  as  a comfortable,  well-kept 
hotel. 

The  Shepards  have  started  a hotel  recently  in  the  new  brick  block  on  Main 
street,  and  are  doing  a fair  business  considering  the  size  of  the  town  and  the 
limited  amount  of  travel.  These  gentlemen  are  also  somewhat  interested  in 
the  fishing  business. 

The  Lake  Shore  Railroad  passes  through  the  town  from  east  to  west,  this 
being  that  part  of  the  main  line  known  as  the  northern  division  which  branches 
at  Elyria  and  runs  via.  Sandusky  to  a junction  with  the  southern  division  at 
Millbury,  near  Toledo. 

A branch  of  the  W.  and  L.  E.  railroad  leaving  the  main-line  at  Norwalk, 
terminates  here.  This  company  has  quite  extensive  dockage  here,  and  great 
quantities  of  coal  and  iron  ore  are  handled  during  the  summer  season.  Sage’s 
Grove,  just  east  of  the  river,  perhaps  a mile  from  town,  is  quite  a lovely  little 
picnicing  ground,  and  attracts  many  rural  visitors  from  further  inland  during 
the  heated  part  of  the  year. 

The  O.  N.  G.  boys  occasionally  camp  at  tne  grove  during  the  summer  and 
indulge  in  sham  soldiering,  sham  lovemaking,  and  champagne  to  their  heart’s 
content. 

Whatever  may  be  Huron’s  future,  there  is  no  disputing  the  fact  that  she 
has  as  many  natural  advantages  and  as  few  disadvantages  as  any  port  on  Lake 
Erie. 

Her  society  includes  many  who  might  honor  the  social  circles  of  any  city 
in  the  land,  and  her  hardy  fishermen  and  sailors  are  noted  for  their  courage 
and  the  tender  hearts  that  beat  beneath  the  rough  exterior.  Thanking  her 
citizens  for  uniform  courtesy  and  kind  assistance  in  the  difficult  task  of  secur- 
ing reliable  data  for  this  work,  the  writer  hopes  sincerely  that  the  time  may 
come  when  Huron  can  truthfully  say  again  that  she  is  second  to  but  one  Ohio 
lake  port  city. 


HIS  beautiful  island,  the  gem  of  Lake  Erie,  so  well  known  to  tourists  and 


travelers  of  the  present  day,  is  situated  a little  to  the  northwest  of  San- 
dusky in  latitude  41°  35'  north,  and  longitude  82°  42'  west  from  Greenwich. 

Until  1834  this  island  was  known  as  Cunningham’s  Island,  and  for  a con- 
siderable time  was  thought  to  belong  to  the  fire-lands,  which  were  to  be 
bounded  on  the  north  by  the  territorial  line,  which  was  also  the  boundary  be- 
tween Canada  and  the  United  States,  and  should  include  all  the  islands  of 


CHAPTER  XXV. 


HISTORY  OF  KELLEY’S  ISLAND. 


474 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Lake  Erie  lying  east  of  the  west  line  of  the  Western  Reserve.  These  were 
Cunningham,  the  Bass  or  Put-in-Bay  Islands.  After  a long  and  bitter  contest 
the  matter  was  compromised  in  such  a way  that  this  island  remained  a part  of 
the  Western  Reserve,  but  was  not  to  be  considered  a part  of  the  fire-lands. 
The  earliest  official  record  of  what  is  known  as  Kelley’s  Island,  was  when 
township  No.  5 was  drawn,  in  the  division  among  themselves,  of  the  Connec- 
ticut Land  Company’s  purchase,  which  covered  the  whole  of  the  reserve,  and 
was  divided  by  lot  among  them.  When  a township  of  lesser  value  was  drawn 
something  else  was  thrown  in,  and  thus  when  township  No.  5 was  drawn  Cun- 
ningham’s Island,  thought  to  be  of  little  value,  was  added  and  divided  among 
the  thirteen  owners. 

Of  all  the  history  prior  to  this  time  there  are  relics  and  traces  of  Indian  life 
that  form  conclusive  evidence  that  different  tribes  lived  here  for  a time,  and 
were  then  driven  off  and  banished.  Near  the  residence  of  Mr.  Addison  Kelley 
have  been  found  arrow-heads,  broken  pipes,  implements  and  other  articles  of 
rude  workmanship,  that  point  to  a time  when  a large  village  existed  on  the 
spot.  On  the  Huntington  farm  are  still  to  be  found  remains  of  a circular 
■earth  work,  which  must  have  enclosed  seven  acres  of  land.  It  would  be  diffi- 
cult to  find  a locality  so  full  of  prehistoric  interest  as  this  of  Kelley’s  Island, 
and  the  present  owners  are  cordial  in  their  efforts  to  assist  all  in  the  work  of 
search  of  forgotten  history.  The  writer  well  remembers  the  cordial  welcome 
extended  on  a hot  summer’s  day,  and  the  bits  of  history  gleaned  from  Mr. 
Kelley,  as  he  showed  relic  after  relic  that  had  been  found  on  his  land.  Per- 
haps no  object  of  interest  however,  equals  the  “ Inscription  Rock,”  on  the 
south  shore  of  the  island  in  Lake  Erie,  just  east  of  the  steamboat  landing.  It 
is  of  great  value  and  perhaps  greater  interest  than  anything  of  the  kind  in  the 
country.  The  following  description  of  this  wonderful  rock  is  from  the  pen  o^ 
Mr.  Kelley:  “The  rock  is  thirty- two  feet  in  length,  twenty-one  in  breadth, 

and  eleven  feet  above  the  water.  It  is  part  of  the  same  stratification  as  the 
island  from  which  it  has  been  separated  by  lake  action.  The  top  presents  a 
smooth,  polished  surface,  like  all  the  limestone  of  this  section  when  the  soil  is 
removed,  suggesting  the  idea  of  glacial  action.  Upon  this  surface  the  inscrip- 
tions are  cut,  the  figures  and  devices  are  deeply  graven  in  the  rock.” 

Its  symbols  are  readily  interpreted.  Human  figures,  smoking  groups  and 
scenes  of  daily  life,  portray  negotiations,  tribe  councils  and  turmoils  that  tell  a 
story  of  by-gone  times,  of  changes  in  Indian  history,  and  tragic  scenes  of  thrill- 
ing interest.  The  occupation  of  this  section  of  country  by  the  Eries,  the  com- 
ing of  the  Wyandots,  the  final  triumph  of  the  Iroquois,  are  all  there.  The 
rock  has  been  visited  by  thousands  and  is  already  becoming  worn. 

There  are  several  other  rocks  that  tell  of  the  rude  skill  of  these  natives ; 
many  of  them  covered  with  saucer-like  depressions,  worn  there  by  the  process 
of  manufacturing  stone  hatchets  or  flesh  knives,  of  which  great  numbers  have 


Kelley’s  Island. 


475- 


been  found.  In  the  year  1851  drawings  of  the  inscriptions  of  the  large  rock 
were  made  by  Colonel  Eastman,  United  States  Army,  who  was  detailed  by 
the  government  to  examine  them.  Copies  of  them  were  sent  to  Shimgvank, 
a learned  Indian,  who  was  well  versed  in  pictography,  by  whom  they  were  de- 
ciphered and  translated,  but  the  translation  is  too  long  to  give  in  this  article. 

This  interpreter,  after  careful  investigation  of  the  subject,  decided  that  they 
related  to  affairs  of  which  he  knew  nothing,  but  that  belonged  to  the  time  af- 
ter the  whites  had  become  acquainted  with  the  Indians  of  Lake  Erie.  One  of 
the  strongest  proofs  of  this  was  a symbol  of  a hat  which  appeared  three  times, 
but  that  they  had  not  yet  seen  fire-arms  he  thought  conclusive  from  the  fact 
that  there  were  no  representations  of  any  to  be  seen.  When  it  is  remembered 
that  the  general  opinion  is  that  the  Iroquois  first  received  guns  from  the  Dutch 
at  Albany,  in  1614,  and  that  the  Lake  Indians  did  not  receive  them  from  the 
French  until  some  years  later,  it  is  easily  seen  that  the  date  of  these  inscrip- 
tions cannot  be  earlier  than  1625.  From  this  time  until  the  present  century 
the  history  of  this  island  is  a blank. 

In  1808  a Frenchman,  by  the  name  of  Cunningham,  settled  upon  the  isl- 
and, and  for  a quarter  of  a century  after  it  was  known  by  his  name.  He  traded 
with  the  Indians,  buying  from  them  maple  sugar,  skins,  etc.,  and  giving  them 
in  exchange  blankets,  trinkets,  and  probably  whisky.  He  built  a rude  cabin 
and  here  he  lived  until  1812.  The  fate  of  this  man  is  uncertain,  but  it  is  gen- 
erally supposed  that  he  left  because  of  the  opening  of  the  war,  and  was  killed 
in  the  skirmishes  with  the  Indians  and  British.  During  the  war  General  Har- 
rison kept  a guard  stationed  at  the  west  point  of  the  island,  for  the  purpose  of 
watching  the  movements  of  the  enemy  on  the  lake.  The  guards’  camp  occu- 
pied a clearing  made  by  a Frenchman,  whose  name  was  Bebo,  in  1810.  He 
had  come  with  a man  named  Poschile,  and  each  made  a clearing.  That  of 
Bebo  was  a little  to  the  north  of  Carpenter’s  maple  grove.  Poschile’s  was  near 
the  present  site  of  Kelley’s  upper  wharf  Both  of  these  men  died  some  years 
since,  but  a few  years  ago  the  stakes  were  still  standing  that  marked  his  boun- 
daries. 

The  battle  of  Lake  Erie  was  a notable  event  of  history,  and  the  prepara- 
tions for  it  were  made  in  the  little  harbor  on  the  south  side  of  Kelley’s  Island. 
Here  Perry  lay  with  his  fleet,  and  here  he  received  on  board  the  thirty-six 
Ohio,  Pennsylvania  and  Kentucky  volunteers  from  Harrison’s  army  ; and  here 
he  was  visited  by  General  Harrison  and  his  aids,  Cass  and  hlcArthur,  to  talk 
over  and  plan  the  coming  battles,  which  were  destined  to  result  so  gloriously 
to  our  country,  and  close  the  war. 

From  1812  to  1818  it  is  not  known  that  there  were  any  white  settlers  on 
Kelley’s  Island.  During  the  latter  year  a man  named  Killam,  with  his  famil}^ 
and  one  or  two  men,  came  here  and  built  a cabin  and  remained  until  1820.  It 
was  at  this  time  that  the  first  steamboat  was  built  on  the  lake,  and  called 


476 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Walk-on-the-  Water.  A sail-boat  also  made  short  trips  between  Sandusky 
and  the  island  to  meet  the  steamboat,  which  could  not  go  to  Sandusky  every 
trip,  and  received  her  passengers  from  Venice  and  Sandusky  in  this  way. 
Walk-on-tlie-Water  was  wrecked  October  19,  1820.  During  these  two  years 
Killam  was  employed  to  supply  the  fuel  for  the  boat,  and  this  had  to  be  cut 
and  boated  out  to  the  steamboat.  It  was  red  cedar,  which  was  very  abundant 
in  this  locality.  After  the  wrecking  of  the  JVa//e-oa-t/ie- Water,  this  business 
was  stopped,  and  Killam  left  the  island  in  1820.  From  that  time  until  1826 
there  were  no  permanent  residents  here.  About  this  time  a couple  of  men 
employed  by  Killam  to  get  out  wood,  continued  their  work  from  time  to  time, 
and  one  of  them  is  connected  with  the  history  of  the  island  from  the  Point 
which  bears  his  name.  Barnum’s  Point  is  on  the  east  end  of  the  island,  and 
carries  with  it  the  memory  of  these  times,  when  these  two  men  became  ene- 
mies, and  Barnum  killed  Grunmet,  who  was  standing  to  shoot  him.  It  was 
decided  that  the  act  was  done  in  self-defense,  and  Barnum  moved  away  from 
this  section  of  the  country. 

In  1826  Elisha  Ellis  and  Peter  Shook  obtained  contracts  for  two  pieces  of 
land,  and  Ellis  proceeded  to  build  a house  on  his  into  which  his  wife  and  him- 
self moved. 

Shook  went  away  and  never  returned  to  the  island,  and  in  1828  Henry 
Ellithorpe  went  there  to  begin  stock  raising.  During  the  winter  of  1828-9 
the  only  inhabitants  of  this  township  were  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ellis,  Mr.  Ellithorpe 
and  Frank  Saunders,  who  worked  for  Ellis.  In  December,  1830,  Henry  Elli- 
thorpe was  married  in  Sandusky  to  Elizabeth  Neal,  and  took  her  home  on  the 
ice,  taking  along  six  head  of  cattle.  He  built  a house  of  cedar  on  the  bank  of 
the  lake,  and  here  was  born  October  6,  1832,  the  first  white  child,  a son,  and 
named  George  Ellithorpe. 

Of  2,888  acres  of  land,  comprising  this  island,  only  six  acres  were  cleared 
in  1833,  when  Datus  Kelley  and  his  brother  Irad  visited  it  with  a view  to  pur- 
chasing land  and  going  into  the  cedar  business.  Before  this,  however.  Cap- 
tain Ransom,  of  Sandusky,  and  Burr  Higgins  had  had  an  interview  with  the 
agents  of  the  principal  owners  of  Cunningham’s  Island,  but  this  resulted  in  a 
disappointment  and  the  purchase  was  not  effected.  The  first  purchase  of 
lands  was  effected  on  the  20th  day  of  August,  1833,  and  consisted  of  a con- 
tract made  by  the  attorney  of  John  A.  and  Mary  Rockwell,  and  Alfred  E. 
Perkins,  for  1,444-f^  acres,  or  almost  one  half  the  total  area  of  the  island;  for 
this  they  paid  $2,167.35,  oi"  dollar  and  a half  an  acre.  Other  purchases 
followed,  and  in  the  autumn  of  that  year  a double  log-house  was  built  for  a 
boarding-house.  During  the  following  winter  the  present  wood-dock  was 
commenced,  and  by  the  next  spring  was  sufficiently  finished  to  afford  a land- 
ing to  steamboats,  and  the  business  of  wooding  was  begun. 

Up  to  the  year  1837  this  had  been  a part  of  the  township  of  Danbury,  and 


Kelley’s  Island. 


477 


was  included  in  Huron  county.  That  year,  however,  a change  was  made,  and 
Erie  county  was  created  and  Kelley’s  Island  was  set  off  as  a part  of  it.  The 
Legislature  in  1840  enacted  a law  that  “ all  that  tract  known  as  Cunningham’s 
Island,  situated  on  the  south  side  of  Lake  Erie,  be  constituted  a township,  to 
be  known  as  Kelley’s  Island.” 

On  the  6th  of  March,  1840,  was  passed  an  act  creating  the  county  of 
Ottawa,  which  should  include  within  its  boundaries  the  new  island  townships 
of  Kelley’s  Island  and  Van  Rensselaer.  The  first  election  for  organization  as 
a township  was  in  April,  1840.  There  were  fifteen  votes  polled,  and  in  May 
an  election  was  held  for  county  officers. 

As  the  population  increased  and  its  business  was  entirely  with  Sandusky, 
its  connection  with  Ottawa  county  became  very  irksome,  and  a determination 
was  formed  to  effect  a separation  and  be  reinstated  in  Erie  county.  In  Feb- 
ruary, 1845,  Legislature  passed  a law  to  that  effect,  so  that  in  the  short 
space  of  seven  years  Kelley’s  Island  formed  a part  of  two  townships  and  four 
counties,  and  of  the  four  children  of  Mr.  Addison  Kelley,  born  in  the  same 
house,  no  two  were  natives  of  the  same  township  or  county. 

When  Messrs.  Irad  and  Datus  Kelley  had  purchased  the  island,  they  found 
several  squatters  with  a little  improvement  here  and  there.  These  they  pro- 
ceeded to  buy  off,  and  generally  did  so  with  little  trouble.  There  was  one 
man,  however,  not  so  readily  dispossessed — he  claimed  to  have  purchased  his 
tract  and  refused  to  give  it  up  without  being  forced  to  do  so  by  the  law.  The 
result,  though  expensive,  and  costing,  it  is  said,  as  much  as  the  purchase  of 
the  island,  was  beneficial  in  many  ways,  for  it  proved  that  the  Kelleys  titles 
could  not  be  set  aside. 

After  Mr.  Kelley  built  the  docks,  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  matter  of 
education  and  built  a school-house.  This  was  done  entirely  at  his  own  and 
his  brother’s  expense.  It  was  the  first  frame  building  ever  erected  on  the 
island,  and  has  since  been  used  as  a cooper  and  blacksmith-shop.  It  is  the 
first  building  north  of  the  present  residence  of  George  Kelley. 

Mr.  Kelley  was  a natural  reformer.  He  believed  that  no  place  could  grow, 
or  community  prosper,  without  a basis  of  substantial  qualities  ; and  these  were, 
in  his  estimation,  education,  frugality,  and  temperance.  Having  provided  a 
school-house  he  next  proceeded  to  offer  a reward  or  bonus  to  his  men  (in  ad- 
dition to  their  regular  pay)  for  dispensing  with  intoxicants.  There  are  men 
still  living  who  date  all  their  success  to  the  encouragement  afforded  them  at 
that  time  by  the  precepts  and  example  of  Mr.  Kelley. 

At  this  time  Mr.  Kelley  had  not  moved  here,  but  spent  half  of  every  year 
here.  In  1836  Mr.  D.  Kelley  resolved  to  make  his  permanent  residence  on 
the  island,  and  moved  his  family  into  a small  log-house  situated  where  Mr. 
George  Kelley’s  house  now  stands.  In  1838  he  built  a frame  house,  where 
he  continued  to  reside  until  he  built  the  old  part  of  what  is  now  known  as  the 
61 


478 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Island  House.  At  this  time  there  were  twelve  families  on  the  island,  which, 
with  the  men  who  boarded  in  them,  constituted  the  entire  population  of  Kel- 
ley’s Island  fifty  years  ago. 

Quarrying  stone,  getting  out  cedar  posts,  chopping  steamboat  wood,  etc., 
was  the  business  carried  on  at  that  time.  All  the  money  made  heretofore  had 
been  made  by  stone  or  cedar,  but  after  1836  steamboat  wood  formed  the 
largest  item  of  trade.  There  could  be  no  farming  carried  on  until  the  land 
was  cleared,  hence  it  became  necessary  to  offer  such  inducements  that  the 
steamboats  would  stop  for  wood.  This  effected  two  things — clearing  the  land 
and  opening  communication  with  the  ports  on  the  lake.  Not  only  was  Mr. 
Kelley  the  pioneer  of  education  and  civilization  on  the  island,  but  his  son,  Mr. 
Addison  Kelley,  who  is  still  living,  furnished  the  model  for  the  first  boat  that 
was  built  here.  It  was  not  like  other  boats,  but  was  intended  to  weather  the 
storms  of  all  seasons.  It  was  launched  early  in  1839  and  named  Number  One. 
She  proved  herself  worthy  her  title  when  she  outlived  the  worst  gale  ever 
known  here,  in  which  the  schooner  Helen  Mar  was  lost  with  all  on  board. 
This  boat  was  so  constructed  as  to  right  herself  in  all  positions.  Her  keel  was 
an  oak  plank,  seventeen  inches  in  depth  and  four  inches  thick,  with  an  iron 
shoe  on  the  bottom  of  it  that  weighed  nearly  a ton. 

The  growth  of  Kelley’s  Island  has  been  almost  phenomenal.  No  sooner 
had  the  Kelleys  become  its  owners  than  they  commenced  a series  of  improve- 
ments, and  proceeded  to  put  their  lands  in  market  at  fair  prices.  The  earliest 
purchasers  directly  from  D.  and  J.  Kelley,  were  Addison  Kelley,  John  Titus, 
James  Hamilton,  Julius  Kelley,  Horace  Kelley,  J.  E.  Woodford,  G.  C.  Hunting- 
ton,  Patrick  Martin,  Bernard  McGettigan,  S.  S.  Dwelle  and  James  Estes,  most  of 
whom  are  still  occupying  portions  of  the  land  they  purchased.  Instead  of  one 
there  are  five  good  school  buildings.  A stone  building  with  lot  donated  and 
ibuilt  by  Datus  and  Sara  Kelley,  is  open  to  public  services  of  all  profitable  kinds. 
There  are  four  churches;  each  of  these  support  their  own  minister,  and  have 
regular  services.  And  more  prominent  than  any  of  these  buildings  is  the  Isl- 
and House,  a fine  summer  hotel  built  in  1874,  and  destroyed  by  fire  in  1877, 
and  subsequently  rebuilt,  and  is  one  of  the  attractive  features  of  a visit  to  Kel- 
ley’s Island.  It  was  originally  the  property  of  Addison  Kelley,  who  sold  it  to 
Messrs.  Colby,  Hickox  and  Matson  of  Mansfield.  It  has  since  changed  hands, 
and  in  1874  was  elegantly  fitted  up  by  its  new  proprietor,  Jacob  Rush.  It  is 
224  feet  by  40,  three  stories  high,  with  grounds  elegantly  laid  out,  and  all  the 
accessories  of  a delightful  summer  resort. 

There  has  been  a phenomenal  health  fulnesson  this  island  ever  since  its  first 
settlement.  Doctors  and  lawyers  have  found  but  little  to  do  there,  and  for 
many  years  Mrs.  D.  Kelley  was  the  main  reliance  in  all  cases  of  sickness.  Al- 
though the  population  has  increased  rapidly,  and  Kelley’s  Island  is  now  in  per- 
fect cultivation  carrying  on  several  branches  of  trade,  and  attracting  large  num- 


Kelley’s  Island. 


479 


bers  of  visitors  yearly,  it  has  never  lost  its  individuality  as  the  home  of  the  Kel- 
leys. With  the  exception  of  Julius  Kelley,  the  entire  family  of  Datus  Kelley, 
his  sons,  their  wives  and  families ; his  daughters,  their  husbands  and  children 
have  been  residents  of  the  island.  In  1847  George  Kelley,  eldest  son  of  I.  Kel 
ley,  moved  on  with  his  family. 

The  history  of  Kelle}'’s  Island  could  not  be  written  without  a special  men- 
tion of  the  different  steamboats  that  have  helped  in  her  march  toward  civiliza- 
tion. Since  1839  the  main  reliance  had  Number  one,  which  after  a few 

years  of  hard  and  faithful  service  was  pronounced  unseaworthy,  and  plans  were 
formed  to  build  a successor.  The  possibility  of  using  steam  was  discussed,  but 
no  one  thought  it  could  be  done.  While  the  decision  was  not  yet  made,  the 
matter  was  decided  in  a most  unexpected  manner  in  1846.  In  the  spring  of 
that  year  Mr.  Addison  Kelley  had  occasion  to  go  Venice  on  Number  one.  The 
vessel  was  in  a poor  condition,  and  the  weather  stormy.  He  concluded  it  was 
not  safe  to  return  until  the  storm  abated,  and  in  the  evening  strolled  into  the 
office  of  H.  N.  Fish,  and  while  discussing  the  limited  means  of  communication 
between  the  Island  and  the  outer  world,  Mr.  Fish  suggested  that  a small  steam- 
boat might  be  built,  by  which  they  could  go  and  come  as  they  chose.  Mr. 
Kelley  saw  the  advantage  of  this,  but  stated  that  they  were  not  able  to  do  this; 
whereupon  Mr.  Fish  promised  them  a liberal  sum  as  a loan,  to  be  paid  for  in 
transportation,  and  also  promised  the  business  of  carrying  the  wheat  from  Fre- 
mont, if  they  would  build  a boat  of  sufficient  capacity.  On  Mr.  Kelley’s  re- 
turn home  he  laid  the  matter  before  Mr.  D.  Kelley,  who  must  be  the  principal 
stockholder.  He  took  hold  of  the  matter  at  once,  and  in  less  than  one  week 
from  the  time  of  its  first  suggestion,  the  steamboat  known  as  the  Islander,  was 
under  process  of  construction.  She  was  a decided  success,  and  did  her  work 
well  for  years,  but  was  at  length  superseded  by  the  Island  Queen  in  1853.  She 
was  commanded  by  Captain  Orr,  and  sold  in  1866.  When  she  was  built  she 
was  thought  to  be  too  large  for  the  service,  but  eventually  proved  to  small. 
She  was  finally  captured  by  the  rebels  and  sunk  in  1864.  She  was  recovered  in 
a few  days,  comparatively  uninjured,  and  two  years  later. her  owners  and  some 
others  formed  a company  and  purchased  the  steamer  Evening  Star.  The  Star 
was  a new  boat  of  three  hundred  and  forty  tons,  with  a beautiful  model  low- 
pressure  beam-engine,  and  cost  $45,000,  with  an  additional  $1,000  for  fitting 
her  up.  Her  speed  was  fine,  and  her  carrying  capacity  unequalled  at  that  time, 
often  carrying  on  an  excursion  twelve  hundred  passengers.  Her  captains  were 
successively  Captain  Magle,  Kirby  and  Brown.  She  was  sold  in  1 872  with  the 
Reindeer,  and  since  that  time  the  islanders  have  owned  no  steamboats. 

In  glancing  over  the  statistics  of  1863,  it  is  amusing  to  note  the  entries, 
showing  the  still  primitive  condition  of  Kelley’s  Island; 


480 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Domestic  imports  nothing  whatever  except  building  materials  and  family  supplies. 


Foreign  imports,  none. 

Exports,  coastwise. 

Red  cedar,  714  cords $4,291 

Limestone,  390  cords 780 

Steamboat  wood,  3,248cords 4,102 

Corn,  wheat  and  pork 2,000 


$i  1,083 


Steamboats  and  Vessels. 

One  steamboat,  80  tons $5,000 

One  sail-boat 150 

Number  of  men  employed  on  same 7 

Population,  1849 180 

“ 1863 600 


Not  only  did  Mr.  D.  Kelley  build  the  first  school-house,  give  the  first  im- 
petus toward  thrift,  temperance  and  success  on  the  island,  but  he  started  grape- 
growing, which  has  since  become  such  an  important  industry  here  and  else- 
where. In  the  year  1846  the  value  of  grapes  sold  by  D.  Kelley  did  not  exceed 
five  dollars.  In  1861  the  value  of  the  grape  crop  was  $51,080  from  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty-eight  acres.  This  does  not  give  a fair  average  per  acre,  as 
many  of  the  vines  were  bearing  for  the  first  time.  When  it  is  remembered  that 
the  first  vine  was  set  out  in  1842  by  Mr.  D.  Kelley,  who  had  brought  cuttings 
from  his  old  home  in  Rockport,  the  advance  is  marked  and  more  than  satisfac- 
tory. In  1844  the  first  Catawbas  were  planted  from  cuttings  obtained  from 
Judge  Ely  of  Elyria.  Mr  Carpenter  bought  a farm  on  the  west  end  of  the  Isl- 
and, and  commenced  setting  out  vines  until  in  two  or  three  years  he  had  more 
vines  than  any  of  the  older  settlers.  There  was  no  thought  at  this  time  of 
making  them  into  wine,  for  the  thought  had  been  advanced  and  believed  that 
no  wine  could  be  made  from  these  grapes  that  would  keep.  The  demand  for 
grapes  steadily  increased,  and  in  1855  it  was  much  easier  to  sell  them  at  ten 
cents  a pound  than  it  had  been  nine  years  before  at  five. 

As  late  as  1854  there  was  comparatively  a small  amount  of  land  put  in 
grapes,  and  this  was  done  by  old  settlers.  The  first  move  in  the  direction  of 
increasing  the  number  of  producers  was  made  in  this  year,  when  some  in- 
telligent Germans,  who  had  come  from  the  wine  districts  of  the  old  world, 
found  employment  on  the  Island.  They  began  to  see  the  possibilities  of  the 
future,  and  desired  to  buy  land  for  grape  culture.  Five  acres  were  bought  of 
Mr.  Addison  Kelley  for  fifty  dollars  an  acre,  and  when  he  was  remonstrated 
with  on  the  exorbitant  price  at  which  he  valued  his  land,  he  replied  that  he 
should  sell  the  next  higher,  and  would  only  sell  five  acres  to  the  same  individ- 
ual. Within  a few  days  he  sold  five  acres  for  sixty  dollars  an  acre,  and  from 
that  to  seventy-five,  one  hundred  and  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  was  quickly 
reached.  The  grape- fever  became  more  wide-spread,  and  as  yet  there  were 


Margaretta  Township. 


481 


no  checks  to  the  progress  of  the  interest,  for  rot,  late  frosts  and  other  evils  were 
unknown  for  eighteen  years.  In  1862,  after  a successful  beginning,  the  rot  ap- 
peared for  the  first  time. 

At  this  date,  1888,  of  the  original  Kelleys  there  are  still  living  many  of 
their  direct  descendants  on  the  Island  that  bears  their  name,  but  the  surround- 
ings are  very  unlike  those  that  were  known  to  their  ancestors.  The  entire  Isl- 
and is  now  in  the  most  perfect  cultivation,  and  as  the  boat  stops  at  the  landing, 
and  the  visitors  are  met  by  the  hospitable  inhabitants,  gay  in  boating  attire, 
and  waiting  with  private  carriages  to  drive  to  their  homes,  amid  luxuriant 
vineyards  and  beautiful  homes,  one  can  scarcely  believe  that  all  this  beauty 
has  been  the  work  of  half  a century — and  where  elegant  homes  now  abound, 
the  wigwam  of  the  savage  formerly  stood.  Among  all  the  islands  of  Lake 
Erie  none  is  more  beautiful  than  Kelley’s  Island. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 

HISTORY  OF  MARGARETTA  TOWNSHIP. 

Bounded  on  the  north  by  Sandusky  bay,  on  the  east  by  Sandusky  city, 
Perkins  and  Oxford  townships,  on  the  south  by  Groton,  and  on  the  west 
by  Sandusky  county  and  the  bay;  range  twenty-four;  township  six.  It  was 
formerly  known  as  Patterson,  because  many  years  ago,  before  cities  and  vil- 
lages dotted  the  northern  part  of  Ohio,  while  Indians  still  roamed  over  its 
broad  acres  and  this  part  of  Erie  county  was  known  only  as  a large  tract  of 
rolling  land  covered  with  oak  openings,  and  irrigated  by  streams  and  marshes, 
there  came  to  the  region  a man  by  the  name  of  Hugh  Patterson,  a British  In- 
dian trader,  whose  name  has  been  since  connected  with  the  history  of  the 
township.  He  was  not  an  honorable  man  and  his  influence  over  the  Indians 
was  exceedingly  pernicious,  as  he  tried  to  influence  them  to  join  the  British 
against  the  United  States,  but  he  had  an  unlimited  amount  of  confidence  in 
himself,  he  talked  loudly  of  buying  the  whole  township,  and  of  course  had 
a certain  amount  of  influence. 

There  seems  however,  to  have  been  among  the  Indians  some  who  refused 
allegiance  to  him,  and  in  an  account  given  by  a missionary  at  that  time.  Rev. 
Joseph  Badger,  who  labored  among  the  Wyandot  Indians  from  1805  to  1810, 
the  following  incident  is  given:  “On  the  28th  of  July,  1805,  the  head  chief, 
Crane,  sent  for  us  to  write  for  him.  After  we  had  taken  supper  one  of  the 
women  made  a candle  of  beeswax,  and  I seated  myself  on  the  floor  beside  a 
bench  and  wrote  as  directed  by  the  old  chief,  through  an  interpreter.  His 


482 


History  of  Erie  County. 


address  was  to  the  governor  at  Detroit,  and  requested  that  Hugh  Patterson, 
Williams,  and  one  other  man  should  be  removed  from  among  them  without 
delay,  as  they  were  contriving  mischief  and  troubling  the  Indians.” 

The  township  however  continued  to  bear  his  name  until  in  1812,  at  a meet- 
ing of  the  settlers  of  the  fire-lands  in  Huron,  they  resolved  unanimously  that 
it  was  wrong  for  a township  to  bear  the  name  of  so  infamous  a man,  and  the 
choice  of  a name  was  referred  to  Major  Frederick  Falley  who  now  held  a 
contract  to  purchase  this  township.  As  he  had  a mother,  sister  and  several 
nieces  whose  name  was  Margaret,  he  concluded  to  imortalize  them  by  calling 
his  newly  acquired  property  Margaretta,  and  from  henceforth  the  name  of 
Patterson  sank  into  oblivion,  and  the  township  was  duly  organized  in  1815  by 
the  commissioners  of  Huron  county.  Major  Falley,  Nathan  Cummings  and 
Bildad  Adams.  At  this  time  it  was  connected  with  Danbury  north  of  the  bay, 
but  two  years  later  Danbury  had  a separate  organization. 

The  first  election  was  held  the  same  year.  The  township  contains  two  vil- 
lages, Venice  on  the  south  side  of  Sandusky  bay,  and  Castalia,  both  flourish- 
ing and  widely  known.  The  latter  attracts  to  its  club  houses  many  of  Amer- 
ica's largest  capitalists,  and  the  name  Castalia  is  as  familiar  in  sporting  circles 
as  the  Adirondacks  or  Rangely  Fakes. 

It  scarcely  seems  possible  that  where  this  village  now  stands,  formerly  an 
Indian  village  occupied  the  ground,  but  the  evidences  and  proofs  of  this  fact 
are  too  numerous  and  conclusive  to  admit  of  doubt.  At  the  time  of  Hull’s 
surrender,  history  tells  of  a general  stampede  that  took  place  in  this  neighbor- 
hood, when  men  left  their  property  and  fields  already  planted  and  fled.  The 
forts  and  mounds  found  here  indicate  that  at  some  past  time  Indians  made  this 
a general  headquarters.  The  missionary  to  the  VVyandots,  Rev.  Badger,  was- 
mainly  instrumental  in  keeping  these  savages  from  taking  sides  against  us  in 
the  War  of  1812.  The  fort  near  Venice  was  discovered  by  Major  Falley  over- 
grown with  underbrush  and  timber,  but  showing  a double  entrenchment.  It 
has  since  been  completely  obliterated  by  cultivation,  and  now  no  trace  of  it 
can  be  found. 

At  the  time  of  the  stampede  a man  named  Andrews  was  putting  in  a hun- 
dred acres  of  wheat  east  of  the  burying  ground,  when  the  panic  occurred,  and 
after  the  troubles  subsided  he  and  some  of  the  others  came  back  and  harvested 
their  crops  with  guns  on  their  backs.  In  1813  there  were  but  three  houses  in 
Cold  Creek  (now  called  Castalia),  and  these  were  owned  and  located  as  fol 
lows:  Mr.  Snow’s  on  the  banks  of  the  creek  at  its  source,  Mr.  Butler’s  on  the 
opposite  bank,  twelve  or  fifteen  rods  east,  and  Mr.  Putnam’s  half  a mile  down 
the  creek  on  the  prairie. 

On  the  2d  of  June,  1813,  an  Indian  massacre  created  a frightful  consterna- 
tion in  the  little  settlement.  During  the  preceding  month  a party  of  Indians- 
numbering  sixteen,  under  Pontiac,  landed  at  Pickerel  Creek,  on  a war  excur- 


Margaretta  Township. 


483 


sion,  and  reconoitered  slyly  until  the  right  occasion  offered  itself,  then,  when 
the  men  were  engaged  in  the  fields  at  a good  distance  from  the  house,  and  the 
women  and  children  (twelve  in  number)  were  gathered  together  in  the  house 
of  Mrs.  Snow,  who  was  sick  at  the  time,  they  made  the  attack  at  midday.  It 
was  a frightful  affair.  The  Indians  rushed  into  the  room,  and  while  one 
seized  Mrs.  Putnam  by  the  hair,  a second  caught  hold  of  Mrs.  Butler  and  a 
third  dragged  Mrs.  Snow  from  the  bed,  and  out  of  the  house.  When  they 
asked  these  women  if  they  would  go  with  them  they  answered  in  the  affirma- 
tive, and  were  driven  away.  The  children  at  play  were  also  seized,  and  two 
little  boys  two  years  old  were  killed  and  scalped.  A few  rods  farther  on 
and  they  found  Julia  Butler,  a girl  of  four  years,  who  was  also  murdered. 
Mrs.  Snow,  unable  to  keep  up  with  the  others,  was  horribly  butchered.  They 
then  plundered  the  houses  and  premises,  broke  all  the  crockery  and  making  a 
pack  load  of  their  booty,  forced  Harry  Graves  to  carry  it  to  the  canoes.  It 
was  almost  sun- down  before  the  men  at  work  knew  aught  that  had  taken 
place.  They  started  at  once  for  Pike  Creek,  and  in  the  morning  were  joined 
by  others  and  followed  the  trail  until  the  dead  bodies  of  those  murdered  were 
found,  but  no  traces  of  the  Indians  could  be  discovered,  and  they  were  obliged 
to  return  and  bury  their  dead.  These  were  the  first  interments  in  the  town- 
ship. 

The  Indians  took  their  captives  to  Detroit  and  gave  them  into  the  hands 
of  the  British  agent.  Ironsides,  having  suffered  no  violence  or  injury,  except 
in  being  forced  to  walk  faster  than  they  were  able.  They  remained  in  De- 
troit until  the  following  fall  when  they  were  all  returned  in  safety.  During 
this  time  their  friends  heard  of  them,  but  could  not  communicate  with  them,  as 
Detroit  was  in  the  hands  of  the  British.  Six  years  after  this  sad  affair,  the  In- 
dians again  attacked  a couple  of  men  who  were  out  on  a trapping  expedition 
for  muskrats.  They  had  lain  down  in  a temporary  hut  after  collecting  a few 
skins,  and  were  murdered  by  three  straggling  Ottawas,  two  of  whom  were 
captured  and  hung  in  1818. 

The  physical  features  of  this  township  are  rather  monotonous  as  are  those 
of  all  prairie  regions,  but  this  monotony  is  varied  here  by  streams  and  springs 
and  two  caves.  The  western  half  is  rolling  and  thinly  timbered,  with  a com- 
bination of  clay,  limestone  and  sandy  soil.  The  northeast  portion  was  at  one 
time  heavily  timbered,  and  had  a rich  muck  soil  with  clay  sub-soil  that 
made  it  very  productive.  The  second  section  was  heavily  timbered,  except  in 
the  south,  which  was  oak  openings,  with  a gradual  descent  to  the  north.  The 
third  section  is  mostly  prairie,  and  used  to  be  called  a marsh,  until  a channel 
was  made  for  Cold  Creek,  and  by  building  a railroad,  which  has  drained  it 
and  made  good  farming  lands  of  it.  The  timber  on  the  timber-lands  was 
mostly  oak  of  different  kinds,  with  a sprinkling  of  elm  and  ash,  butternut, 
chestnut  and  maple.  The  soil  is  generally  fertile  and  very  productive,  but 


484 


History  of  Erie  County. 


occasional  ridges  of  limestone  cropping  out  make  it  in  some  places  difficult  to 
cultivate.  The  soil  varies  with  different  localities,  sometimes  sandy  with  a pre- 
ponderance of  clay.  The  township  has  an  immense  quantity  of  stone  of  a 
superior  quality,  suitable  for  building  or  paving  purposes.  It  is  well  nigh  in- 
exhaustible and  will  supply  the  demand  for  centuries. 

In  the  early  days  of  Ohio  wild  annimals  abounded  here,  and  those  now 
living  tell  wonderful  stories  of  hunting  and  trapping  on  the  very  spot  where 
handsome  residences  now  stand.  Wild  turkeys  predominated,  and  were 
caught  by  the  Indians  in  a fashion  peculiarly  their  own,  which  was  afterward 
adopted  by  the  settlers.  This  was  done  by  driving  them  into  pens.  The 
more  honorable  preferred  to  kill  them  with  a rifle.  Wolves  had  their  head- 
quarters at  Cold  Creek,  and  were  numerous.  Deer  abounded  and  were  hunted 
by  the  pioneers,  who  considered  this  their  principal  diversion.  To-day  there 
are  no  wild  animals  to  be  found  in  the  township  except  a few  squirrels  and 
rabbits. 

A narrow  slip  of  land  belonging  to  this  township  runs  along  Sandusky  bay, 
which  is  marshy  and  wet  on  the  western  portion,  and  dry  or  timbered  on  the 
east.  When  the  lake  is  high  it  is  overflowed  with  water  on  the  marshy  side, 
and  at  other  times  produces  a coarse  kind  of  grass. 

Cold  Creek  is  the  most  important  stream  in  the  township,  but  beside  this 
there  is  in  the  southwest  corner  a small  stream  known  as  Pike  Creek,  which 
runs  in  a northeasterly  course  into  Perkins  township  and  empties  into  San- 
dusky Bay.  This  drains  a large  area,  and  in  former  days  had  a force  that  run 
a couple  of  saw-mills.  There  are  also  two  other  small  streams  strongly  im- 
pregnated with  mineral  substances,  but  the  one  stream  of  importance  is  Cold 
Creek  that  rises  near  the  center  of  the  township  and  finds  its  way  to  Sandusky 
Bay.  It  is  scarcely  over  four  miles  long,  and  when  it  took  its  natural  channel 
flowed  over  level  land  that  became  the  paradise  for  musk-rats,  otter,  and  mink. 
It  now  glories  in  an  artificial  channel  or  mill  race,  and  has  a power  sufficient 
to  run  several  mills.  Where  this  stream  rises  it  seems  to  boil  up  from  a great 
depth  in  crevices  of  the  limestone  rock.  Not  over  half  a mile  from  this  was  at 
one  time  a narrow  stream  that  had  its  rise  in  another  spring.  By  artificial  aids 
this  was  greatly  enlarged,  and  it  excavated  for  itself  a large  basin  nearly  fifty 
feet  in  diameter.  Any  one  standing  on  its  shore  could  see  large  trees  lying  on 
the  bottom,  but  none  could  guess  how  they  came  there.  This  was  called  Lit- 
tle Cold  Creek.  That  the  two  streams  had  a secret  connection  underground 
no  one  doubted,  who  watched  the  increase  of  the  one  when  the  other  increased  ; 
and  therefore  it  was  thought  wise  to  connect  the  two.  After  much  expense 
and  trouble  this  was  done,  but  the  result  was  far  from  satisfactory,  as  the 
waters  ran  in  an  opposite  direction  to  that  desired.  Cold  Creek  has  a fall  of 
fifty-seven  feet. 

The  waters  of  these  springs  is  so  strongly  impregnated  by  mineral  sub- 


Margaretta  Township. 


485 


•stances  that  whenever  it  drips  on  any  substance  it  covers  it  with  a coating 
which  becomes  hard  and  assumes  the  most  fanciful  forms.  It  was  deemed  wise 
to  convert  this  water  power  into  practical  use,  and  the  first  mill  was  built  near 
the  head  of  Cold  Creek  in  1810  by  D.  P.  Snow,  to  be  used  to  grind  corn. 
This  was  built  of  logs,  and  the  stones  were  brought  from  the  quarries  or  rocks 
near  by,  and  Lewis  Ensign,  a citizen  of  Groton,  did  the  work  on  them.  This 
mill  ground  from  ten  to  fifteen  bushels  of  grain  in  twenty-four  hours.  It  was 
only  used  two  years,  and  in  1819  there  was  a mill  built  three  quarters  of  a 
mile  from  the  head  of  the  stream,  by  Joshua  Pettingill,  which  had  a screw- 
wheel  and  ground  the  most  of  the  grinding  for  the  entire  fire  lands  for  many 
years. 

In  1 81 1 Major  Falley  raised  the  frame  of  a saw-mill  where  the  Venice 
mill-race  is  now  found,  but  the  war  of  1812  coming  on,  the  mill  was  left 
unfinished,  and  in  1815  it  was  purchased  by  Eli  Hunt  who  put  a saw-mill  in 
operation,  with  a run  of  stone  in  one  corner  and  an  apparatus  for  bolting. 
This  was  the  first  saw-mill  in  the  western  part  of  the  fire-lands,  and  from  it  the 
first  lumber  was  procured. 

At  the  same  time  that  Major  Falley  began  his  mill,  a tannerv  was  started 
near  the  head  of  the  Venice  Mills.  Two  years  later,  in  1813,  he  removed  to 
"the  tannery  built  by  Major  Falley,  at  the  head  of  Cold  Creek,  and  this  industry 
became  one  of  the  most  important  to  the  early  settlers,  who  were  thus  supplied 
with  an  article  of  importance. 

Three  years  later  Daniel  Mack  built  a saw-mill  near  the  mill  that  had  been 
owned  by  Snow,  and  in  the  corner  was  a run  of  stone  for  grinding.  In  1824 
be  built  a good  grist-mill  with  two  run  of  stone,  and  this  subsequently’passed 
into  the  hands  of  a German  named  Weber  in  1827.  Mr.  Mack  had  long  years 
of  litigation  over  certain  mill-rights,  with  Pettingill  and  others,  because  of 
damages  done  them  by  flowing  the  back  water  upon  them.  This  was  only 
ended  in  1832  by  transfer  of  the  entire  property,  and  five  hundred  and  ten 
acres  of  land  to  Burr  Higgins.  This  gave  him  entire  control  of  the  water- 
power, and  he  at  once  began  to  improve  his  mill  for  custom  work.  This  was 
the  coldest  year  ever  known  in  this  latitude,  and  every  stream  was  frozen 
except  Cold  Creek.  Southern  Michigan  as  well  as  Northern  Ohio  were  depen- 
dent for  grinding  on  this  single  stream.  In  1835  Higgins  sold  his  entire  in- 
terest to  Davidson,  Hadley  & Co. 

The  first  flouring-mill  in  Venice  was  commenced  in  1832  and  finished  in 
1833,  with  three  run  of  French  burrs  for  merchants,  and  three  run  for  custom 
work.  The  completion  of  this  mill  established  the  first  permament  cash  mar- 
ket for  wheat  on  the  fire-lands. 

The  second  mill,  one  and  a half  miles  west  of  south  of  Venice,  was  begun 
in  1839,  but  not  finished  until  1841.  It  had  eight  run  of  stone,  and  cost  fifty 
thousand  dollars.  This  was  built  of  timber  and  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1848. 

62 


486 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Four  years  after  another  mill  of  brick  and  stone  with  six  run  of  stone  was- 
erected  on  the  same  site.  The  capacity  of  the  two  mills  was  sufficient  to  make 
seventy-five  thousand  barrels  of  flour  during  the  season  of  navigation.  The 
old  mill  at  Venice,  with  Cold  Creek  and  five  hundred  acres  of  land,  had  been 
purchased  by  Russell  H.  Heywood,  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  in  1831,  the  year  before 
the  cold  winter.  At  that  time,  1833,  one  thousand  barrels  of  flour  were  made 
before  harvest.  The  first  hundred  barrels  of  flour  in  the  merchant  work  was 
packed  in  new  barrels  painted  with  China  vermillion,  taken  on  a scow  and 
shipped  to  Buffalo,  and  thence  by  canal  to  New  York,  where  it  arrived  as 
clean  as  when  it  left  the  miill.  It  was  considered  a great  curiosity,  and  crowds 
of  people  visited  the  dock  to  see  the  first  shipment  of  flour  from  Ohio,  and 
some  were  so  enthusiastic  as  to  predict  that  Ohio  might  sometime  furnish  sev- 
eral thousand  barrels  a year.  This  flour  was  bought  by  one  hundred  persons 
at  prices  quite  in  advance  of  the  best  Genesee  flour.  That  year  was  a mem- 
orable one,  because  of  the  early  harvest  and  the  drought  that  extended  over 
the  new  country,  forcing  people  to  carry  their  grist  a hundred  miles.  An 
instance  is  related  of  two  men  from  Hancock  county,  who  left  home  Monday 
morning  and  reached  Venice  the  following  Sunday,  just  in  time  to  attend  reli- 
gious service  in  the  mill.  Mr.  Heywood  noticed  the  dusty  travellers  who  took 
part  in  the  services,  and  after  they  were  over,  entered  into  conversation  with, 
the  strangers,  and  discovered  that  they  were  in  urgent  need  of  flour.  They  had 
left  behind  them  sick  families  utterly  destitute,  and  had  journeyed  all  the  week 
to  find  a mill  that  could  grind.  They  had  fifteen  bushels  apiece  of  wheat. 
Mr.  Heywood  was  in  a quandary.  He  appealed  to  the  clergyman  with  “What 
shall  I .do  ?”  He  replied,  “ Grind  it  as  soon  as  possible,”  which  he  did,  and 
the  men  went  home  rejoicing. 

It  is  a singular  fact  that  until  after  1840,  much  of  the  flour  made  in  Ohio, 
was  sent  West.  In  1836  five  hundred  barrels,  at  eight  dollars  a barrel,  was 
sent  to  Chicago  and  sold  for  twenty  dollars  a barrel  by  Oliver  Newbury.  It 
was  all  the  flour  Chicago  had  that  winter,  and  the  people  were  grateful  that  he 
had  not  asked  fifty  instead  of  twenty  dollars.  Until  the  completion  of  the 
Mad  River  and  Lake  Erie  Railroad  to  Tiffin,  the  wheat  was  brought  in  large 
wagons,  and  often  over  such  wretched  roads  and  at  such  great  distances  as  to 
bring  but  little  profit  to  the  owners.  In  one  case  a man  came  one  hundred 
and  fifty  miles  with  a four-horse  team,  and  twelve  bushels  of  wheat.  When 
he  sold  his  wheat  he  took  his  nine  dollars  and  went  to  the  store,  talking  to 
himself  thus  ; “ My  wheat  was  worthless  at  home  ” ; then  turning  to  the  boy 
m the  store  he  asked  how  much  the  sheeting  was  worth,  and  being  told  nine- 
pence,  said  to  himself,  “ Yes,  my  wheat  was  worth  something  at  home.  I 
could  have  bought  a yard  of  cloth  like  that  for  a bushel.” 

Russell  Heywood  operated  these  mills  forty-eight  years.  In  1848-1849  a 
cotton  factory  was  built  at  Castalia.  In  1864  John  Hoyt  bought  the  mill 


Margaretta  Township. 


487 


property  and  organized  a stock  company  for  the  manufacture  of  paper,  under 
the  name  of  the  Castalia  Paper  Company,  with  Mr.  Hoyt  as  manager  and  chief 
stockholder.  He  moved  the  old  cotton  factory  down  to  the  flouring  mill,  and 
"built  some  additions,  and  in  about  a year  had  in  operation  a first-class  paper 
mill.  It  had  a capacity  of  a ton  a day,  and  was  run  day  and  night  until  it  was 
burned  in  1874. 

The  following  year,  1875,  the  water  power  was  bought  for  eight  thousand 
dollars,  by  some  of  the  leading  men  in  Margaretta,  viz.  : C.  Caswell,  J.  B. 
Witter,  J.  G.  Snowden,  E.  D.  White,  S.  H.  Rogers,  Philip  Erbe,  T.  C.  Adams 
and  J.  D.  Chamberlain.  They  incorporated  the  Castalia  Milling  Company, 
and  proceeded  to  build  a first-class  flouring-mill.  The  building  was  a sub- 
stantial frame,  built  on  the  foundation  of  the  old  stone  mill,  three  stories  high, 
beside  basement  and  attic.  This  mill  had  a capacity  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty-five  barrels  of  flour  per  day.  They  kept  it  running  night  and  day,  and 
could  not  fill  their  orders  even  then.  An  elevator  was  also  built,  capable  of 
storing  twenty  thousand  bushels  of  wheat,  with  all  modern  appliances  for  con- 
venience in  handling  grain.  This  mill  is  now  moved  from  its  foundation  to  a 
site  eighty  rods  west,  where  its  present  owner,  T.  C.  Adams,  proposes  to  run 
it  by  steam.  The  stream  is  now  converted  into  a trout  stream  belonging  to 
the  clubs. 

The  mill  at  Venice,  owned  by  Dwelle  & Williams,  was  burned  to  the 
' ground  in  1888,  and  the  water  privileges  were  then  sold. 

Distilleries  began  to  appear  as  other  manufacturing  establishments  multi- 
plied, and  in  1823,  Dr.  B.  L.  Carpenter,  at  the  head  of  Cold  Creek,  erected  a 
small  distillery.  His  brother,  S.  C.  Carpenter,  assisted  him.  It  afterwards  was 
owned  by  Chapman  & Andrews,  of  Bellevue,  and  from  them  passed  into  the 
hands  of  Japan  Johnson.  It  was  abandoned  in  1830.  There  had  been  another 
distillery  built  at  Venice  in  1824,  by  one  William  Mason,  of  Milan.  It  was 
in  operation  eight  years.  After  a few  years  it  was  again  started  by  David 
Barber.  It  is  now  abandoned. 

A township  history  presents  many  and  varied  features  of  interest,  but  as 
years  pass  those  that  formerly  seemed  all  important  sink  into  comparative  ob- 
livion to  give  place  to  others  abreast  of  the  times.  Then  comes  the  time 
when  old  legends  are  revived,  and  bits  of  personal  history  are  sought,  and  the 
very  place,  hitherto  regarded  as  commonplace,  is  looked  upon  as  historical, 
and  becomes  in  a way  sacred.  It  is  always  wise  to  give  some  space  to  first 
things  and  events.  Here  we  discover  that  the  first  religious  denomination  in 
Margaretta  was  a Methodist  class  in  Muscash,  in  the  southeast  corner.  (The 
name  Muscash  is  said  to  be  of  Indian  derivation,  and  arose  from  the  fact  that 
the  tribes  brought  their  skins  here  for  barter,  and  not  being  able  to  speak  Eng- 
lish, and  wanting  money  instead  of  produce,  insisted  on  “ Muscash,”  or  must 
■cash.) 


488 


History  of  Erie  County. 


The  first  tree  was  cut  down  by  Docartus  Snow,  in  i8io,  who  was  given  a 
hundred  acres  of  land  because  he  had  put  up  a grist-mill.  He  was  the  father 
of  the  first  baby  born  in  the  township,  Robert  Snow. 

The  first  marriage  was  that  of  Charles  Butler  and  Clarissa  Parker.  The 
first  deaths  were  those  murdered  by  the  Indians  in  1813.  The  first  house  was 
built  by  D.  Snow,  of  logs,  in  1810,  at  the  head  of  Cold  Creek.  The  first  mail 
from  Sandusky  City  to  Lower  Sandusky,  was  carried  on  horseback,  and  estab- 
lished in  1825.  It  was  taken  once  a week.  The  first  postmaster  of  Marga- 
retta  was  Sam.  B.  Carpenter.  In  1810  Cleveland  was  the  nearest  post-office. 
The  first  store  in  Margaretta  was  started  by  Major  Fred.  Falley,  for  trading 
with  the  Indians.  He  afterwards  went  into  the  service  of  the  government  tO’ 
furnish  army  supplies.  Saloons  have  had  a thriving  business  in  this  township, 
and  the  history  of  their  success  can  be  read  on  the  tombstones  of  their  grave- 
yard. 

The  first  change  was  made  by  cutting  a silver  dollar  into  ten,  shilling  pieces. 
Skins  and  iurs  were  made  commodities  of  exchange.  Grain  would  not  buy 
goods  at  any  price,  and  the  problem  of  clothing  a family  was  the  most  per- 
plexing one  that  came  to  the  early  settler.  None  but  nabobs  had  a whole  suit 
of  clothes  made  of  cloth.  Deer  skins  were  used  for  men  and  boys.  Ladies 
then  could  spin  and  weave,  and  were  proud  of  their  work.  In  1821  Captain 
Andrus  Parker  put  up  twenty  barrels  of  pork  and  shipped  it  to  Montreal,  for 
which  he  never  received  a single  cent. 

The  first  market  for  cash  was  known  only  at  the  opening  of  the  Erie  canal,, 
and  this  brought  a little  money  to  the  settlement. 

The  first  school-house  was  built  of  logs,  at  the  junction  of  the  Venice  and 
Cold  Creek  roads,  in  1818,  by  Captain  A.  Parker,  and  some  neighbors.  This 
had  the  first  teacher,  Thomas  McCullough,  who  received  fifteen  dollars  a 
month  for  his  services,  and  had  that  first  winter  twenty-five  scholars.  After 
that  Rev.  Alvin  Coe,  who  had  been  teaching  Indian  children  in  Greenfield, 
moved  his  school  to  Venice,  and  taught  all  the  children  in  the  vicinity.  Some 
of  the  best  district  schools  that  have  ever  been  taught  in  the  township  were 
taught  in  those  days,  and  the  early  teachers  deserve  a most  honorable  mention 
in  history.  A few  of  them  were  A.  W.  O’Brien,  of  Maine  ; Jonathan  Fuller> 
James  F.  Wilson  and  John  W.  Falley. 

The  first  physician  settled  in  this  place  was  Dr,  Hartshorn,  in  1817.  There 
are  churches  in  this  township,  but  history  fails  to  record  who  preached  the  ; 
first  sermon.  In  1819  a Presbyterian  Church  was  organized  in  Margaretta 
and  Groton,  by  Rev.  John  Seward.  Its  members  moved  away  and  the  organ- 
ization died.  In  1823  a Baptist  Church  was  started,  having  its  members  in 
Oxford,  Groton  and  Margaretta.  This  was  the  only  church  that  sustained 
regular  services  in  the  township  for  several  years.  Deacon  R.  Falley  was- 
the  most  prominent  member,  and  owing  to  his  efforts  it  was  kept  alive  through 


Margaretta  Township. 


489 


those  early'  years.  In  1835  a Congregational  Church  was  organized  by  Rev. 
Hiram  Smith,  from  Westfield,  Mass.,  who  secured  the  love  and  respect  of  his 
parish  and  remained  with  them  until  1865.  The  members  of  the  Baptist 
Church  having  become  scattered,  and  Deacon  Fahey’s  health  failing,  the 
members  of  the  Baptist  Church  still  remaining  were  identified  with  the  new 
enterprise  and  became  members  of  the  Congregational  Church.  Two  years 
after  the  present  Congregational  Church  was  built,  in  1850,  the  Methodists 
built  a frame  church  at  Castalia,  which  flourished  for  a time,  but  since  i860  has 
had  no  regular  services.  It  has  since  been  sold  for  other  purposes.  Castalia 
Universalist  Church  was  organized  by  Rev.  George  R.  Brown,  October  12 
1862.  Five  years  later  the  society  built  a neat  building  on  land  donated  by 
William  Graves,  at  a cost  of  four  thousand  two  hundred  dollars.  Mr.  Brown 
was  pastor  at  this  time  until  he  died. 

The  Church  of  our  Redeemer,  at  Venice,  was  organized  by  an  election  of 
wardens  and  vestrymen,  in  June,  1866.  In  July  of  the  same  year  Rev.  Charles 
Ogden  was  invited  to  take  charge  of  the  parish,  and  on  the  17th  of  July,  in 
the  same  year,  the  ground  was  broken  for  the  present  attractive  stone  edifice. 
The  corner  stone  was  laid  by  Rev.  Charles  Ogden,  August  21,  1866.  The 
parish  was  incorporated  on  the  13th  day  of  October,  and  admitted  in  the 
union  with  the  diocese  of  Ohio.  It  was  consecrated  June  3,  1867,  by  the 
Right  Reverend  Bishop  Mcllvaine.  The  church  was  erected  by  Russell  H. 
Heywood,  as  a memorial  to  the  departed  members  of  his  own  family.  Its  cost, 
including  the  iron  fence  that  encloses  it,  was  $12,000,  and  it  was  deeded  to 
the  wardens  and  vestry  on  the  day  of  its  consecration,  in  connection  with  a 
glebe  of  fifteen  acres.  This  church  has  been  open  on  all  Sundays  since  its 
erection,  either  by  clergyman  or  lay  readers,  until  1878.  It  has  had  the  fol- 
lowing clergymen  for  its  pastors,  viz.  : Rev.  Charles  Ogden,  from  1866  until 
July,  1867;  Rev.  George  S.  Chase,  from  September,  1867,  until  November, 
1868;  Rev.  George  Bosley,  from  October,  1874,  until  1876.  It  is  now  under 
the  charge  of  Grace  Church,  Sandusky. 

About  the  year  1832  a temperance  society  was  organized;  since  that 
time  several  others  have  arisen,  until  now  the  majority  of  the  people  of  the 
township  are  friends  of  temperance. 

Margaretta  Grange,  No.  488,  P.  of  H.,  was  organized  January  30,  1873, 
with  twenty-seven  charter  members.  This  institution  is  still  flourishing,  with 
the  following  officers  : J.  B.  Witter,  M.  ; G.  Ray,  O.  ; F.  Nelson  Prentice,  L.  ; 
J.  C.  Rogers,  S.  ; W.  H.  Neill,  A.  S.  ; Mrs.  H.  Meyraugh,  C.  ; O.  Ransom, 
treasurer  ; J.  Atwater,  secretary ; D.  Witter,  G.  K. 

Sporting  Clubs. — A visit  to  the  trout  streams  of  Castalia  is  one  of  the  great 
attractions  of  visitors  to  all  neighboring  towns.  On  a summer’s  day  the  road 
between  Sandusky  and  Castalia  is  alive  with  equipages  on  their  way  to  the 
headwaters  of  Cold  Creek  to  see  the  club  houses  and  enjoy  the  beautiful  views. 


490 


History  of  Erie  County. 


The  roads  are  fine,  the  air  clear,  and  six  miles  seem  as  nought.  The  little 
village  of  Castalia  comes  in  sight,  with  ornate  school  building  and  rustic  church 
and  simple  homes.  The  bubbling  springs  from  beneath  form  a pond  of  no 
mean  size,  and  like  a miniature  lake  lie  the  headwaters  of  the  stream  that 
originally  flowed  across  a bit  of  prairie,  but  was  diverted  into  an  artificial 
channel  or  mill-race,  when  the  first  mill  was  built. 

In  the  year  1870  John  Hoyt,  proprietor  of  the  Castalia  Paper  Mills  (since 
burned),  conceived  the  idea  of  trying  a few  thousand  eggs  of  the  brook  trout, 
and  proceeded  to  make  troughs  for  hatching  them.  A severe  thunder  storm 
killed  the  trout,  and  in  his  second  attempt  he  was  equally  unsuccessful,  for  the 
brood  of  spawn  is  said  to  have  been  killed  by  the  keeper,  who  poisoned  them. 
The  third  were  turned  loose  in  the  pond,  and  multiplied,  and  the  venture  was 
at  last  a success.  In  May,  1878,  a statute  was  passed  by  the  State  of  Ohio  to 
corporate  a company,  which  should  be  known  as  the  Cold  Creek  Trout  Club, 
for  the  purpose  of  fishing,  hunting  and  pleasuring  ; of  propagating  fish,  and  pro- 
tecting game  on  lands  leased  from  the  Castalia  Milling  Company.  The  capital 
stock  of  said  company  should  be  $1,275,  1^°  be  divided  into  eighty-five  shares 
of  fifteen  dollars  a share.  When  the  club  was  organized  there  were  seventy- 
four  members.  The  incorporators  were  J.  Atwater,  B.  F.  Ferris,  R.  F.  Fow- 
ler, B.  H.  Rogers  and  D.  S.  Worthington.  This  company  leased  the  prop- 
erty for  twenty  years  for  fifty  dollars  per  year,  having  use  and  right  to  the 
headwaters,  and  including  branches  and  tail  race  for  two  miles.  In  1883 
they  built  a house,  and  in  1887  bought  the  property  with  buildings  and  forty 
acres  of  land  for  $20,000.  The  shares  are  now  valued  at  $300  each,  and 
whenever  a member  dies  or  becomes  dissociated  with  the  club,  his  stock  is 
bought  up  and  the  membership  thus  decreased.  At  the  present  time  there 
are  seventy-one  members.  In  1887  the  name  was  changed  to  that  of  the  Cold 
Creek  Sporting  Club.  They  also  dug  a new  race  at  a cost  of  two  or  three 
thousand  dollars,  and  the  coming  season  will  see  still  greater  improvements  in 
grounds  artistically  arranged  and  added  conveniences  for  members.  The  old 
mill  has  been  moved  away,  and  the  whole  place  has  become  an  ideal  sporting 
man’s  paradise.  The  club-house  is  on  the  lower  bank  of  the  stream,  connected 
by  a bridge  with  the  keeper's  house  on  the  opposite  shore.  The  latter  con- 
tains a public  dining-room  and  extra  sleeping  apartments,  while  in  a building- 
in  the  rear  of  the  club-house  is  a cottage  devoted  to  ladies  and  children,  con- 
taining many  sleeping-rooms.  To  stand  on  the  bridge  and  look  down  into  the 
crystal  waters  beneath,  where  the  emerald  shimmer  of  the  water- cresses,  as  the 
sunbeams  play  over  them,  make  brilliant  background  for  the  speckled  beauties 
to  dart  and  play  against,  then  turning  look  down  the  arch  of  cottonwood  and 
sycamores  that  line  the  stream,  spanned  every  few  rods  by  foot-bridges;  or, 
turning  to  look  up  to  the  mill-dam  with  the  hatchery,  where  are  sleeping  forty 
thousand  baby  trout  to  be  thrown  into  the  stream  by  and  by.  All  this  is  a 


Margaretta  Township. 


491 


dream  of  beauty  one  never  forgets,  having  once  enjoyed  it,  and  every  year  will 
make  it  more  beautiful  and  more  valuable.  The  stream  is  stocked  from  this 
club,  assisted  by  the  neighboring  club  farther  down  toward  the  bay.  The  lar- 
gest trout  ever  caught  here  weighed  three  pounds  and  five  ounces,  and  was 
caught  by  a Cleveland  member,  Mr.  Yale,  in  1887. 

The  Castalia  Sporting  Club  was  organized  September  18,  1878,  and  leased 
the  use  of  the  waters  for  twenty  years  for  three  hundred  dollars  a year.  There 
were  five  incorporators,  viz.:  Kelly  Bolton,  F.  H.  Mason,  Lee  McBride,  Fay- 
ette Brown,  and  H.  L.  Terrill.  Mr.  Mason  is  editor  of  Cleveland  Leader  and 
consul  to  Geneva;  Mr.  McBride  is,  and  ever  has  been,  secretary  and  treasurer; 
Mr.  Brown  has  been  president  from  the  first.  The  club  is  limited  to  twenty- 
five  members.  In  1882  they  built  a club-house  which  cost  them  nearly  two 
thousand  dollars,  and  March  10,  1888,  they  bought  of  Messrs.  Dwelle  and 
Williams  the  right  to  the  lower  waters  of  the  stream,  extending  four  miles  to 
the  bay,  and  embracing  on  either  side  of  the  stream  thirteen  rods.  For  this 
they  paid  $24,000.  August  Miller  has  charge  of  the  house  and  property. 
As  the  fish  of  the  stream  are  in  reality  as  much  here  as  above,  this  club  assists 
in  stocking  the  upper  waters  with  young,  and  in  return  will  profit  equally  by 
the  fifty  thousand  fish  just  donated  by  the  government,  known  as  rainbow 
trout.  There  is  still  another  club  four  miles  west  at  Rockwell’s  Mills,  whose 
history  is  not  so  accessible  as  the  two  more  prominent  ones.  Among  the 
recent  improvements  of  Margaretta  township,  the  most  conspicuous  is  that  of 
the  residence  of  her  well-known  citizen,  Mr.  Calvin  Caswell,  who  lives  a couple 
of  miles  from  Castalia.  He  has  been  called  the  largest  wheat  raiser  in  the 
county,  and  for  many  years  has  been  an  active  member  of  the  Erie  County 
Agricultural  Society.  His  farm  stretches  its  broad  acres  in  perfect  cultivation 
and  during  the  last  year  he  has  remodeled  his  spacious  home,  until  it  has  be- 
come a palatial  residence.  With  towers  and  immense  piazzas,  it  seems  more 
like  a Saratoga  hotel  than  a private  residence.  He  has  six  hundred  acres  of 
land,  and  the  finest  apple  and  peach  orchards  in  the  county. 

Major  Falley  deserves  more  than  a passing  mention,  for  his  name  has  been 
linked  with  the  history  of  this  township  from  its  earliest  settlement,  and  through 
his  influence  and  activity  Venice  was  laid  out  into  town  lots  in  1816.  He  had 
accompanied  his  father  to  North  Cambridge  when  but  eleven  years  of  age,  as 
fifer,  and  was  in  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill.  After  General  Washington  assumed 
command  of  the  army,  the  boy  returned  home,  and  his  father  was  employed 
by  the  government  in  the  manufacture  of  firearms.  In  the  adventures  of 
pioneer  life.  Major  Falley  found  agreeable  vent  to  the  bold  spirit  within,  and 
died  at  the  age  of  sixty-four  in  Margaretta  in  1828. 

There  are  two  villages  in  the  township — Venice  and  Castalia.  Venice  was 
laid  out  in  1816  by  Major  Falley,  and  improvements  went  rapidly  forward. 
Two  large  warehouses,  two  public  houses,  stores,  shops  and  dwellings  were 


492 


History  of  Erie  County. 


rapidly  erected,  until  several  hundred  inhabitants  had  collected  here.  In  i8i8 
the  summer  was  very  sickly  and  the  town  ceased  to  grow,  and  the  growth 
since  has  been  merely  the  natural  increase  of  the  first  settlers. 

Castalia  was  laid  out  in  1836,  at  the  head  of  Cold  Creek,  by  Davidson, 
Hadley  & Co.,  and  for  twenty  years  had  a slow,  growth,  after  which  it  has 
retrograded  until  now  it  has  but  a sniall  business,  and  in  1887  a fire  destroyed 
several  buildings  and  cast  a gloom  over  its  inhabitants.  It  has  a railway 
station  on  the  Lake  Erie  and  Western  Railroad,  also  the  C.  S.  and  C.  R.  R. 
With  its  railway  advantages,  its  attractions  for  sporting  men,  and  its  quiet 
health,  it  should  once  more  put  on  signs  of  new  life. 


CHAPTER  XXVII. 

HISTORY  OF  MILAN  TOWNSHIP  AND  VILLAGE. 

Lying  in  the  southern  part  of  Erie,  adjoining  Huron  county,  and  crossed 
diagonally  from  southwest  to  northeast  by  the  Huron  River,  Milan  town- 
ship is  one  of  the  most  thoroughly  drained  and  richest  agricultural  sections  in 
Northern  Ohio.  The  eastern  and  southern  portions  are  sandy  in  a greater  or 
less  degree,  and  the  northern  part  is  a rich  black  prairie  loam.  The  timber 
was  never  as  heavy  as  that  in  Huron  county,  but  excellent  ship  timber  has 
been  obtained  from  the  woodlands  in  the  vicinity  of  and  far  below  Milan  vil- 
lage. Even  the  prairie  section  is  interspersed  with  groves  of  small  oak  trees. 
Chestnut,  hickory,  walnut,  butternut,  elm,  sycamore,  sassafras,  various  varieties 
of  oak,  and  scattering  maples  comprise  the  native  forest  trees,  but  they  are  now 
mainly  the  second  growth  of  timber. 

The  Huron  river  occupies  a valley  nearly  a hundred  feet  below  the  genera! 
level,  and  from  eighty  rods  to  a mile  in  width.  The  bottom  lands  lying  along 
this  river  are  very  rich,  but  subject  to  sudden,  and  during  wet  seasons,  frequent 
inundations,  that  prove  very  damaging  to  the  young  corn  and  other  cereals. 
This  sort  of  damage  has  been  much  more  common  of  late  from  the  fact  that 
the  uplands  are  now  so  thoroughly  drained  by  artificial  means  as  to  conduct 
the  water  to  the  river  faster  than  it  can  be  carried  off.  The  valley  of  the  Hu- 
ron River  is  quite  picturesque,  both  above  and  below  Milan  village.  The  banks  n 
above  are  quite  generally  precipitous  on  one  side  or  the  other  of  the  river. 
The  shale  rock  crops  out  from  many  of  these  banks,  while  the  river  below 
in  places  flows  over  a solid  bed  of  the  same  formation.  Occasional  spheres  of 
sulphite  of  iron  are  found  imbedded  in  the  river  banks,  or  the  banks  and  beds 
of  creeks  flowing  into  the  river. 


Milan  Township. 


493 


Drippings  of  sulphur,  and  also  of  alum,  are  found  in  banks  of  small  streams 
connected  with  the  Huron  River,  but  none  are  within  the  limits  of  Milan 
township  or  Erie  county.  Below  Milan  village,  about  three-fourths  of  a 
mile,  and  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  valley  directly  at  the  foot  of  the  North 
Milan  Hill,  is  a natural  gas  spring  that  has  been  known  for  many  years  to  send 
forth  an  unremitting  flow  of  gas,  though  the  pressure  is  very  light,  partly  owing, 
no  doubt,  to  the  nature  of  the  underlying  rock,  which  is  shale  and  full  of 
seams  and  cracks. 

The  gas  when  lighted  sends  up  a flame  from  one  to  three  feet  in  height, 
depending  on  the  amount  of  surface  covered  by  the  vessel  used  in  concentrat- 
ing it.  Small  boys  have  occasional  larks  by  the  light  of  this  natural  illumi- 
nant  gathered  in  a keg  with  tight  sides,  no  bottom,  and  a small  hole  in  the 
top  for  a jet. 

To  the  southeast  of  Milan,  and  close  to  the  Huron  county  line,  on  the 
Butman  farm  is  a cold  spring  of  considerable  size,  at  one  time  believed  to 
possess  medicinal  properties,  which  it  no  doubt  does  in  an  equal  degree  with 
many  others  that  have  built  and  supported  magnificent  sanatariums,  while 
Milan  has  neglected  the  natural  advantages  of  which  she  has  so  many. 

This  township  is  crossed  from  east  to  west  by  the  “ Nickel  Plate  Railroad,” 
which  divides  it  in  nearly  equal  parts,  and  passes  over  the  Huron  River  on  a 
high  trestle  at  Fries’s  Landing,  near  the  lower  locks  of  the  old  canal.  A 
branch  of  the  Wheeling  and  Lake  Erie  Railroad,  running  from  Norwalk  to 
Huron,  parallel  to  the  Huron  River  (and  almost  as  crooked  at  one  time)  crosses 
the  township  in  a northerly  direction. 

The  township  is  crossed  by  the  Sandusky- Milan  road  running  from  the 
village  in  a northwesterly  direction,  by  two  Huron  roads,  one  paralleling  the 
river  on  the  western  side,  by  the  Monroeville-Huron  road,  the  Monroeville- 
Milan  road,  and  by  the  Cleveland  road  from  Milan  eastward.  There  is  also  a 
road  running  across  from  Spear’s  Corners  through  Fries’s  Landing  to  Berlin, 
and  numerous  others  of  minor  importance  in  other  parts  of  the  township 

The  township  is  five  miles  square,  and  consequently  contains  sixteen  thou- 
sand acres,  all  of  which  lies  within  the  limits  of  the  original  P'ireland  grant. 
The  appended  table  will  show  the  amounts  lost  in  Norwalk,  Conn.,  by  the 
original  grantees.  The  values  are  given  in  the  currency  units  of  the  time,  and 
in  reducing  them  to  present  currency  values  it  will  be  necessary  to  take  into 
consideration  the  then  great  purchasing  power  of  money. 

The  township  was  divided  for  the  purpose  of  distribution  into  four  sections, 
and  all  valued  at  8.?.  od.  The  claimants  or  their  heirs  and  assignees 

received  grants  of  territory  in  direct  ratio  to  the  portion  that  their  losses  were 
of  the  entire  loss  ; so  while  they  were  not  given  the  full  value  of  their  claims 
in  pounds,  shillings,  and  pence,  they  were  doubtless  quite  as  well  off  as  they 
would  have  been  had  the  township  been  appraised  at  a figure  high  enough  to 
63 


494 


History  of  Erie  County. 


satisfy  the  sum  of  their  claims.  Guy  Richards,  et.  al.,  received  by  purchase 
inheritance,  etc.,  one-fourth  of  the  whole  grant,  or  at  least  £1,^44  ys.  Sam- 
uel H ughes,  William  Mansfield,  the  heirs  of  J.  Forbes,  and  the  distributing 
committee  received  another  one-fourth;  E.  Avery,  jr.,  ^’/ «/.,  J.  Kinsman,  J. 
Short,  R.  Gallup,  B.  Trumbull,  and  Jno.  S.  Miller,  one-fourth,  and  the  re- 
mainder was  taken  by  S.  Harris’s  heirs,  Jno.  S.  Miller,  Seth  Sear’s  heirs,  the 
committee  and  Robert  Latham. 


LOSSES  OF  ORIGINAL  GRANTEES. 


Aliev,  Wm  9 4 

Allyn,  Philip 9 15 

Avery,  Rufus 132  18 

Barnes,  Jno 84  6 

Beebe,  W 9 9 

Beebe,] 236  2 

Bird,  S 42  2 

Bonticon,  T.,  jr 13  8 

Brown,  S 19  2 

Cheels,  J 75  u 

Church,  R 52  ii 

Cunningham,  C 125  9 

Forbes,  J 173  13 

Gallup,  R II  6 

•Gardiner,  D 1 1 o 

Gardinier,  T 22  2 

Greenough,  William 27  14 

■Griswold,  M 10  o 

Hancock,  A 140  3 

Harris,  R 63  o 

Harris,  S 177  7 

llempsted,  N 7 i 

Hills,  E 16  II 

Holt,  A 18  II 

Hoy,  E I 17 

Holtzworth,  E 46  8 

Hughes,  A 37  12 

Hutts,  J I 5 

Johnson,  J 13  9 


LOSS, 


d. 

£■ 

5. 

d. 

4 

Ledyard,  A 

142 

7 

10 

5i 

Luddington,  E 

408 

6 

7 

4 

Lyman,  D 

368 

7 

8 

7i 

Mansfield,  N 

....  3 

10 

6 

8 

Mansfield,  W 

....  47 

17 

9 

6 

McEver,  J 

600 

0 

0 

5 

McWilliston,  Rev 

0 

Miles,  A 

5 

8 

0 

0 

Miller,  J 

....  5,071 

17 

7f 

6 

Minor,  E 

348 

17 

4 

10 

Morrison,  A 

I 

0 

0 

3 

Neal,  0 

9' 

14 

6 

I 

Oaks,  M 

19 

6 

4 

6 

Pardee,  L 

3 

15 

0 

0 

Painter,  E 

14 

0 

0 

0 

Prentice,  A 

566 

I 

6 

6 

Saltonstall,  G 

1.440 

0 

0 

0 

Saltonstall,  R 

1,800 

0 

0 

6 

Sears,  S 

13 

19 

7 

0 

Shreman,  A 

29 

15 

0 

5 

Short,  J 

276 

14 

0 

10 

Skinner,  B 

180 

0 

0 

6 

Smith,  N 

9 

12 

0 

2 

Stanton,  T 

0 

8 

9 

0 

Stewart,  J 

'3 

18 

6 

0 

Tilley,] 

1. 533 

10 

3 

5 

Whitney,  J 

158 

t6 

3 

0 

Woodward,  ].,  jr 

740 

19 

1 1 

York,  H . . 


4 4 10 


There  are  numerous  pleasant  drives  in  this  vicinity,  and  one  may,  with  an 
easy  carriage  and  good  horse,  view  as  many  beautiful  little  nooks  in  the  vales 
opening  into  Huron  River  valley  as  perhaps  could  be  found  almost  anywhere 
in  the  West.  There  is  a double  charm  in  the  frequent  transition  from  culti- 
vated fields,  flowering  orchards,  and  cosy  farmsteads  to  the  wooded  slopes  that 
appear  so  frequently  between  Milan  and  Monroeville.  A little  winding  stream 
that  shall  be  nameless  (from  force  of  circumstances),  comes  down  to  the  river 
about  half  way  between  the  towns  in  a lovely  little  valley  whose  curves  and 


Milan  Township. 


495 


f turns,  precipitous  banks,  mossy  knolls,  and  green  slopes,  mixed  in  intricate 

(combinations  of  form,  would  afford  a fine  subject  for  the  artist’s  brush.  Indeed 
it  is  not  uncommon  for  Eastern  men  to  sketch  during  summer  in  these  shady 
vales. 

Three  fine  iron  bridges  span  the  Huron  River  in  the  township  — one  above, 

1 one  below,  and  one  directly  opposite  Milan.  The  lower  two  bridges  were 
I built  by  Erie  county,  and  the  upper  one  by  Huron  and  Erie  together. 

The  earliest  authenticated  occupation  of  Milan  was  by  the  Moravian  In- 
j dians,  but  there  are  many  earthworks  and  graves  in  this  vicinity  that  were  so 
old  as  to  have  large  trees  growing  upon  them  when  the  first  white  settlers 
“ came  here  in  the  earliest  years  of  the  present  century.  As  early  as  the  year 
I 1787  Zeisberger,  a Moravian  missionary,  took  refuge  from  hostile  Indians  with 
!i  his  tribe  near  Fries’s  Landing.  He  built  a town  there  and  called  it  New  Sa- 
I lem,  but  remained  only  about  six  years,  when  he  was  compelled  to  remove  fur- 
: ther  south,  where  he  died  a few  years  later.  In  1804  Rev.  C.  F.  Dencke,  a 

f Moravian  missionary  from  Canada,  established  the  Indian  village  of  Paynoth- 
I ing  or  Pequotting,  on  the  ground  where  Milan  now  stands.  They  remained 
I here  until  about  1810,  when  on  account  of  white  immigration  they  removed  to 
E Canada,  never  again  to  return  to  the  banks  of  the  old  Huron,  on  whose  bor- 

1 ders  their  huts  once  stretched  in  a broken  line  to  a point  some  three  or  four 

f miles  below  Milan. 

E.  Merry  came  to  Milan  in  1811,  being  but  two  years  later  than  Jared 
f Ward,  and  but  one  year  later  than  David  Abbott,  both  of  whom  had  settled 

I at  Fries’s  Landing,  then,  and  for  many  years  afterward,  known  as  Abbott’s 

E Crossing  and  Ward’s  Landing.  Indeed,  these  names  have  stuck  through  all 
I these  years  of  development,  and  though  followed  by  the  name  county  seat 

I''*  (owing  to  court  being  held  near  there  when  Huron  and  Erie  counties  were  one), 
and  by  the  name  of  Avery,  these  old  names  are  not  uncommon  at  the  present 
time  among  the  old  settlers  of  this  township. 

The  first  officers  of  Milan  (Avery),  as  far  as  can  be  ascertained  from  data  at 
hand,  were  elected  near  Abbott’s,  the  election  being  held  at  the  house  of  J.  B. 

I Flemmond,  while  Milan  was  a part  of  Huron  township,  before  their  separation, 

I which  was  accomplished  in  1820.  There  was  probably  no  great  amount  of 
formality  in  this  election.  Jabez  Wright  and  David  Abbott  were  chosen  jus- 
tices ; F.  W.  Fowler,  constable,  and  Almon  Ruggles,  recorder. 

Fort  Avery  was  the  seat  of  Huron  county  when  it  embraced  all  the  Fire- 
lands.  The  commissioners  appointed  by  the  Legislature  to  fix  the  county-seat 
were  Solomon  Griswold,  E.  Quimby  and  S.  Clark,  neither  of  whom  were  resi- 
dents of  the  county.  The  location  was  made  in  181 1,  but  through  some  sort 
of  influence  a change  was  made  soon  after  the  first  term  of  court  was  held  here. 
Historians  claim  that  the  change  was  made  on  account  of  the  trouble  experi- 
enced in  securing  good  drinking  water;  but  this  is  only  an  argument  in  sup- 


496 


History  of  Erie  County. 


port  of  the  theory  that  our  forefathers  were  better  judges  of  the  quality  of  old 
rye  than  of  water,  for  the  purest  and  best  wells  of  water  from  which  the  writer 
has  ever  enjoyed  a drink,  are  in  the  immediate  vicinity  on  either  side  of  the 
river.  Mixter’s,  Hathaway’s,  Ristiner’s,  Rev.  Geo.  Bartlett’s,  A.  Paul’s,  Page’s. 
Ruggle’s,  Morgan’s,  Sand’s  and  Fries’s  wells  contain  the  very  purest  water  in 
almost  inexhaustible  quantities. 

The  first  court  was  held  at  this  point  in  1815,  when  old  Huron  county  was 
barely  organized,  and  the  seat  of  justice  was  removed  to  Norwalk  in  1818. 
There  are  excellent  reasons  for  thinking  it  probable  that  this  removal  was  part 
of  a plan  for  the  aggrandizement  and  financial  success  of  three  of  the  early  pro- 
prietors of  the  town  of  Norwalk.  An  agreement  strengthening  this  view  of 
the  case  has  already  been  published,  though  probably  not  for  the  purpose  which 
it  has  so  well  accomplished. 

Fort  Avery,  on  a hill  east  of  the  old  canal,  and  not  over  a mile  from  the 
Abbott  home,  was  a military  post  during  the  War  of  1812.  Not  a few  legends 
have  been  told,  and  one  story  at  least  has  been  written  concerning  the  exciting 
times  that  here  followed  Hull’s  surrender  of  Michigan.  Of  course  the  fort 
lying  so  near  the  lake  was  exposed  to  attacks  from  marauding  Indians; 
English  pioneers  from  the  surrounding  section  were  sheltered  here  at  different 
times  from  the  murderous  savages.  This  fort  or  block  house  was  at  all  times 
guarded  by  United  States  soldiers  in  greater  or  less  force  during  the  second 
war  for  independence,  but  its  accommodations  were  quite  insufficient  at  times 
for  those  seeking  the  shelter  of  its  walls.  A guard  named  Seymour,  was  shot 
here  by  Indians,  and  his  comrade  taken  prisoner  while  they  were  out  felling  a 
bee-tree  to  break  up  the  monotony  of  camp  life,  and  vary  in  a slight  degree  the 
sameness  of  camp  diet.  The  first  military  company  on  the  Western  Reserve  was 
probably  organized  here. 

The  elder  E.  Merry  who  afterward  became  founder  of  (Beatty)  Milan,  oc- 
cupied this  block-house  with  his  family  and  others  during  the  war.  Their 
house  warmings  and  New  Year’s  da}^  festivities  were  the  delight  of  the  young 
and  old  of  neighboring  families  ; Jared  Ward,  Thomas  Jeffry,  Hosmer  Merry  and 
others  participating  with  zeal.  These  people  all  kept  their  boats,  for  though 
emigration  in  those  days  was  comparatively  tedious,  the  advantages  of  travel 
by  water  were  very  great.  Time,  indeed,  was  of  little  account  as  compared 
with  immunity  from  savage  attack,  land  fevers,  and  the  weariness  occasioned 
by  passing  in  any  accessible  vehicle.  Railroads  were  of  course  unknown  here, 
as  in  other  parts  of  the  world,  and  good  wagon  roads  were  almost  unheard  of. 

The  Abbotts  owned  at  one  time  eighteen  hundred  acres  of  land  near  Fort 
Avery,  and  were  widely  known  and  respected.  The  venturesome  and  sell- 
reliant  spirit  of  those  times  is  very  clearly  set  forth  in  a little  story  repeated 
among  the  Fireland  sketches,  with  the  sanction  of  witnesses  who  are  regarded 
as  entirely  reliable.  It  seems  that  the  Abbotts  and  Wards  each  had  cows  in 


Milan  Township. 


497 


considerable  numbers,  and  it  was  a custom  of  the  young  people  to  bring  their 
large  butter  tubs  to  the  river  for  cleansing  or  other  purposes.  On  one  occa- 
sion Miss  Lucy  Abbott  actually  climbed  into  one  of  these  butter  tubs  and  pad- 
died  it  across  the  river,  which  is  about  fifteen  feet  deep,  with  her  hands.  This 
exploit  was  not  more  daring  than  the  ride  of  a pioneer  young  lady  across  the  same 
stream  on  the  back  of  an  ox,  and  was  probably  only  one  of  many  such  frolics 
suggested  by  the  vigorous  health  and  buoyant  spirits  of  the  bright,  buxom 
backwoods  maidens  of  this  time  and  section.  Mr.  Ward,  it  is  said,  had  a dug- 
out.  or  log  canoe,  fifty  feet  long.  His  kind  and  honored  son,  Elam  Ward,  who 
in  those  days  helped  propel  it,  still  tells  the  story  of  his  rugged  experiences  to 
neighbors  in  East  Milan,  where  he  now  resides. 

This  point  on  the  river  is  of  peculiar  interest  from  the  fact  that  it  is  the  nat- 
ural head  of  navigation,  is  the  place  first  settled  in  the  township,  and  the  scene 
of  the  first  and  latest  operations  in  ship-building,  which  will  be  discussed  at  the 
proper  time  in  this  article. 

The  village  of  Beatty  (Milan)  was  laid  out  in  1814,  by  E.  Merry,  father  of 
E.  Merry,  jr.,  residing  in  Milan  until  the  time  of  his  death  in  1888,  and  of 
Elizabeth,  who  resided  with  her  brother.  In  1816  Mr.  Merry  with  J.  C.  Smith 
I and  Isaac  Tupper  began  erecting  a saw  and  grist-mill  near  town;  the  former, 
who  was  a large  land  owner  and  a man  of  considerable  enterprise,  bought  out 
his  partners  before  the  mill  was  completed,  and  finishing  it  alone,  operated  it  for 
some  time  to  the  satisfaction  of  residents  for  miles  around.  In  iSipMr.  F.W. 
Fowler,  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  many  facts  mentioned  in  this  sketch,  re- 
moved to  Milan  village  from  Abbotts,  and  in  1820  he  opened  a public  house 
which  accommodated  boarders  up  to  1842.  In  1823-1827  the  mouth  of  Huron 
River  was  improved  by  subscription  and  governmental  aid. 

In  1827-1828  B.  N.  Abbott  built  the  schooner  Mary  Abbott,  at  the  home 
of  the  family  on  the  river.  In  1829  he  made  a prosperous  voyage  to  New 
York  City  via  Huron  River,  Fake  Erie,  the  Erie  Canal  and  the  Hudson  River, 
j disposing  of  a load  of  Ohio  produce,  and  purchasing  a cargo  of  goods  needed  in 
\ the  West,  he  returned  in  safety  to  his  home.  H.  N.  Jenkins  built  the  schooner 
i'l  Louisa  Jenkins,  across  the  river  at  about  the  same  time,  but  he  confined  his 
\ navigating  expeditions  to  the  river  and  Lake  Erie. 

i A charter  was  granted  the  Milan  Canal  Company,  which  in  1828  proposed 
] to  dig  a canal  some  three  or  four  miles  long,  so  that  the  village  might  be 
j reached  by  such  sailing  craft  as  had  been  navigating  the  river  up  to  Ward’s 
I Landing  and  Abbotts.  E.  Merry,  Ralph  Lockwood,  George  Lockwood,  T. 
j Baker  and  J.  Wright  were  named  in  the  charter  as  commissioners  to  open 
i books  for  subscriptions  to  the  stock.  The  subscribers  assembled  at  the  home 
i of  F.  W.  Fowler  on  August  27,  1831,  and  elected  the  following  directors:  E. 
i Merry,  E.  Andrews,  George  Eockwood,  D.  Hamilton  and  F.  W.  Fowler. 

! Work  was  begun  on  the  canal  in  1832,  and  completed,  after  numerous  delays 


498 


History  of  Erie  County. 


and  discouragements,  in  1839.  This  artificial  water  way  was  considered  of  vast 
importance  at  that  time,  as  indeed  it  was  from  the  fact  that  there  were  no  rail- 
roads, and  it  afforded  an  outlet  for  immense  quantities  of  grain.  It  cost  Milan 
a great  deal,  however,  in  later  years,  when  it  made  her  citizens  too  independent 
to  even  allow  the  Lake  Shore  and  Michigan  Southern  Railroad  the  right  of  way 
through  the  town,  and  that  great  commercial  thoroughfare  passed  four  miles 
to  the  south  through  the  then  comparatively  unimportant  village  of  Norwalk. 

The  organization  of  the  old  canal  company  is  still  continued  for  the  pur- 
pose of  holding  the  charter  privileges  for  the  W.  and  L.  E.  R.  R.  Co.’s  right 
of  way,  but  it  is  many  years  since  the  old  canal  bed  would  float  even  a row 
boat,  except  in  times  of  freshet,  when  the  river  overflows  its  banks.  The  first 
vessel  to  arrive  at  Milan  by  the  canal  was  quite  a curiosity  to  the  people,  and 
its  captain  as  great  a hero  as  the  proudest  heart  could  wish.  Captain  Moran 
was  the  bold  navigator,  and  his  schooner,  the  Keivanne,  of  one  hundred  and 
fifty  tons,  arriving  on  the  4th  of  July,  1839,  was  met  by  a procession  of  five 
hundred  people  with  music  and  banners,  and  her  captain  was  presented  with  an 
American  flag  by  Miss  Maria  Butman,  acting  for  the  patriotic  ladies  of  Milan. 

With  the  opening  of  the  canal  Milan  at  once  became  almost  as  well  off  in 
commercial  interests  as  if  she  had  been  a lake  port,  indeed  in  the  matters  of  se- 
curing the  grain  of  the  interior,  and  lumber  for  ship  building,  there  was  an  evi- 
dent advantage  in  lying  some  eight  or  nine  miles  from  the  lake. 

A scheme  to  connect  Milan  with  Columbus,  by  a railroad  from  the  head  of 
the  canal  through  Norwalk  and  other  villages,  was  inaugurated  at  about  the 
time  the  old  Mad  River  Railroad  was  built,  but  for  some  unaccountable  reason 
the  project  fell  through. 

Soon  after  the  canal  was  finished  the  enterprising  citizens  of  Milan  began 
active  steps  in  the  direction  of  permanent  improvements  and  substantial  busi- 
ness projects.  Warehouses  were  erected  along  the  upper  canal  basin,  and  the 
buyers  of  grain  were  rewarded  with  a trade  that  covered  a section  reaching  in 
a southerly  direction  for  over  a hundred  miles.  Great  covered  wagons,  drawn 
by  four  or  more  horses,  came  in  trains  to  town,  and  Milan  held  the  greater 
part  of  their  trade,  though  at  times  considerable  numbers  of  the  farmers  passed 
on  down  the  river  to  Huron,  in  anticipation  of  a higher  price  for  their  grain. 

The  canal  gave  quite  an  impetus  to  ship  building  as  well  as  commerce. 
The  fine  white  oak  timber  in  the  vicinity  was  utilized  for  this  purpose  by  nu- 
merous builders,  at  their  yards  on  either  side  of  the  basin,  below  the  hill  on 
which  the  village  stands.  J.  P.  Gay  was  among  the  first  prominent  builders, 
constructing  a number  of  government  sailing  boats  previous  to  the  civil  war. 
E.  Merr}^  was  at  one  time  connected  with  this  firm  under  the  title  of  Merry 
& Gay,  but  they  were  unfortunate  in  their  contracts  and  the  business  was  sus- 
pended. Henry  Kelley,  for  many  years  a prominent  and  public-spirited  citi- 
zen of  Milan,  owned  a ship-yard  at  the  foot  of  the  ridge  on  which  the  resi- 


Milan  Township. 


499 


dence  of  J.  C.  Lockwood  now  stands.  Captain  Kelley  has  since  erected  a fine 
brick  business  block  in  Milan,  and  improved  several  farms  in  the  vicinity,  be- 
sides beautifying  his  house  and  grounds  in  the  village.  For  many  years  he 
has  acted  as  a member  of  the  council,  and  was  at  one  time  an  honored  com- 
missioner of  Erie  county.  His  respected  wife,  Betsey  Kelley,  died  in  Milan  in 
1888.  A son,  Frank  H.  Kelley,  is  at  present  a resident  of  the  village,  owning 
and  managing  a farm  about  a mile  east  of  town. 

J.  C.  Lockwood,  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  highly  respected  citizens  of 
Milan,  was  at  one  time  connected  with  the  ship-building  interests  here,  and 
was  for  many  years  in  the  general  mercantile  trade.  The  latter  business  was 
afterward  transferred  to  his  nephews,  Frank  C.  Smith  and  R.  M.  Lockwood, 
who  now  conduct  it  very  successfully  at  the  old  corner,  directly  at  the  top  of 
the  hill  where  the  Sandusky  road  enters  the  village. 

The  Milan  Banking  Company  represents  J.  C.  Lockwood  and  Lucius  Stod- 
dard, the  latter  for  years  a confidential  clerk,  and  afterward  a partner  with  Mr. 
Lockwood.  Mr.  Stoddard  is  cashier  of  the  bank,  and  Mr.  Lockwood  its  presi- 
dent. The  latter  gentleman  is  still  a very  large  real  estate  and  ship  owner. 
Mr.  Stoddard  possesses  considerable  capital.  Among  the  first  and  last  ship- 
builders is  Valentine  Fries,  a self-made  man,  who  came  to  Milan  about  the 
year  1849,  and  began  the  grocery  business  in  a small  way.  Careful  attention 
to  the  details  of  his  business,  and  steady,  hard  work,  together  with  the  strict- 
est integrity,  gave  Mr.  Fries  the  necessary  means  to  enlarge  his  business,  and 
to  invest  a limited  amount  of  money  in  vessel  property.  The  time  was  op- 
portune, and  he  soon  saw  his  means  increasing  rapidly.  Taking  the  hint 
promptly  he  increased  his  marine  investments.  In  the  seventies  and  eighties 
he  built  at  Fries’s  Landing  (formerly  called  Wards  and  Abbotts),  several  of 
the  largest  and  finest  sailing  vessels  on  the  lakes,  including  the  Marion  Page, 
the  Golden  Age,  etc.  He  also  built  the  steam  barge  Charles  Foster,  all  of 
which,  with  other  valuable  vessels,  he  still  owns.  Mr.  Fries  was  very  active, 
as  trustee  of  the  township,  in  bringing  about  the  graveling  of  the  flats  north  of 
Milan,  an  improvement  that  has  been  a very  great  benefit  to  farmers  on  that 
side  of  the  town  from  the  fact  that  the  roads  prior  to  this  improvement  were 
next  to  impassable  every  spring  and  fall,  for  several  weeks. 

Never  a suave  man,  but  always  outspoken  and  vigorous,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  has  strong  personal  friends,  and  such  enemies  as  he  may  have  made 
must  grant  the  respect  that  such  a character  always  commands.  Mr.  Fries 
owns  numerous  farms,  one  of  which,  the  old  William  Blake  place,  in  North 
Milan,  he  was  fitting  up  for  a home  when  the  loss  of  his  wife  led  to  a change 
of  plan,  and  he  has  since  lived  at  the  now  deserted  ship-yard,  and  at  a farm 
lying  a mile  or  two  east  of  Abbott’s  Bridge. 

Milan  township  and  village  have  always  been  noted  for  the  intelligence  of 
the  people,  and  the  strength  of  their  religious  organizations,  as  well  as  for  the 


500 


History  of  Erie  County. 


general  and  early  interest  taken  in  popular  education.  The  Presbyterian 
Church  of  the  present  was  organized  at  Spear’s  Corners,  in  i8i8,  under  the 
name  of  the  First  Congregational  Church  of  Huron,  Rev.  W.  Williams  and 
Alvin  Coe,  of  Connecticut,  presiding.  The  first  members  of  the  church  were 
William  Spears  and  wife,  Gilbert  Sexton  and  wife,  Mrs.  Eleanor  Adams  and 
her  sons,  William  and  Philo.  Meetings  were  held  alternately  at  the  residences 
of  S.  Adams  and  Mr.  Spears,  for  some  time.  The  settlement  in  this  section  of 
the  township  was  quite  flourishing  in  an  early  day,  but  increasing  population 
and  business  at  Milan  led  to  the  removal  of  the  church  to  that  town.  In  1824 
H.  Buckingham  and  J.  Demund  were  elected  deacons  of  the  church,  which 
was  changed  in  1825  to  a Presbyterian  organization,  and  William  Spears,  J. 
Demund  and  D.  Everett  elected  ruling  elders.  There  were  but  thirty-seven 
members  at  this  time,  but  in  1829  the  Rev.  E.  Judson  inaugurated  a revival 
that  led  to  a great  many  accessions.  The  church  was  incorporated  in  1828, 
and  a substantial  church  edifice  was  completed  in  1837,  by  contributions  of 
work  and  material.  In  an  early  day  services  were  conducted  by  the  following 
named  gentlemen  : Revs.  A.  Coe,  C.  Pitkin,  J.  Seward,  A.  H.  Betts,  William 
Sanford  and  J.  Treat.  The  second  regular  pastor  was  Rev.  T.  L.  Shipman 
(Rev.  L.  B.  Sullivan  having  officiated  in  the  Spears  neighborhood).  The  suc- 
cession that  followed  Rev.  Shipman  was  Revs.  J.  S.  Demund,  W.  M.  Adams, 

E.  Judson,  N.  Barrett,  J.  M.  Hayes,  A.  Hartpence,  J.  H.  Walter  and  the  able 
young  pastor.  Rev.  W.  L.  Swan,  recently  called  to  Warren,  O.  The  longest  I 
ministry  was  that  of  Rev.  Walter,  who  began  his  work  in  1855,  and  con- 
tinued in  the  service  nearly  thirty  years,  when  he  removed  to  a charge  in  the 
suburbs  of  Cincinnati.  He  was  an  able  and  beloved  pastor,  and  left  many  ' 
warm  friends  behind  when  he  departed  for  his  new  field  of  labor.  The  place  j 

of  worship  was  burned  in  the  spring  of  1888,  and  worship  then  begun  in  the  ( 
beautiful  little  chapel  erected  in  1887,  by  J.  C.  Lockwood.  1 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  was  organized  in  1830,  and  the  church  S 
building  was  erected  in  1845.  It  has  always  been  fortunate  in  the  pastors  as-  !| 
signed,  and  has  had  a membership  that,  though  never  large,  has  always  been  li 
drawn  from  a very  intellectual  portion  of  the  community.  The  church  build-  [ 
ing  stands  at  the  west  side  of  the  town  on  Church  street.  It  is  a modest  little  j 
structure,  but  very  tastefully  painted  within  and  quite  well  calculated  to  ac-  t 
commodate  the  usual  number  in  attendance.  It  was  remodeled  to  some  extent  (| 
and  greatly  improved  through  the  efforts  of  Mrs.  J.  C.  Lockwood,  in  1888.  ; 

This  church  began  work  in  the  Jeffrey  neighborhood  long  before  the  establish- 
ment of  a regular  society  at  Milan,  indeed  it  is  probable  that  they  were  at 
work  there  before  Milan  was  of  any  account  as  a town.  Revs.  Gurley,  Mun- 
ger,  McIntyre  and  Tillotson  were  among  the  first  to  minister  to  this  denomi- 
nation in  Milan  township.  Among  the  later  pastors  are  the  Reverends  Jewett, 
Gallimore  and  Wuestenberg,  the  present  popular  occupant  of  the  pulpit. 


Milan  Township. 


501 


The  St.  Luke’s  Episcopal  Society  was  organized  here  in  1846,  and  a church 
was  erected  in  1847,  but  twenty  years  later  the  building  was  destroyed  by  fire, 
and  the  present  edifice  was  afterward  erected  on  the  same  lot  on  Main  street. 
The  society  of  late  years  has  not  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  regular  services  from 
year  to  year,  though  at  diffierent  times  considerable  regularity  has  been 
maintained,  and  it  is  hoped  that  they  have  now  established  permanent  ser- 
vices. 

A handsome  and  commodious  Roman  Catholic  Church  was  built  on  Main 
street,  further  south,  in  1866,  and  a very  strong  society  has  gathered  from  the 
village  and  adjoining  farms.  Among  the  pillars  of  the  church  are  A.  Fisher, 
J.  H.  Kellar,  C.  Stein,  H.  Halpin  and  others.  Rev.  Goecke  is  the  present 
priest.  Most  of  the  reverend  fathers  of  this  congregation  have  been  very  highly 
esteemed  by  the  citizens  generally,  as  well  as  by  their  own  people. 

This  concludes  the  list  of  churches  in  the  village,  but  a German  Reform  Lu- 
theran Church  is  located  at  Union  Corners,  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the 
township.  This  church  has  a very  large  congregation,  representing  some  of 
the  best  people  of  the  prairie  region  described  in  the  first  lines  of  this  article. 
The  pulpit  is  usually  supplied  from  Norwalk. 

The  Friends,  or  Quakers,  have  a tasty  little  church  at  Homer  Page’s  Cor- 
ners, above  Fries’s  Landing,  which  accommodates  quite  a number  of  the 
people  in  that  vicinity.  This  church  was  erected  largely  through  the  efforts  of 
Peter  and  Dorexa  Hathaway,  Peter  Hathaway,  jr,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  T.  B.  Eddy, 
John  Everingham,  the  Rosekelleys,  V.  Fries.  Homer  Page  and  wife,  John  Bal- 
cam,  the  Rickards,  A.  Paul,  A.  Ruggles,  Benjamin  Wilcox,  Calvin  Gwin,  C. 
Parker,  Mrs.  George  .Eddy,  Mr.  and  Mrs  W.  H.  Eddy,  Mrs.  Carleton  Bailey 
and  many  others  whose  names  are  not  accessible  at  this  time,  but  to  whom 
the  church  and  community  will  ever  owe  a debt  of  gratitude  for  their  timely 
aid. 

Mrs.  Alida  Romick,  the  eloquent  evangelist  from  southeastern  Ohio, 
preached  the  dedication  sermon,  and  has  rendered  the  church  much  subse- 
quent service.  Revs.  George  Bartlett,  Charles  Sweet  and  William  Nicholson,  all 
able,  earnest  Christian  ministers,  have  from  time  to  time  given  their  valuable 
services  to  this  congregation.  Rev.  Bartlett  is  at  present  conducting  the  ser- 
vices ; he  was  married  in  1888  to  Miss  Mary  Ann  Rosekelley  of  Huron,  who  is 
an  estimable  lady  and  a strong  assistant  in  the  work  ; Rev.  Nicholson  is  labor- 
ing for  a little  flock  in  Sandusky,  and  Rev.  Sweet  is  located  in  New  York. 
Unlike  those  of  many  other  denominations  the  Friends’  ministers  find  theirsup- 
port  mainly  from  business  enterprises,  and  instead  of  set  sermons  on  the  Sab- 
bath deliver  extemporaneous  addresses  suggested  by  readings  from  the  Bible. 

As  before  remarked  popular  education  received  early  and  substantial  atten- 
tion. A private  school  was  supported  in  the  Abbott  neighborhood  at  a very 
early  day;  Miss  Gilbert  from  Newburg  was  the  teacher,  but  like  many  a later 

64 


502 


History  of  Erie  County. 


follower  of  that  noble  profession,  she  left  the  work  to  brighten  the  home  of  a 
prominent  professional  man,  Dr.  Goodwin. 

In  1817  a school-house  was  built  at  Spear’s  Corners,  and  Marshall  Miller 
wielded  the  birch  there  with  eminent  success  for  some  time. 

At  Milan  village,  two  years  later.  Miss  Susie  Williams  opened  the  first 
school  taught  there,  in  a new  barn  owned  by  Squire  Merry.  The  second 
school-house  in  the  township  was  erected  on  the  Eagle  Tavern  corner  (East 
Church  street  and  the  public  square),  where  the  rebuilded  town  hall  now  stands. 
In  1824  the  old  yellow  school-house  was  built  on  West  Church  street,  after- 
wards removed  to  Center  street,  and  finally,  with  the  other  small  school  build- 
ings, converted  into  the  Cooper  business  block  at  the  top  of  the  hill. 

When  the  present  school  system  was  inaugurated  in  1849,  Milan  wa,s 
prompt  to  avail  herself  of  its  privileges,  not  however  without  considerable  de- 
bate and  attendant  excitement.  The  members  of  the  first  school  board,  and 
Allen  Bartow,  who  still  resides  in  North  Milan,  were  strong  advocates  of  the 
cause  of  general  education.  The  latter,  a young  mechanic  at  the  time,  made 
his  maiden  speech  defending  it  in  reply  to  a then  moneyed  citizen,  since  some- 
what unfortunate  in  business.  The  merchant  has,  however,  for  years,  been  an 
ardent  friend  of  education  and  free  educational  institutions. 

The  old  brick  school  building  on  South  Center  street  was  erected  the  year 
after  the  enabling  law  was  passed,  and  was  one  of  the  most  substantial  and 
convenient  public  school  buildings  of  its  time  to  be  found  in  the  State. 

The  present  fine  and  beautiful  structure  was  built  in  1884,  at  a cost  of  over 
twenty  thousand  dollars.  It  is  of  brick,  trimmed  in  sandstone,  is  in  the  form 
of  a cross,  and  has  all  the  modern  conveniences.  It  is  well  lighted,  and  the 
architecture  is  very  fine.  The  lot  extending  across  from  Center  street  to  Main 
is  well  graded,  and  forms  quite  an  ample  play- ground  for  the  number  of  pupils, 
usually  attending.  The  teaching  corps  in  1888  was  J.  R.  Sherman,  superinten- 
dent and  high  school  principal;  Miss  Annie  Bassett,  A and  B grammar  school 
teacher  ; Miss  Hattie  Markham,  A and  B primary;  Miss  Retta  Traub,  C and 
D primary.  The  schools  are  in  a flourishing  condition. 

The  first  school  board,  elected  in  1849,  was  composed  of  the  following 
named  men,  prominent  at  the  time  in  local  affairs,  and  in  several  instances 
becoming  ciuite  widely  known  in  business  enterprises  at  other  points  in  the 
State;  Daniel  Hamilton,  J.  H.  Kenned}/-,  George  Barney,  Hiram  McMillan,  S. 
F".  Taylor  and  Harry  Chase.  The  first  superintendent  employed  was  C.  F. 
Royce. 

Huron  Institute. — This  institution  of  learning  is  located  near  the  south  end 
of  Seminary  street,  adjoining  the  cemetery,  and  was  incorporated  in  1832.  The 
first  principal  was  Rev.  E.  Barber,  and  his  first  class  of  six  pupils  was  conducted 
in  the  office  of  Squire  J.  Smith.  By  means  of  some  four  thousand  dollars,  half 
of  which  was  subscribed  by  Milan  citizens,  the  present  brick  structure  was  erect- 


Milan  Township. 


503 


•ed  before  the  close  of  the  year  1832,  and  the  class  increased  very  rapidly  until  at 
the  close  of  that  year  there  was  an  enrollment  of  forty-six  gentlemen  and 
forty-four  ladies.  Henry  Ballentine,  who  afterward  became  a missionary  to 
India,  was  assistant  principal  at  first,  but  he  was  soon  succeeded  by  B.  Judson, 
who  was  assisted  in  the  work  by  Mrs.  E.  A.  Hubbard  and  Mrs.  C.  Stuart. 
Mr.  S.  C.  Hickok  succeeded  Principal  Barber  in  1835.  Mr.  Hickok  was  fol- 
lowed in  1 843  by  H.W.Williams,  and  he  in  1848  by  Rev.  L.  Bliss.  In  1850T.  S. 
Bradley  became  principal,  and  between  this  and  1858  N.  Barrows,  D.  Sayles 
and  J.  McKee  were  respectively  at  the  head  of  the  institution. 

Rev.  AsaBrainard  and  Prof.  Samuel  F.  Newman  leased  the  building  and  estab- 
lished the  Western  Reserve  Normal  School  in  1850.  This  school  was  a decided 
success,  and  a very  great  benefit  to  the  people  of  the  village,  as  its  reputation 
became  so  good  under  the  joint  management  of  these  gentlemen,  and  the  subse- 
quent management  of  Mr.  Newman  alone,  that  students,  and  even  residents, 
were  brought  to  Milan  from  great  distances  to  secure  the  benefits  of  the  cul- 
ture which  it  offered  at  a merely  nominal  cost.  To  the  energetic  and  scholarly 
efforts  of  Prof  Newman,  the  writer  most  cheerfully  credits  what  little  subse- 
quent success  has  crowned  his  efforts  in  the  profession,  and  no  doubt  very 
many  others  whose  success  in  life  has  been  eminently  more  marked,  would  as 
cheerfully  add  their  testimony  had  they  the  opportunity  so  to  do. 

Miss  Delia  Palmer,  in  1871,  took  charge  of  the  Normal,  and  was  very  suc- 
cessfully assisted  in  her  efforts  by  Prof  Charles  Williams,  a gentleman  of  fine 
social  qualities  and  of  scholarly  attainments,  since  deceased,  as  is  also  his  asso- 
ciate in  the  work,  the  beloved  and  successful  lady  already  named.  Miss  Pal- 
mer conducted  the  school  alone  after  the  first  year  or  so,  until  it  was  leased  for 
a year  or  two  by  Prof  Lawrence,  and  afterward  came  under  the  management 
■of  Prof  B.  B.  Hall,  the  present  principal.  It  is  no  flattery  to  say  that  Mr. 
Hall  is  a school  man  of  the  broadest  experience,  having  been  engaged  for 
years  in  both  public  and  private  school  work,  he  has  a thorough  knowledge  of 
the  needs  of  teachers  in  their  profession.  To  prepare  them  for  this  work  is  the 
principal  business  of  the  school,  although  it  has  also  an  excellent  business 
course,  and  furnishes  facilities  for  literary  and  scientific  culture  of  no  mean 
order. 

This  institution  has  varied  in  attendance  from  fifty  to  nearly  two  hundred. 
Its  palmiest  days,  up  to  the  present  time,  were  between  1865  and  1875,  but 
the  attendance  has  never  been  worthy  of  the  management  nor  of  the  gener- 
ous spirit  of  the  Presbyterian  society  which  erected  it,  has  ever  kept  it  in 
repair,  leased  it  at  a nominal  rental,  and  assumed  a deep  interest  in  the  char- 
acter of  the  school,  as  well  as  of  those  by  whom  it  has  been  conducted  from 
time  to  time. 

Alma  tnater,  if  my  pen 

Seems  to  speak  as  flatterer’s  tongue, 

Bear  with  him  who  views  again 
Dear,  familiar  scenes,  when  young. 


504 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Reader,  if  a cynic’s  smile 
Seek  to  circle  o’er  your  face, 

Think  of  youth,  return  once  more 
To  some  old  familiar  place  ; 

Then  condemn  me,  if  you  will. 

I’ll  praise  my  alma  mater  still. 

And  honor,  with  a childish  pride. 

Those  who  recited  at  my  side. 

Grand  Army  of  the  Republic. — Cranston  Post  No.  73.  This  Post  was  organ- 
ized in  1881,  with  the  following  named  officers  and  charter  members:  H.  N. 
Shipman,  C. ; John  P.  Mowry,  S.  V.  C. ; M.  K.  Lee,  J.  V.  C. ; J.  C.  Fitch,  adjutant; 

P.  A.  Gordon,  surgeon;  C.  H.  Wilson,  chaplain;  John  A.  McLain,  Q.  M. ; 

T.  J.  Oleary,  O.  D.;  W.  H.  Bemis,  O.  C. ; Silas  Brown,  S.  M. ; J.  Eggleston,, 

O.  M.  S. ; A.  Foreman,  J.  C.  Bartow,  William  Eastman,  William  P.  Poole,  and 
J.  Harble. 

A Woman’s  Relief  Corps  was  organized  in  the  spring  of  1888,  with  the 
following  ladies  as  charter  members  : Mrs.  Emma  Elliot,  Mrs.  Lucinda  Calla- 
nan,  Mrs.  Mary  Gordon,  Mrs.  Emma  Shupe,  Mrs.  Kate  Luff,  Mrs.  Louisa  Eg- 
gleston, Mrs.  Fidelia  McLain,  Mrs.  Rebecca  Schaeffer,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Bassett, 
Mrs.  Louisa  Burch,  Mrs.  Julia  Roscoe,  Mrs.  Helen  Roscoe,  Mrs.  Sarah  Oakley,. 
Mrs.  Sarah  Marsh,  Mrs.  Alice  Roscoe,  Mrs.  Mary  Brown,  Miss  Eliza  Schaeffer, 
Miss  Annie  Bassett,  and  Miss  Lizzie  Bassett. 

Secret  Societies. — Free  Masonry  was  introduced  into  Milan  in  1853,  Erie 
Lodge,  F.  and  A.  M.,  being  established  in  that  year,  with  the  following  char- 
ter members:  S.  F.  Taylor,  John  Smith,  D.  Mills,  R.  S.  Nash,  John  McIntyre, 
Charles  Bradley,  Lyman  P'ay,  John  Honsinger,  and  John  Stevens. 

Milan  Chapter,  Royal  Arch  Masons,  was  chartered  in  1872,  with  the  fol- 
lowing members:  Dr.  E.  L.  Perry,  John  W.  Sisty,  Castleton  Roscoe,  Darwin 
Fay,  William  Lewis,  J.  F.  Webster,  P.  P.  Parker,  A.  Youman,  S.  Hollister, 
George  A.  Kline,  and  J.  S.  Felton.  These  lodges  are  at  present  in  a very 
thriving  condition,  and  include  in  their  membership  many  of  the  older  and 
most  honored  citizens  of  the  village  and  surrounding  country. 

Odd  Fellowship  was  inaugurated  here  at  an  early  day.  Probably  no  man 
in  the  vicinity  was  more  active  in  this  fraternity  in  those  days,  and  for  years 
afterward,  than  Mr.  Mann.  Thomas  C McEwen,  now  a resident  of  Sandusky, 
installed  Milan  Lodge  No.  105,  in  the  spring  of  1848,  and  the  lodge  flourished 
for  many  years,  but  meetings  were  subsequently  discontinued.  The  cause  as- 
signed for  the  failure  of  the  lodge  is  the  enlistment  of  a large  number  of  its 
members  in  the  United  States  service  during  the  civil  war. 

The  present  society  is  styled  Marks  Lodge,  No.  717,  being  named  in  honor 
of  Rev.  Marks,  so  long  an  Episcopalian  minister  at  Huron,  O.,  and  an  Odd 
Fellow  of  high  standing.  This  lodge  was  installed  in  the  fall  of  1882,  by  Grand 
Master  J.  Burket,  of  Findlay,  O.  The  charter  members  were  F.  H.  Weaver, 

S.  G.  Saunders,  P.  J.  Slocum,  J.  Eggleston,  R.  Croft,  H.  L.  Wilson,  and  D.  J.  i 


Milan  Township. 


505 


Wilcoxson.  The  lodge  now  meets  regularly  on  Monday  nights  at  its  pleasant 
and  spacious  hall  over  the  Milan  Bank.  There  is  at  present  a lodge  member- 
ship of  about  thirty,  which  is  not  bad,  considering  the  size  of  the  town,  and 
the  recency  of  its  organization. 

Business  Biterests. — Among  the  earliest  business  establishments,  none  were 
of  more  value  to  the  town  than  Mr.  Merry’s  mill.  People  came  for  miles  to 
secure  its  services,  and  in  many  cases  the  rush  was  so  great  that  parties  were 
compelled  to  remain  several  days  awaiting  their  “ turn  at  the  wheel,”  as  it 
were.  This  fact,  with  the  great  influx  of  prospectors,  and  the  great  number 
of  farmers  from  the  South  (sometimes  as  high  as  five  or  six  hundred  in  a sin- 
gle day),  led  to  the  erection  of  numerous  hotels,  the  first  of  which  was  that  of 
Mr.  Fowler,  already  mentioned.  The  old  Eagle  Tavern  was  built  in  1824,  on 
the  present  town  hall  lot,  and  was  a very  commodious  structure  for  its  time. 
It  was  burned  in  the  seventies.  The  Knowlton  Block,  adjoining  the  present 
bank  building,  was  at  one  time  used  as  a hotel,  and  numerous  other  buildings 
served  their  time  in  the  same  capacity. 

On  the  brow  of  the  North  Milan  hill  stands  a large  hotel  building,  erected 
in  1835  by  Plazen  Horner,  and  for  many  years  patronized  extensively  by  the 
people  driving  to  Huron  from  the  south,  as  well  as  by  local  parties.  A fine 
dancing  hall,  erected  to  accommodate  a demand  of  the  times,  was  patronized 
for  years,  but  burned  to  the  ground  soon  after  the  close  of  the  civil  war. 
The  Horner  Hotel  had  a very  lively  rival  in  that  of  Mr.  Ansel  Page  at  Bailey’s 
Corners,  where  John  Everingham  and  family  and  Widow  Bailey  now  reside. 
George  Supner  also  came  in  for  a share  of  the  patronage  during  the  stirring 
times  between  1835  and  1850. 

Messrs.  Horner  and  Page  raised  very  large  families,  and  their  descendants 
may  be  found  among  the  active  business  men  and  cultured  ladies  of  several 
States  besides  Ohio. 

The  old  distillery,  built  in  1819  by  Mason  & Mears,  created  a market  for 
grain  and  hogs  that  continued  until  it  was  burned  some  years  ago. 

J.  M.  Choate  erected  a carding-mill  in  1821,  and  started  the  business 
which  is  at  present  the  carding  and  woolen-mill  of  J.  Brown,  enjoying  so  wide 
a reputation  for  substantial  goods.  About  the  same  time  N.  Standart  opened 
a general  store,  and  Ralph  and  George  Lockwood  opened  a store  very  soon 
after.  The  latter  business  afterward  became  the  well-known  house  of  F.,  G. 
and  R.  Lockwood,  now  Ralph  Lockwood,  No.  2 Lockwood  Block.  Lrank 
Lockwood,  formerly  of  this  firm,  and  very  active  in  securing  the  W.  and  L. 
E.  R.  R.,  is  considered  one  of  the  best  accountants  in  Ohio.  R.  Lockwood,, 
sr.,  was  the  first  postmaster  of  Milan,  called  at  the  time  Merry’s  Mills,  in  honor 
of  the  proprietor.  Squire  Merry.  H.  Lockwood  began  the  hat  manufacturing 
business  here  in  1824,  and  conducted  it  with  varying  su.ccess  for  some  time. 
The  first  Lockwood  Block  was  a frame  building  and  was  built  in  1827, 


5o6 


History  of  Erie  County. 


but  burned  some  years  later,  and  the  present  brick  block  was  erected  in  its 
place. 

Looking  to-day  at  the  quiet,  peaceful  old  village,  with  its  abundance  of 
time  for  recreation  and  rest,  with  its  beautiful  drives,  picturesque  park,  and 
general  air  of  comfort  and  freedom  from  care  concerning  the  world  of  business, 
it  seems  difficult  to  realize  that  in  a single  day  thirty  to  forty  thousand  bushels 
of  grain  have  been  loaded  at  its  wharf ; that  the  old  canal  in  a single  year  paid 
over  a hundred  thousand  dollars  in  tolls;  and  that  there  was  an  export  trade 
of  $825,000  in  one  year  (1844),  and  an  import  trade  of  but  two  hundred  thou- 
sand dollars  less. 

Prior  to  the  War  of  1812  there  were  about  one  hundred  and  ninety  people 
in  Milan  township.  F.  W.  Fowler  gives  the  names  of  heads  of  families  at  that 
time  as  follows:  Hosmer  Merry,  R.  Pixley,  G.  Harvey,  in  section  one;  David 
Abbott,  D.  Barrett,  J.  Ward,  E.  Pollock,  J.  Leach,  N.  Glines,  A.  Mason,  and 
A.  Collins,  in  section  two;  T.  Jeffry,  Josiah  Smith,  William  Smith,  P.  Tillot- 
son,  George  Colvin,  D.  Kinney,  E.  Kinney,  S.  Kinney,  and  D.  Smith,  in  sec- 
tion three;  section  four  containing  the  families  of  C.  Parker,  W.  Perry,}. 
Payne,  W,  Hubbard,  J.  Guthrie,  William  Howard,  A.  Wilson,  and  John  El- 
dridge.  The  war,  as  stated,  annoyed  the  early  settlers,  and  when  Hull’s  paroled 
troops  were  returning  home,  a great  panic  was  created  here  and  throughout 
the  Firelands  by  the  report  of  red-coats  in  force  on  the  lake  shore. 

Many  families  came  into  this  section  from  1830  to  1850,  whose  descendants 
form  the  stauirch  farmers  and  business  men  of  the  present  time.  The  popula- 
tion of  the  township  and  corporate  village  was  2,239  '''*  1880.  The  corpora- 
tion limits,  which  were  established  in  1833,  have  never  been  extended,  though 
an  effort  was  made  a few  years  ago  to  extend  the  lines  to  include  Avery 
Station  on  the  “Nickel  Plate  Railroad.”  The  town  has  contained,  from  1850  to 
the  present  time,  about  twelve  or  thirteen  hundred  people,  but  the  corporation 
contained  only  a few  more  than  eight  hundred  in  1880. 

School  facilities  are  furnished  to  many  outside  the  corporation,  as  the 
special  district  limits  extend  much  further  in  some  directions. 

Among  the  present  active  business  houses  of  Milan  are  A.  Streck’s  meat 
market,  the  Lockwood  stores  already  mentioned,  A.  P.  Mowry  & Son’s  hard- 
ware, which  was  established  many  years  ago,  but  is  still  abreast  of  the  times 
in  all  respects,  M.  Harter’s  old  and  well  established  drug  trade,  the  old  reliable 
merchant  tailoring  establishment  of  Henry  Kurtz,  Star  Flour  Mills,  for  a con- 
siderable time  operated  by  William  Winslow  and  L.  Roscoe,  and  Samuel  Fish  & 
Son,  who  succeeded  to  the  old  Turner  Tile  Factory  in  East  Milan,  and  have  per- 
fected the  machinery  and  reduced  the  manufacture  of  drain-tile  and  plant-pots 
to  a science,  making  the  smoothest  and  most  durable  quality  of  each.  Their 
business  has  justified  the  erection  of  substantial  factory  buildings,  as  well  as 
of  tasty  and  comfortable  homes  on  their  pleasant  lots  above  the  picturesque 


Milan  Township. 


507 


Village  Creek  Valley.  Among  professional  men  are  Dr.  A.  B.  Storch,  well 
established  here,  but  about  settling  in  Florida ; E.  L.  Perry,  dentist,  (a 
descendant  of  Commodore  O.  H.  Perry,)  has  been  a remarkably  successful 
practitioner  here  for  a great  many  years,  receiving  patronage  from  surround- 
ing towns,  and  even  from  Sandusky  and  Toledo;  Dr.  P.  A.  Gordon,  formerly 
a United  States  surgeon,  a man  who  has  traveled  extensively  and  enjoyed  the 
thorough  culture  and  varied  experiences  that  produce  broad  views  as  well  as 
professional  skill ; Dr.  W.  J.  Esch,  another  allopathist,  is  an  energetic  young 
man,  of  broad  views,  fine  education,  and  had  an  extensive  practice,  which  he 
left  recently  to  take  charge  of  his  deceased  father’s  practice  in  Cleveland  ; Dr. 
Simmons,  the  homeopathist,  has  a very  large  practice  among  the  patrons  of 
this  “school”;  W.  B.  Starbird,  a rising  young  attorney,  has  a very  large  law, 
practice  in  Erie  and  other  Northern  Ohio  counties;  Attorney  H.  N.  Shipman, 
an  old  resident,  is  a man  of  some  ability.  Among  the  more  recent  establish- 
ments may  be  found  A.  H.  Case’s  model  drug  store;  Minor  Curtis  & Son, 
machine  headquarters  for  several  States  in  certain  engines  and  threshers ; 
William  Eastman’s  fine  grocery;  O.  Bassett  & Son’s  “Common  Sense  Grocery,” 
with  Louis  Cline’s  Park  Hotel,  erected  in  1880,  but  burned  in  1888,  and  Bert 
Dixon’s  new  clothing  store.  The  Stoakes’s  automatic  pen  factory,  and  the 
A.  J.  Mowry  & Co.’s  spoke  factory,  with  the  comparatively  new  but  improving 
ax-helve  factory  of  Milo  McCrillis,  no  doubt  have  each  a trade  extending  over 
as  wide  a territory  as  that  of  many  a larger  establishment  in  our  manufacturing 
cities.  A.  J.  Mowry  is  entitled  to  great  credit  for  the  energy  manifested  in 
keeping  up  manufacturing  interests  here,  and  of  J.  W.  Stoakes  we  shall  have 
occasion  to  speak  later  on. 

B.  Ashley’s  jewelry  and  repair  store  was  for  many  years  (nearly  half  a 
century)  a landmark  on  the  south  side  of  the  square.  Mr.  Ashley  has  long 
been  a pillar  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  like  Dr.  Stuart,  A.  P.  Mowry,  L. 
Stowe,  C.  Gwin,  P.  Comstock,  Mrs.  J.  D.  Smith,  Mrs.  Prank  Lockwood,  J.  C. 
Lockwood,  Mrs.  E.  Andrews,  Dr.  Galpin,  Harriet  Gordon,  John  Sisty,  Judge 
Taylor,  Squire  Fay,  Dr.  Storch,  H.  Horner,  Squire  Emmons,  A.  S.  Case,  W. 
Winslow,  and  others  working  in  the  interests  of  the  church  without  expecta- 
tion of  earthly  reward.  Mr.  J.  C.  Lockwood  has  recently  erected  a lovely  little 
brick  chapel  for  the  Sunday-school  at  a cost  exceeding  three  thousand  dollars. 

F.  H.  Weaver  has  a jewelry  establishment  in  the  new  S.  A.  Lockwood 
block,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Public  Square.  It  is  quite  new  and  up  to  the 
times  in  its  management  and  appointments.  Olson’s  carriage  shop  and  Coop- 
er’s general  repair  and  exchange  establishment  are  also  institutions  of  value 
to  the  business  interests  of  the  village.  Among  the  old  families  whose  names 
have  not  come  into  our  article  as  yet,  we  mention  ’from  a somewhat  faulty 
memory,  the  families  of  Kneeland  Townsend,  Carlos  Colton,  Joseph  Hongh, 
Charles  Edridge,  Judson  Perrin,  William  Daniels,  D.  Dimon,  William  Dimon, 


5o8 


History  of  Erie  County. 


William  Raynor,  Dr.  Renner,  Squire  Emmons,  Captain  Dean,  Henry  Pen- 
field,  H.  Stoddard,  William  Mackey,  H.  McMillen,  Captain  Hicks,  Captain 
Coulter,  Squire  Burt,  O.  Ruggles,  the  Roots,  Hawleys,  Lowrys,  Roscoes, 
Fays,  Minards,  Richards,  Gibbs,  Roberts,  Schaeffers,  Williams  and  Daleys. 
There  are  others  whose  names  are  equally  prominent  in  the  development  of 
the  town  and  township.  Milan  has  furnished  a goodly  number  of  men  whose 
active  brains  and  untiring  energy  have  made  them  famous  in  a greater  or  less 
degree.  T.  A.  Edison,  the  celebrated  electrician,  must  lead  the  list.  This 
remarkable  inventor  was  born  in  Milan  in  1847  i his  sister,  Mrs.  H.  Page,  living 
at  Page’s  Corners,  down  the  Huron  River,  remembers  well  when  she  carried 
him  in  her  arms  a sickly  child.  A beautiful  and  costly  memorial  to  his 
mother,  in  the  shape  of  a window  in  the  Presbyterian  Church,  was  erected  by 
Mr.  Edison,  but  was  destroyed  with  the  church  in  the  fire  of  1888.  Zenus 
King,  the  famous  inventor  of  the  iron  suspension  bridge,  which  bears  his  name, 
was  at  one  time  a resident  of  Milan.  J.  W.  Stoakes,  the  inventor  of  the 
Stoakes’s  automatic  shading  pen,  which  produces  a broad  line  of  several  dif- 
ferent tints  at  a single  stroke,  and  has  attracted  very  wide  attention,  is  an  old 
Milan  boy,  recently  returned  to  his  native  village,  where  he  has  established  a 
factory  and  is  doing  an  extensive  and  increasing  business  in  making  and  ship- 
ping these  pens. 

Dr.  P.  A.  Gordon,  only  son  of  Robert  Gordon,  was  a surgeon  in  the  United 
States  army  during  the  Rebellion,  and  has  since  had  as  large  a practice  as  he 
could  attend  to  in  and  around  Milan.  Recently  the  doctor,  who  was  always 
of  an  inventive  turn  of  mind,  has  completed,  among  other  things,  a nut  lock, 
of  a very  simple  and  durable  nature,  that  is  finding  great  favor  among  manu- 
facturers as  its  merits  become  known. 

Newspapers. — Among  the  earliest  newspapers  of  Erie  county  was  the  Milan 
Free  Press,  which  was  conducted  for  some  time  by  W.  Jenkins,  and  the  Tribune, 
established  in  1848  by  Clark  Waggoner,  who  was  afterward  connected  promi- 
nently with  the  Toledo  Commercial.  Other  papers  have  flourished  from  time 
to  time,  notably  the  Milan  Bugle,  recently  sold  by  its  editor,  S.  D.  Brady, 
to  the  Milan  Adiiertiser,  which  is  at  present  edited  by  a prominent  young  at- 
torney, W.  B.  Starbird,  and  has  been  published  by  Messrs.  Pratt,  Balsley, 
and  Gibbs,  in  succession  since  1868,  when  it  was  established  by  Mr.  Pratt  and 
others 

Milan  village,  since  its  incorporation  in  1833,  has  been  presided  over  by 
the  following  named  mayors:  John  Smith,  Richard  Burt,  John  Smith,  S.  F. 
Taylor,  T.  R.  Hopkins,  E.  B.  Atherton,  J.  J.  Penfield,  L.  Galpin,  A.  Page, 
George  Dimon,  V.  Fries,  Darwin  Fay,  W.  E.  Lockwood,  Dr.  E.  L.  Perry,  J„ 
W.  Stoakes,  Dr.  E.  L.  Perry,  and  the  present  incumbent,  J.  W.  Stoakes. 

Though  Milan,  as  a town,  has  missed  its  possibilities  of  growth  and  devel- 
opment, it  is  still  a lovely  place  of  residence,  and  its  people  appreciate  the 


Oxford  Township. 


509 


attractions  which  it  offers  in  the  way  of  educational  facilities  and  social  re- 
lations. 

A disastrous  fire  in  1888  swept  the  south  side  of  the  public  square  and 
East  Church  street,  destroying  the  Presbyterian  church,  the  town  hall,  Cline’s 
Hotel,  and  two  business  blocks.  The  work  of  rebuilding  is  rapidly  progress- 
ing. The  town  hall  and  business  blocks  are  nearly  completed,  and  Louis 
Cline  is  erecting  a fine  brick  hotel  in  place  of  his  Park  House,  so  justly  popu- 
lar with  traveling  men  before  the  fire.  Will  Blair,  his  genial  son-in-law,  will 
still  continue  as  clerk.  Provision  is  being  made  against  the  recurrence  ©f  a 
destructive  conflagration  by  the  introduction  of  a system  of  water  works.  Let 
us  hope  that  there  may  never  be  an  occasion  for  testing  their  power  amid 
such  terrifying  scenes  as  accompanied  the  last  disastrous  fire. 


OWNSHIP  number  five,  in  range  twenty-three,  is  bounded  on  the  north 


by  Perkins,  on  the  south  by  Ridgefield,  east  by  Milan,  and  west  by 
Groton.  Its  general  aspect  is  not  unlike  those  adjoining,  being  level,  and  diver- 
sified with  three  streams  of  water,  the  largest  of  which  is  the  Huron  River. 
This  flows  through  the  southeast  corner  of  the  township  from  the  west,  and 
passes  through  the  corner  of  it  on  its  way  to  Lake  Erie.  Pipe  Creek  and 
Crab  Apple  Creek  are  the  only  streams,  beside  the  Huron  River,  in  this  town- 
ship, and  the  latter  empties  into  it.  The  township  was  first  colonized  in  the 
month  of  February,  1810,  by  six  families  from  Conneaut,  Erie  county.  Pa. 

These  early  settlers  were  Jonathan  Sprague,  an  old  man  who  had  served 
in  the  army  of  the  Revolution  as  lieutenant.  He  built  a cabin  on  the  east 
bank  of  Pipe  Creek,  a quarter  of  a mile  from  Bloomingville.  His  son’s  family 
and  three  families  of  Dunhams  settled  between  him  and  the  present  Bloom- 
ingville, and  Linas  Ensign  settled  a mile  southwest  of  Bloomingville,  on  the 
farm  occupied  by  John  Paxton.  In  the  month  of  July  of  the  same  year 
Thomas  James  and  James  P'orsyth  moved  into  the  township.  During  that  fall 
three  others  (named  Nathan,  Standish,  and  Wood)  came,  and  were  followed 
the  next  year  by  Thomas  Hamilton,  Dr.  Hastings,  John  Dillingham,  and 
Samuel  McGill. 

The  survey  of  the  township  was  made  by  Jabez  Wright  and  Almon  Rug- 
gles,  assisted  by  Benjamin  Drake  as  chain  bearer,  in  1810,  and  throughout  the 
year  there  were  large  accessions  to  the  township,  but  the  following  year  this 
was  checked  by  war  with  Great  Britain  and  the  cowardly  surrender  of  the 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


HISTORY  OF  OXFORD  TOWNSHIP. 


65 


History  of  Erie  County. 


510 


traitor  Hull  at  Detroit,  leaving  the  scattered  settlements  of  Northwestern  Ohio 
exposed  to  the  depredations  of  the  Indians.  The  panic  among  the  settlers 
became  so  great  that  many  of  them  fled  to  older  settlements  for  safety.  The 
greater  part  of  those  who  fled  went  to  Mansfield,  conveying  their  household 
goods  aud  families  on  horseback  and  in  wagons.  VVe  cannot  picture  the  dis- 
comforts of  that  time  with  fear,  sickness  and  suffering  on  every  side.  Fever 
and  ague  was  almost  as  bad  as  the  Indians,  and  the  women  and  children  suf- 
fered greatly  by  exposure  during  their  journey.  Those  who  remained  behind 
proceeded  at  once  to  build  a block-house  for  their  protection  in  Bloomingville, 
and  later  a second  one  was  built  near  it,  and  both  enclosed  with  pickets  as  a 
better  method  of  general  protection.  After  this,  until  the  close  of  the  wap 
there  were  few  additions  to  the  settlement  in  Oxford.  In  an  account  written 
by  F.  D.  Drake,  whose  father  was  prominently  identified  with  the  new  country, 
is  found  a graphic  description  of  those  early  days,  from  which  the  following 
extracts  are  taken  ; 

“ On  the  1 6th  of  April,  1815,  my  father  and  his  family,  consisting  ol  mother 
and  four  boys,  left  Erie,  Pa.,  for  our  future  home  in  Oxford  township,  where 
we  arrived  the  4th  of  May,  having  performed  the  journey  of  one  hundred  and 
sixty  miles  in  nineteen  days.  My  father  had  provided  himself  with  a span  of 
fine  horses,  a light  wagon  covered  with  linen  stretched  over  hoops.  All  heav)^ 
articles  were  left  to  be  forwarded  by  water  to  the  mouth  of  the  Huron.  The 
road  was  so  bad  that,  with  the  addition  of  a yoke  of  oxen  which  my  father  pur- 
chased in  Cleveland  to  hitch  ahead  of  the  horses  in  bad  places,  we  were  unable 
to  travel  more  than  six  or  eight  or  ten  miles  a day.” 

He  proceeds  to  describe  the  process  of  making  new  roads,  cutting  under- 
brush, laying  a corduroy  through  marshy  places,  and  at  length  tells  of  his  ar- 
rival at  their  journey’s  end  : 

“ We  stayed  at  Jabez  Wright’s,  who  lived  at  that  time  on  the  west  side  of 
Huron  River,  about  a mile  from  its  mouth.  He  was  surveyor  and  land  agent. 
He  was  afterwards  an  associate  judge  of  Huron  county.  His  house  was 
crowded  that  night  with  settlers  on  business  connected  with  a sale  of  lands. 
Among  the  number  was  Major  Joseph  Strong,  the  first  permanent  settler  of 
Eyme  township.  The  major  and  my  father  had  been  neighbors  in  New  York 
State,  and  as  every  vestige  of  a road  had  disappeared,  he  volunteered  to  guide 
us  to  his  house.  We  started  early  next  morning,  the  major  ahead  on  horse- 
back as  advanced  picket,  the  team  following;  and  the  three  boys,  driving  the 
oxen,  bringing  up  the  rear.” 

He  then  continues  to  give  us  the  details  of  that  eventful  journey,  of  his 
impressions  of  the  broad  prairies,  covered  with  tall  grass  of  the  brightest  green, 
and  their  first  trials  as  pioneers.  There  was  little  or  no  money  in  circulation 
in  those  days.  A man  might  raise  large  amounts  of  grain,  and  own  large 
numbers  of  cattle,  and  still  not  be  able  to  raise  money  to  pay  his  taxes.  To 


Oxford  Township. 


511 

borrow  a dollar  or  even  fifty  cents  was  almost  an  impossibility,  and  whoever 
had  it  was  looked  upon  as  a rich  man.  In  1817  a man  named  Charles  Lind- 
say moved  from  Dayton  to  near  the  head  of  Cold  Creek,  and  having  been  con- 
nected with  a wild  cat  bank  in  Dayton,  he  suggested  to  some  of  the  most  in- 
fluential men  that  they  might  start  a bank  at  Bloomingville.  It  was  just  what 
they  wanted,  and  a public  meeting  was  called,  and  attended  by  most  of  the  men 
of  the  township.  It  was  resolved  at  once  that  a bank  be  established,  and  Abner 
Young  should  be  president,  and  Charles  Lindsay,  cashier.  The  necessary 
amount  was  subscribed,  and  Lindsay  was  employed  to  go  to  Cincinnati  to  get 
the  bills  struck  off,  and  attend  the  Legislature  and  get  a charter.  While  he 
was  gone,  some  of  the  others  erected  a banking  house,  which  is  still  standing. 
Lindsay  promised  everything  necessary  to  do  a bogus  banking  business,  except 
a charter.  The  Legislature  was  not  doing  that  kind  of  business,  and  the  thing 
was  no  go.  A sale  was  therefore  made,  and  Major  Faley  bought  the  banking 
house,  and  Shirley  and  Youngs  bought  the  balance  of  assets,  consisting  of 
notes,  plates,  etc. 

Early  troubles  came  to  the  settlers  in  many  forms,  and  perhaps  none  was 
more  distressing  than  the  milk  sickness  that  affected  the  cattle.  It  came  sim- 
ultaneously with  the  attempt  to  have  a bank,  and  the  cause  of  it  to  this  day 
remains  a mystery.  There  are  still  places  in  our  country  where  this  is  common, 
and  the  United  States  has  offered  a generbus  reward  of  many  thousand  dollars 
to  whoever  discovers  the  secret  cause  of  its  prevalence.  In  Oxford  township 
they  believed  it  was  the  result  of  the  animals  drinking  from  springs  of  mineral 
water,  but  this  was  disproved  by  the  fact  that  a flock  of  sheep  belonging  to 
Thomas  James,  of  Bloomingville,  were  pastured  in  a field  where  there  was  no 
stream,  and  yet  a number  of  the  flock  were  affected  by  it  Its  effects  on  ani- 
mals was  known-as  “ trembles,”  and  it  was  quite  customary  to  see  a fat  calf, 
after  sucking,  walk  a short  distance,  then  begin  to  tremble,  and  in  a little 
while  fall  down  and  die.  The  superstitious  believed  in  witchcraft.  Many 
people  died  from  this  poison,  and  their  remains  are  buried  at  the  forks  of  the 
roads  a short  distance  east  of  Bloomingville,  with  no  monument  to  tell  the 
story  of  their  lives  in  the  new  country  to  which  they  had  come  full  of  hope. 

The  first  mill  was  always  the  most  important  step  in  the  history  of  progress 
of  a township,  for  upon  the  mills  all  families  depended  for  food.  In  1817  there 
was  a mill  in  Venice,  and  in  1820  one  at  Milan,  and  one  near  the  head  of  Cold 
Creek.  A man  named  Powers  had  built  one  on  the  Huron  River  in  Green- 
field township.  This  was  built  in  the  woods,  and  the  lower  part  of  the  house 
holding  the  machinery  was  not  enclosed.  Mr.  Drake  gives  us  a graphic  de- 
scription of  this  mill  as  he  remembered  it,  when  he  took  a grist  there  in  his 
boyhood.  He  says  ; ” The  floor  of  the  second  story  was  five  or  six  feet  from 
the  ground.  About  half  way  from  the  front  door  -was  a platform  six  feet  high, 
on  which  the  stones  were  placed.  The  presiding  genius  of  this  establishment 


512 


History  of  Erie  County. 


was  a very  cross,  lame  man.  Millers  were  then  autocrats,  and  no  appeal 
could  be  made  from  their  decision,  and  one  of  their  rules  was  that  the  person, 
who  brought  a grist  should  bring  it  in  and  take  it  out.  The  state  of  the  roads 
made  it  necessary  to  stay  one  night  at  the  mill,  and  the  night  I stayed,  ten  or 
twelve  others  were  there  also.  The  clicking  of  the  hopper,  the  sound  of  the 
water,  the  noise  of  people  talking,  and  the  singing  of  mosquitoes,  precluded 
the  possibility  of  sleep.” 

Bloomingville  is  situated  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  township,  on  the 
line  of  an  Indian  trail,  near  Pipe  Creek.  The  ground  is  high  and  dry,  and  had 
been  a favorite  place  as  a camping- ground  with  the  Indians  before  a white 
man’s  foot  had  touched  it.  The  village  was  started  in  i8ii,  and  laid  out  in 
1817  by  Abiathar  Shirley  and  Abner  Young,  and  its  future  was  then  very 
promising.  It  has  ceased  to  grow  much,  and  still  remains  a pleasant  village, 
the  centre  of  interest  to  the  township.  It  was  here  that  the  first  post-office 
was  established  in  1810,  with  Aaron  Bigsby  as  postmaster.  The  first  store 
was  opened  the  year  following  by  Nathan  Wood.  The  first  hotel  was  started 
in  1812  by  Abiathar  Shirley. 

Election  precincts  were  almost  boundless  in  this  township,  owing  to  the 
sparsely  settled  country.  What  is  now  embraced  in  the  townships  of  Oxford, 
Groton,  Perkins,  and  a part  of  Margaretta,  was  then  one  precinct,  and  all  elec- 
tions were  held  at  Wheatsborough,  since  called  Bloomingville.  It  was  not 
until  1826  that  Groton  effected  a separate  organization. 

Churches  do  not  abound  in  Oxford  township.  There  was  no  regular 
church  organization  until  within  the  last  twenty  years,  but  there  were  religious 
meetings  held  long  previous,  and  Father  Gurley,  an  earnest  Methodist,  who 
settled  early  in  the  township,  did  much  toward  keeping  alive  an  interest  in  re- 
ligious things.  Somewhere  near  1869  a Lutheran  Church  was  formed  near 
Prout’s  Station,  and  this  has  since  grown  to  be  a strong  church  and  is  in  a 
very  flourishing  condition  under  the  care  of  Rev.  Enzling,  of  Sandusky.  He 
goes  to  Prout’s  Station  every  second  Sabbath,  and  is  heartily  in  earnest  in  his 
work. 

Schools  were  attended  to  when  money  was  still  a minus  quantity,  for  these 
pioneers  came  from  a land  of  books  and  knowledge,  and  whatever  else  must 
be  sacrificed,  their  children  must  be  educated.  Ohio  owes  much  of  its  pros- 
perity to  this  principle,  and  a traveler  passing  through  its  various  townships  is 
always  impressed  by  the  spacious  and  substantial  school  buildings  that  are 
seen  in  every  township.  In  Oxford,  the  first  school- house  was  built  in  1810, 
while  forests  were  still  untouched  and  savages  at  home  upon  the  soil.  It  stood 
half  way  between  Pipe  Creek  and  Bloomingville,  and  a term  of  school  was 
kept  in  it  during  the  winter  of  1811  by  Joseph  Alby.  There  are  now  fine 
brick  buildings  throughout  the  township,  and  children  never  stop  to  contrast 
their  surroundings  with  those  of  their  ancestors. 


Oxford  Township. 


513 


Oxford  township  seemingly  furnishes  light  material  for  the  historian,  but 
with  her  history  have  been  interwoven  the  lives  of  some  of  Ohio’s  most  prom- 
inent persons.  Notably  among  these  names  is  that  of  Eleutheros  Cooke,  father 
•of  the  well-known  Jay  and  Pitt  Cooke,  of  national  reputation  as  bankers. 
Judge  Caldwell’s  name  is  also  interwoven  with  this  township  by  incidents  in 
his  early  life,  so  that,  although  Oxford  has  no  large  city  or  town,  or  even  vil- 
lage, honor  comes  to  it  through  the  individuals  that  have  belonged  within  her 
borders.  In  an  oration  delivered  before  the  pioneers  at  their  celebration  in 
1857,  Hon.  Eleutheros  Cooke  reviewed  the  causes  of  our  country’s  growth  and 
development,  and  then  proceeded  to  speak  of  the  changes  wrought  by  fifty 
years  in  the  Eirelands.  He  went  back  to  the  year  1790,  when  Moravian  mis- 
sionaries made  a settlement  on  the  Huron  River,  and  then  traced  the  rise  and 
growth  of  prosperity,  of  institutions  and  military  organizations  that  he  had 
known.  He  pictured  in  graphic  language  the  sufferings  of  the  forefathers,  and 
the  wild  alarm  that  was  felt  when  Hull  surrendered  in  1812.  He  gives  an  in- 
cident of  law  in  his  own  career,  which  cannot  fail  to  interest  the  reader  of 
primitive  customs.  We  quote  his  own  words : 

“ Until  after  my  settlement  among  them,  the  ordinary  log-cabin,  as  well 
for  the  dwelling  of  the  rich  and  poor  as  for  the  church,  school-room  and  court- 
house, constituted  the  proudest  architectural  monuments  of  pioneer  taste  and 
extravagance.  I well  remember  that  the  richest  and  most  highly  self-prized 
laurels  I ever  won  at  the  bar  were  plucked  at  a little  seven  by  nine  temple  of 
justice  built  of  logs,  at  the  old  country  seat,  three  miles  below  Milan.  If  my 
honorable  friend.  Judge  Lane,  were  here  to-day,  he  would  at  once  call  to 
mind  a suit  in  which  he  and  I were  pitied  against  earh  other,  and  which  we 
brought  to  an  amicable  settlement  by  a little  cyphering  on  a huge  log,  breast 
high,  which  lay  near  the  doorway.” 

Then  he  spoke  of  the  lack  of  markets  for  their  produce,  and  the  beginning 
of  the  Erie  Canal.  He  describes  the  raising  of  the  first  shovelful  of  earth  just 
forty  years  before,  near  Rome,  N.  Y.,  when  the  enterprise  was  begun,  and  all 
the  glorious  prosperity  that  followed  its  completion,  only  to  be  excelled  by  the 
advent  of  steam  and  rapid  transit,  thus  showing  the  march  of  empire  and  trans- 
formations wrought  by  fifty  years.  He  also  speaks  of  an  account  he  had  re- 
cently seen  of  the  coming  of  Mr.  Nathaniel  Deane  to  Cleveland  in  1798,  when 
it  took  ninety-two  days  for  himself  and  family  to  make  the  journey  from 
Chatham,  Conn.,  and  then  Mr.  Cooke  contrasts  this  with  the  statement  that 
his  son  had  just  left  Sandusky  for  Philadelphia,  and  the  next  morning,  before 
breakfast,  he  had  heard  of  his  safe  arrival.  This  was  in  1857,  when  steam  and 
electricity  were  recognized  factors  in  all  progress. 


514 


History  of  Erie  County. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

HISTORY  OF  VERMILLION  TOWNSHIP. 

Township  number  six,  range  twenty.  Of  the  nine  townships  that  form 
Erie  county,  this  is  the  most  northeasterly  and  has  the  largest  amount  of 
land  bordering  on  Lake  Erie.  It  was  named  from  the  river  that  passes  to  its 
outlet  in  the  lake  through  the  township. 

Vermillion  township  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Lake  Erie,  on  the  east  by 
Brounhelm  township,  Loraine  county,  south  by  Berlin  and  P'lorence,  and  west 
by  Berlin.  The  natural  appearances  are  distinctly  outlined,  the  northern  por- 
tion being  level,  and  the  southern  alternating  in  ridges  and  lowlands.  There 
are  but  few  marshes,  and  these  have  been  reclaimed  and  cultivated.  The 
soil  is  variable,  having  in  different  localities  different  qualities — gravel,  clay, 
sandy,  and  marl.  Iron  ore  has  been  found  in  paying  quantities,  and  numerous 
stone  quarries  abound. 

Streams  are  not  large,  and  but  three  in  number.  The  largest  is  the  Ver- 
million, rising  in  Ashland  county,  running  north  through  Huron  and  Loraine 
counties,  and  emptying  into  Lake  Erie,  near  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  town- 
ship. The  Indians  gave  it  a name  suggested  by  the  paint  they  found  on  its 
banks,  and  the  smallest  stream  of  the  three,  known  as  Sugar  Creek,  received 
its  name  from  the  same  source,  because  at  its  mouth  was  a mound  resembling 
a sugar-loaf,  as  well  as  the  fact  that  the  Indians  made  sugar  from  the  sugar 
orchards  along  the  stream.  The  other  stream.  La  Chapelle,  rises  in  Huron 
county,  and  passes  through  Florence,  Wakeman,  and  Vermillion.  Natural 
trees  that  formerly  abounded,  but  are  now  nearly  gone,  were  mostly  dif- 
ferent varieties  of  oak,  whitewood,  black  walnut,  maple  and  hickory. 

Wild  animals,  until  within  a few  years,  were  found  here  in  great  abundance. 
Wolves,  deer,  wild-cats  and  bears  were  all  at  home  here,  and  the  wolves  be- 
came very  troublesome  to  the  early  settlers  by  continual  depredations  on  their 
sheep  and  swine. 

Ancient  mounds  and  fortifications  have  been  discovered  that  prove  this  at 
some  time  in  the  distant  past  to  have  been  a great  centre  of  Indian  forces. 
Two  of  these  fortifications  are  on  the  banks  of  the  Vermillion,  in  the  south 
part  of  the  township,  on  the  farm  owned  by  John  Summers,  while  in  different 
parts  of  the  township  are  other  and  smaller  ones.  Who  built  them  is  not  known. 
History  gives  us  no  knowledge  on  this  subject,  but  we  do  know  that  the  In- 
dians found  here  by  the  first  white  settlers  were  principally  those  that  belonged 
to  the  Sandusky,  Tawa,  and  Chippewa  tribes. 

The  first  settlement  of  Vermillion  found  a wide  sand  beach  extending  from 
the  mouth  of  the  river  west  the  whole  length  of  the  township,  from  four  to 


Vermillion  Township. 


515 


fifteen  rods  in  width,  and  in  some  places  heavily  timbered  with  basswood  and 
other  trees.  After  the  building  of  Black  Rock  dam  for  a feeder  to  the  Erie 
Canal,  in  1826,  the  lake  arose  two  feet  or  more,  and  the  beach  began  to  dis- 
appear until  now  the  wear  upon  the  farms  has  become  so  great  as  to  seriously 
alarm  the  owners,  who  see  yearly  several  acres  of  their  best  land  swallowed  up 
by  Lake  Erie.  When  Horatio  Perry  built  his  brick  house  in  1821,  he  placed 
it  “away  out  back  in  the  lot,”  twenty  miles  from  the  road.  In  the  year  1860 
this  house  was  washed  into  the  lake.  Before  this,  a stone  house,  owned  by 
Captain  Austin,  shared  a similar  fate,  notwithstanding  the  attempts  to 
barricade  against  the  action  of  the  waves,  which  have  been  of  little  avail. 
The  land  upon  which  the  first  school-house  was  built,  and  upon  which  another 
house  was  also  built,  has  been  carried  away,  with  the  road  and  two  rows  ol 
the  orchard  south  of  the  road.  Several  other  buildings  have  been  moved  to 
escape  a similar  fate,  and  the  question  still  arises  in  the  minds  of  the  owners 
of  land,  how  far  will  this  waste  proceed  ? It  has  been  suggested  that  a law  be 
framed  compelling  those  owning  land  on  the  lake  front  to  fortify  their  fronts 
againt  the  action  of  the  lake.  Unless  all  unite  in  this  work  the  result  would 
be  fruitless,  as  the  water  would  demolish  the  fortifications  by  a flank  move- 
ment. 

The  first  record  of  a township  meeting  is  in  the  hands  of  Judge  Ruggles, 
and  was  held  at  his  residence  on  the  6th  day  of  April,  1818.  Almon  Ruggles 
was  elected  clerk ; Peter  Cuddeback  and  James  Prentiss,  judges  of  election; 
Francis  Keyes,  John  Beardsley  and  Rufus  Judson,  trustees;  Jeremiah  Van 
Benschoter  and  Horatio  Perry,  overseers  of  the  poor  ; Peter  Cuddeback  and 
Francis  Keyes,  fence  viewers;  Peter  Cuddeback,  lister  and  appraiser,  and 
Stephen  Meeker,  appraiser ; Peter  Cuddeback,  treasurer ; George  Sherarts, 
Francis  Keyes,  William  Van  Benschoter  and  James  Prentiss,  supervisors. 

Diseases  of  various  kinds  visited  the  new  settlement,  but  the  worst  visita- 
tion took  the  form  of  bloody  murrain,  and  ravaged  the  Firelands  for  many 
years.  It  affected  neat  stock  only,  and  occasionally  an  animal  would  recover, 
but  no  remedies  helped  it.  Some  thought  the  animal  drank  blood-suckers 
from  the  brook,  but  the  question  was  never  satisfactorily  settled.  Year  after 
year  this  disease  swept  off  cattle,  until  men  were  sometimes  obliged  to  sell  a 
portion  of  their  land  to  buy  a yoke  of  oxen,  or  supply  the  places  of  the  cows 
that  had  died.  Those  years  were  a continual  record  of  disappointments  and 
failures,  but  the  men  were  plucky  and  had  New  England  perseverance,  and  in 
the  end  were  victorious.  One  man  tells  of  buying  a cow  that  had  nine  heifer 
calves,  not  one  of  which  lived  to  grow  up.  Sheep  were  equally  uncertain,  and 
between  dogs,  wolves,  and  murrain,  there  seemed  little  or  no  hope  of  accumu- 
lating property.  The  wolves  that  troubled  the  settlers  were  the  large  grey 
variety,  that  can  make  night  hideous  by  its  howls.  It  is  impossible  to  give  an 
idea  of  the  noise  these  creatures  made  at  night,  but  in  the  old  records  we  read 
of  romances  by  burning  logs,  where  these  animals  figured  quite  prominently. 


5i6 


History  of  Erie  County. 


It  cost  more  effort  to  love  a girl  in  those  times  than  at  the  present,  when 
a young  man  can  spend  the  evening  with  his  adored  idol,  and  hie  him  home 
in  safety  without  long  stretches  of  woods  to  pass  through,  surrounded  by  howl- 
ing wolves.  A story  is  told  of  Stephen  Smith,  a bachelor,  rather  under  the 
ordinary  size,  who,  in  i8i8,  wished  to  go  to  Squire  Barnum’s,  in  Florence, 
from  Judge  Meeker’s  residence  on  the  lake  shore.  The  distance  was  five  or 
six  miles,  and  in  order  to  be  sure  and  be  back  early  enough  in  the  morning  to 
go  to  work,  he  procured  a horse  and  started  early  in  the  evening.  There  was 
only  a bridle  path  through  the  woods,  which,  in  the  darkness,  he  lost  and  soon 
found  himself  surrounded  by  a pack  of  wolves,  barking  furiously.  His  horse 
took  fright  and  ran,  and  he  took  refuge  in  a tree,  where  he  found  a branch  on 
which  he  seated  himself,  holding  on  to  the  trunk  with  his  arms.  The  wolves 
surrounded  the  tree,  snapping  and  growling  and  howling,  until  daylight  came 
and  gave  him  release.  What  was  his  chagrin,  on  attempting  to  stretch  his 
legs  downward,  to  find  he  had  not  ascended  at  all,  but  was  sitting  on  a pro- 
jection near  the  ground. 

A true  bear  story  is  told  of  Vermillion,  which  is  worth  repeating  as  a sam- 
ple of  pioneer  life.  It  occurred  in  the  spring  of  1819  or  1820,  where  Deacon 
John  Beardsley’s  boys  were  cutting  small  brush  on  the  south  side  of  the  marsh. 
As  the  boys  were  going  to  their  work  they  heard  a strange  noise,  and  two  of 
them  refused  to  go  on,  but  Clement,  the  youngest,  insisted  on  searching  out 
the  cause  of  the  noise  and  found  an  old  bear  and  three  cubs  lying  under  a 
large  tree  or  log.  Some  one  was  sent  for  help,  and  as  the  two  or  three  hunt- 
ers in  the  neighborhood  were  not  at  home,  Mr.  Washborn,  from  Connecticut, 
who  had  never  hunted,  with  his  son  Wheeler,  a lad  of  fourteen,  and  a large 
dog  of  his,  together  with  some  fifteen  or  twenty  women  and  children,  gathered 
for  the  conflict.  Mr,  Washborn,  armed  with  an  ax,  stood  ready  to  pitch  in 
after  the  boy  should  shoot.  The  dog  joined  in  the  fray,  and  was  soon  in  the 
bear’s  huge  arms.  Finally  a hunter  came  up  with  another  dog,  which  was  set 
on  the  track,  and  was  also  disabled.  The  old  bear  was  never  found.  The 
cubs  were  all  tamed. 

Home  life  among  these  pioneers  was  primitive  in  the  extreme.  Conven- 
iences for  cooking  were  so  scarce  that  at  first  they  pounded  corn,  wet  it  to  a 
batter,  and  baked  it  on  a chip  before  the  fire.  Bear  meat,  raccoon,  turkey 
and  hog  were  cooked  to  match,  and  no  suppers  ever  tasted  better  than  these 
simple  re^Dasts,  because  those  that  partook  of  them  were  hungry  children, 
hunters  and  workmen.  Then  there  came  the  era  of  bake-ovens,  with  coals  on 
top  and  coals  beneath  ; and  then  the  better  oven  or  reflector,  which  enabled 
them  to  bake,  roast  or  broil;  and  this  in  time  gave  place  to  the  brick  oven  that 
preceded  the  modern  stove,  and  all  these  changes  in  sixty  years. 

Dress  in  those  early  days  was  not  the  subject  of  as  much  thought  as  in 
these  latter  times.  Men  wore  pants  made  of  deer- skin  and  home-made  flan- 


Vermillion  Township. 


517 


nels,  with  a coon-skin  cap,  and  sometimes  a fulled-cloth  suit  for  dress  occa- 
sions. When  deer-skin  pantaloons  were  cast  aside  to  make  way  for  those  ot 
cloth,  a large  patch  of  buckskin  was  still  worn  over  the  knee  and  seat.  Prices 
were  considered  fabulous,  when  a man  must  pay  $4.50  for  com.mon  satinet  for 
a pair  of  pants,  for  a coat  $6.00,  and  common  cotton  shirts  $2.00  each,  and 
everything  else  in  proportion.  As  most  men  had  families  to  support  they 
■could  not  afford  these  luxuries,  and  instead  of  putting  their  money  in  dress, 
used  it  to  clear  their  farms  or  erect  buildings.  Ladies  (and  that  they  were 
ladies  who  can  doubt  that  has  read  their  lives  or  known  their  descendants) 
wore  common  tow  dresses  for  every  day,  and  on  grand  occasions  indulged  in 
plaid  flannels  or  calico.  They  found  the  secret  of  appearing  prettily  dressed, 
even  in  these  materials ; and  by  a ruffle  and  some  simple  ornament,  won  as 
much  admiration  as  their  children  do  in  satins  and  laces.  Children  enjoyed 
life  with  fewer  restrictions  than  the  children  of  the  present,  for  they  had  little 
or  no  clothing  to  interfere  with  their  freedom.  They  were  taught  to  be  useful 
when  young,  and  were  happy  because  employed.  Their  mothers  were  brave 
and  patient,  enduring  hardships  and  sufferings,  such  as  we  can  scarcely  im- 
agine. From  early  records  we  find  that  the  ta.xes  laid  on  the  inhabitants  of 
Vermillion  in  1818  amounted  to  $23.20,  and  was  borne  by  forty-five  men,  the 
largest  tax  paid  by  any  one  man  being  $1.70,  by  Stephen  Meeker.  Five  cents 
represents  one  head  of  cattle  and  twenty  cents  a horse. 

The  first  literary  society  was  formed  in  the  winter  of  1820-21.  It  began 
in  a debating  school  that  was  held  in  the  deserted  log-cabin  on  the  shore, 
owned  by  Rufus  Judson.  There  was  a hickory  bark  fire,  some  old  benches 
and  one  or  two  old  chairs.  The  crowd  consisted  of  Captain  Josiah  S.  Pelton, 
president;  Charles  P.  Judson  and  Jonah  Bartow,  jr.,  on  the  affirmative,  and 
Burton  Parsons  and  Benjamin  Summers,  opposition.  The  question  to  be  dis- 
cussed was,  “ Which  are  most  useful  to  mankind,  horses  or  cattle  ? ” The  elo- 
quence and  erudition  that  was  displayed  on  this  occason  can  be  better  im- 
agined than  described,  and  after  all  other  subjects  had  been  discussed,  from 
the  fall  of  man  to  the  millenium,  it  was  decided  that  the  cattle  won  the  day. 

The  first  events  were  not  such  as  nations  immortalize,  but  were  of  vital  in- 
terest to  the  little  community.  They  are  summed  up  in  births,  marriages, 
deaths,  and  organization  of  different  societies. 

The  first  house  in  the  township  was  erected  in  1808,  by  William  Hoddy. 
It  was  of  logs  and  stood  on  the  lake  shore,  near  the  mouth  of  the  river.  The 
first  frame  house  was  built  by  Peter  Cuddeback  in  1818.  The  first  stone  house 
was  built  by  Captain  Austin.  John  Ruggles  was  first  postmaster,  and  the 
mails  were  carried  on  foot.  The  first  orchard  was  planted  in  1812,  by  Peter 
Cuddeback.  The  first  public  house  was  opened  by  William  Austin,  near  the 
mouth  of  the  river.  The  first  store  was  located  in  the  village,  and  C.  P.  Jud- 
son put  in  the  first  stock  of  goods. 

66 


518 


History  of  Erie  County. 


The  first  church  was  organized  in  the  township  in  l8i8.  There  had  been 
a meeting  held  in  i8lo  by  Rev.  Joseph  Badger,  one  of  the  earliest  missionaries 
in  Northeastern  Ohio,  and  identified  for  twenty-five  years  with  the  churches 
The  first  meeting-house  was  built  near  the  center  of  the  township  in  1828,  and 
on  the  22d  day  of  May,  the  same  year,  the  first  pastor,  Rev.  Harvey  Lyon, 
was  installed.  This  was  a Congregational  Church,  and  was  followed  by  the 
formation  of  a Methodist  Episcopal  class  in  the  fall  of  1831.  The  members 
were  John  Myers  and  wife,  and  Miss  Zuba  Jackson  ; and  later,  Mrs.  Davis  and 
Mrs.  Julia  Summers.  John  Myers  was  the  leader  of  the  class.  Rev.  Henry 
O.  Sheldon  and  Edward  Thompson  were  the  first  ministers. 

There  have  since  been  added  four  German  churches,  and  in  1887  a new 
Congregational  church  was  built  and  dedicated.  The  increase  of  the  German 
population  has  tended  toward  the  material  growth  and  prosperity  of  the  town- 
ship. The  churches  and  Sunday-schools  depend  largely  on  the  descendants 
of  the  early  settlers,  and  to  a large  proportion  of  the  inhabitants  for  their  sup- 
port. It  is  a noticeable  fact  that  those  who  just  settled  in  these  new  countries 
were  men  of  sterling  character,  unflinching  integrity,  and  fathers  of  large 
families.  There  are  few  families  at  the  present  time  numbering  ten  and 
twelve  children,  and  with  the  loss  in  numbers  there  seems  to  be  also  a decrease 
in  those  plucky  characteristics  which  enabled  their  parents  to  endure  privation 
and  hardship  for  the  sake  of  securing  a home.  Surely,  civilization  has  not 
been  an  improvement  in  genuine  quality,  and  the  luxurious  tastes  of  the  pres- 
ent generation  compare  unfavorably  with  the  plain  but  generous  habits  of  their 
ancestors.  Beside  the  five  churches  in  the  village  there  are  four  in  the  town- 
ship. 

The  first  school-house  was  built  on  the  lake  shore  in  the  spring  of  1814. 
In  all  these  townships  of  the  Fire-lands,  almost  immediately  upon  the  settle- 
ment of  the  pioneers,  school-houses  were  erected  and  educational  matters  at- 
tended to.  Miss  Susan  Williams  taught  a term  of  school,  the  first  in  the  town- 
ship, and  among  her  scholars  were  J.  J.  Cuddeback,  Joseph  Brooks,  and  Jacob 
Sherarts. 

The  village  school  district  was  made  a special  district  at  the  March  meeting 
of  the  Board  of  Education  in  1851.  It  was  reorganized  in  1873,  when  it  was 
decided  to  build.  Work  was  begun  as  soon  as  practicable  and  the  building 
finished  in  1874.  It  was  a fine  brick  structure,  with  modern  furniture,  and 
grounds  beautifully  laid  out.  It  cost  eighteen  thousand  dollars.  It  is  a graded 
school  of  three  grades,  and  employs  four  teachers. 

The  town  hall  is  a fine  brick  building,  erected  in  1883,  at  a cost  of  $21,000. 
The  citizens  justly  regard  this  with  pride,  and  there  seems  ample  ground  for 
their  belief  in  a more  flourishing  future  than  their  neighbors.  If  location  is 
the  basis  of  this  hope,  there  is  no  reason  why  it  cannot  be  realized. 

In  1868  the  charter  of  the  Ely  Lodge,  No.  424,  Free  and  Accepted  Masons, 
was  issued.  The  building  in  which  they  met  was  burned  in  1870,  and  with 


Vermillion  Township. 


519 


it  the  charter,  records,  jewels,  and  furniture.  The  same  year  a new  charter 
was  obtained  and  had  a membership  of  eight  names. 

Koenig  Lodge  No.  543,  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  was  instituted 
November  25,  1872,  with  fifteen  members. 

Several  temperance  societies  have  been  organized  in  this  township,  but 
have  never  been  able  to  keep  alive  any  length  of  time.  Why  this  is  so,  re- 
mains to  be  determined  by  those  who  come  later,  but  the  culture  of  grapes 
and  manufacture  of  wine  has  doubtless  much  to  do  with  it. 

The  first  saw-mill  was  erected  by  Job  Smith,  on  La  Chapelle  Creek,  in 
1819.  In  1830  Messrs.  Ford,  Sandford  & Tracy  formed  an  iron  company, 
and  there  seemed  no  reason  why  this  should  not  be  of  the  most  enduring  and 
flourshing  industries  in  the  country.  It  continued  a quarter  of  a century,  but 
of  late  years  there  has  been  no  iron  interests  carried  on  here.  This  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  Vermillion  furnace,  owned  by  Philo  Tilden.  Fifty  thousand 
dollars  were  invested  in  the  business,  and  sixty  men  were  afforded  a livelihood 
by  it  until  in  1865,  when  this,  too,  was  abandoned. 

Two  cheese  factories  have  been  started  in  this  township,  and  one  still  exists 
at  Well’s  Corners,  three  and  a half  miles  from  Vermillion,  and  owned  by  Chris- 
topher Bauman.  It  began  in  1877,  and  has  a patronage  of  one  hundred  cows. 

Edson  & Nichols  is  the  only  firm  engaged  in  the  fish  trade.  They  do  a 
business  amounting  to  $12,000  or  $15,000  per  annum  in  fresh,  salt,  and  frozen 
fish. 

There  was  a time  when  shipping  stone  was  a large  industry,  but  that  day 
has  gone  by  and  it  is  now  entirely  abandoned. 

A planing-mill  is  in  operation  at  the  present  time,  owned  by  J.  C.  Gilchrist. 

During  the  last  decade  there  has  been  little  evidence  of  new  life  in  the 
township,  and  few  buildings  have  been  added  to  those  already  built.  No 
business  enterprises  have  been  started  except  those  mentioned,  and  the  Ver- 
million of  1888  is  to  all  intents  and  purposes  very  similar  to  that  of  1877. 
The  outlying  population  of  the  township  is  a flourishing  farming  community, 
that  have  added  acre  to  acre,  and  put  all  in  a most  excellent  state  of  cultiva- 
tion, until  the  entire  township  is  like  a garden  or  agricultural  paradise. 

Incidents  in  the  lives  of  the  pioneers  were  abundant  and  interesting,  and 
no  history  would  be  complete  without  them.  For  these  and  many  other  facts 
we  are  indebted  to  those  who  have  gone  before  in  arranging  and  sifting  out 
the  wheat  from  the  chaff  and  saving  us  a record  upon  which  we  can  rely. 
One  of  the  earliest  settlers  was  Captain  Austin,  who  located  half  a mile  west 
of  the  mouth  of  the  river.  He  was  in  many  ways  a remarkable  man,  and  his 
life  reads  with  all  the  interest  of  a romance.  Not  only  was  he  a bold  naviga- 
tor, but  he  was  skilled  in  the  more  practical  science  of  building  boats,  and  one 
of  the  first  boats  ever  launched  by  him  from  these  shores  was  during  the  war 
of  1812.  His  rule  aboard  was  to  have  everything  in  its  place,  and  any  devia- 


520 


History  of  Erie  County. 


tion  from  this  rule  found  a certain  punishment.  This  arbitrary  rule  over  his 
inferiors  made  him  slightly  despotic  in  his  home,  but  no  man  was  more  genial 
and  social  than  he.  He  made  nineteen  consecutive  voyages  to  the  banks  of 
Newfoundland,  thence  to  Spain,  and  home  again  to  New  London,  Conn. 
From  this  place  he  came  to  Ohio.  His  word  was  never  doubted;  he  would 
tolerate  no  flatteries,  and  once,  when  a man  tried  to  secure  a favor  from  him 
by  flattering  him  that  he  was  clever,  he  replied,  ''Clever!  CLEVER!  so  is  the 
devil,  when  you  please  him,”  and  the  man  lost  his  favor.  His  belief  in  pre- 
monitions was  remarkable,  and  he  affirmed  that  he  had  never  met  any  unusual 
danger  without  being  warned  in  time  of  its  approach.  His  warnings  always 
came  in  the  shape  of  a raving  white  horse  and  usually  in  a dream.  When  he 
was  returning  to  this  continent  once,  and  everything  was  favorable,  he  went  to 
take  an  after-dinner  nap  when  the  white  horse  came,  with  mouth  wide  open, 
in  great  fury  at  him.  He  bounded  from  his  bunk,  sprang  on  deck  and  shouted, 
“About  ship,  in  an  instant!”  The  order  was  obeyed,  and  as  the  ship  bore 
round,  the  fog  lifted  and  the  breakers  of  Labrador  were  seen  eighty  rods  ahead. 
“Ten  minutes  more  in  our  course,  and  we  should  never  have  been  heard  of,” 
were  his  words.  Another  story  is  told  of  his  peculiarity  in  this  respect.  It 
was  late  in  the  autumn  of  1814,  one  of  the  most  delightful  Indian  Summer 
days  that  have  ever  been  seen,  and  with  several  merchants  as  passengers,  he 
was  on  his  way  from  Sandusky  to  Detroit.  On  his  way  to  the  islands  the  old 
white  horse  paid  him  another  visit,  and  at  noon  he  tied  up  in  Put-in-Bay.  It 
was  a lovely  day,  with  a fine  breeze,  and  the  passengers  were  impatient  to  go 
on.  But  the  captain  was  immovable  as  a rock,  and  they  could  not  help  them- 
selves. In  the  early  evening  a furious  gale  and  snowstorm  came  up,  and  in 
the  morning  the  wind  was  blowing  a hurricane,  and  the  snow  lay  a foot  deep 
on  the  deck  of  the  vessel.  The  next  day,  under  a fair  sky,  he  landed  his 
grateful  passengers  in  Detroit.  This  brave  but  singular  man  boasted  that  he 
had  held  Commodore  Perry  on  his  knees  when  a babe. 

Peter  Cuddeback  came  of  good  Dutch  stock  in  the  Mohawk  Valley,  and 
brought  the  Holland  thrift  to  the  new  settlement,  where  he  and  his  wife  set- 
tled on  the  west  side  of  the  river.  Although  they  had  a large  family,  their 
hospitality  was  unbounded,  and  he  was  honored  by  the  confidence  of  his 
neighbors,  who  bestowed  upon  him  several  offices.  IBs  house  was  the  place 
where  all  the  town  meetings  were  held,  and  he  was  cobbler,  carpenter,  and 
general  dependence  on  all  lines;  and  every  night,  after  working  all  the  even- 
ing, he  made  the  round  of  his  farm  to  see  that  all  was  in  order,  and  at  mid- 
night retired. 

One  of  the  most  prominent  men  of  that  time  was  Hon.  Almon  Ruggles, 
surveyor  of  the  Fire-lands.  He  was  the  first  recorder  in  Huron  county,  in 
1809,  and  was  appointed  by  the  Legislature  associate  judge  of  Huron  county 
in  1815.  In  1816  he  was  elected  State  senator,  and  re-elected  in  1818.  He 


Perkins  Township. 


521 


was  honored  by  all  who  knew  him,  was  a genial  man  among  his  neighbors, 
and  an  excellent  conversationalist.  He  never  lost  his  simple  tastes,  and  had  a 
rare  faculty  of  adapting  himself  to  his  companions.  He  built  a mill  on  Ver- 
million River,  near  Florence,  in  1809.  This  was  destroyed  and  swept  away 
by  a freshet.  In  181 1 — 12  he  built  a mill,  long  known  as  Ruggles’s  mill,  on  the 
Chapelle  Creek,  which  was  a great  benefit  to  the  settlers  for  miles  around. 
His  family  was  composed  of  four  sorts  of  children,  yet  no  neighbor  could  tell 
which  belonged  to  his  first  wife  or  his  second.  All  were  equally  well  educated, 
all  came  to  maturity,  and  what  is  still  more  strange,  the  two  branches  inter- 
married. 

Vermillion  village  is  situated  at  the  mouth  of  Vermillion  River,  and  was 
incorporated  by  a special  act  of  the  Legislature  in  1837,  the  first  record 
of  an  election  bears  date  April  6,  1839. 

It  was  many  years  before  any  steps  were  taken  to  improve  the  harbor  at 
the  mouth  of  the  Vermillion  River.  The  early  settlers  were  occupied  in  mak- 
ing life  endurable,  and  had  not  the  government  taken  action  on  the  subject  in 
1841,  and  sent  Major  Boms  to  dredge  the  channel  and  build  a pier,  doubtless 
many  years  would  have  passed  before  anything  had  been  done.  Several  years 
later  a lighthouse  was  constructed,  and  further  dredging  performed,  giving 
fourteen  feet  of  water  in  the  channel.  After  the  harbor  was  improved,  ship 
building  was  extensively  prosecuted.  Alva  Brady,  of  Cleveland,  constructed 
many  sail  and  steam  crafts,  and  was  the  largest  builder  in  the  place.  The 
first  boat  of  any  kind  was  named  Friendship,  and  was  of  thirty  tons  capacity. 
This  was  in  1815. 


ERKINS  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Sandusky,  on  the  east  by  Huron 


township,  on  the  south  by  Oxford  township,  and  on  the  west  by  Marga- 
retta  township.  The  township  is  generally  level,  but  in  some  parts  undulating 
and  marked  by  several  elevated  ridges,  which  consist  mostly  of  yellow  sand. 
The  principal  one  of  these  extends  across  the  township  in  a southwesterly 
direction,  ending  at  Bloomingville.  The  soil  is  very  fertile  and  of  great  variety. 
The  sandy  ridges  are  adapted  to  all  kinds  of  crops.  South  of  the  ridges  are 
the  prairies,  composed  of  black  alluvial  earth,  on  which  is  grown  mostly  grain. 
In  sections  two  and  three,  limestone  soil  abounds,  and  in  some  particular 
localities  good  clay  for  brick  and  tile  is  found.  The  ridge  mentioned  divides 
the  prairie  from  the  timber  land.  Part  of  sections  one  and  four  is  prairie. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


HISTORY  OF  PERKINS  TOWNSHIP. 


522 


History  of  Erie  County. 


stretching  to  the  west  with  intervening  groves  of  hickory  and  black  oak.  In 
the  northern  portion  of  the  township  was  a dense  growth  of  black  and  white 
walnut,  maple,  whitewood,  black  and  white  oak,  linn,  and  several  other  kinds 
of  trees.  There  are  no  marshes  or  waste  land  in  the  township,  and  it  is  con- 
sidered one  of  the  most  productive  in  the  Fire-lands.  The  township  is  watered 
by  no  very  large  streams.  Mills  Creek  crosses  section  three  and  empties  into 
the  bay  west  of  Sandusky.  Pipe  Creek,  so  called  from  a soft  stone  found  in 
its  bed  from  which  the  Indians  made  pipes,  passes  through  sections  four,  three 
and  two,  and  flows  into  the  bay  east  of  Sandusky.  Another  small  stream, 
called  Plum  Brook,  heads  on  the  prairie,  passes  near  Bogart,  through  section 
two,  and  finds  its  way  into  the  cove.  A large  proportion  of  the  land  is  thor- 
oughly underdrained,  and  because  of  the  high  state  of  cultivation,  being  located 
near  Sandusky,  the  value  of  the  land  is  increased. 

The  original  owners  of  the  township  were  the  Indians,  whose  title  deed 
was  their  bow  and  arrow,  and  who  had  occupied  it,  lived,  hunted,  and  trapped 
upon  its  grounds  many  generations  before  the  white  settler  trod  its  soil. 
Among  the  different  tribes  who  inhabited  the  Fire-lands  may  be  mentioned  the 
Delawares  and  Ottawas,  which  belonged  to  the  Algonquin  family,  and  the 
Wyandots  or  Hurons,  and  the  Senecas,  which  belonged  to  the  Huron- Iroquois 
family.  As  late  as  i8i8  the  township  was  dotted  over  with  Indian  wigwams. 
Near  Bogart’s  Corners  was  on  unusually  large  encampment  living  on  the  farm 
now  owned  by  A.  N.  Baker.  At  this  date  there  still  remained  near  the  east 
line  of  the  township  twelve  or  fifteen  buildings,  composed  of  poles  and  bark, 
and  in  the  northeast  corner  of  section  two  the  ruins  of  an  old  fort  were  seen. 
The  walls,  which  were  built  of  earth,  measured  about  three  feet  in  height, 
through  which  was  an  opening  or  gateway  leading  to  a spring,  the  path  of 
which  had  been  worn  to  the  depth  of  one  foot.  These  remains  have  long 
since  been  leveled  by  the  early  pioneer.  In  different  parts  of  the  township 
relics  of  these  tribes  are  found,  consisting  of  the  flint  arrow-head,  the  charm, 
the  battle-axe  and  scalping-knife;  and  in  some  instances  skeletons  have  been 
exhumed.  These  were  invariably  hurried  in  a sitting  posture,  their  faces 
turned  westward.  In  1887  some  workmen,  employed  on  the  farm  of  Mr. 
A.  A.  Storrs,  in  making  an  excavation  came  upon  six  skeletons  of  Indians, 
some  of  which  are  well  preserved.  Near  the  south  line  and  north  of  Bloom- 
ingville,  on  the  farm  now  owned  and  occupied  by  Solomon  Jarrett,  there  was 
recently  unearthed  an  Indian  grave,  which  had  been  covered  by  two  large 
slabs  of  stone  three  feet  long,  the  upper  ends  of  which  resting  together  and 
the  lower  ends  apart.  Between  these  there  were  ashes  and  charcoal,  and  on 
them  lay  a claw  hammer,  worn  and  battered.  This,  in  all  probability,  had 
been  either  bought  or  stolen  at  the  fort  at  Venice,  which  was  occupied  by  the 
French  or  Indians  two  centuries  ago.  Of  the  descendants  of  the  various  tribes 
of  Indians  who  inhabited  this  region,  there  is  one  living  in  the  township,  who 


Perkins  Township. 


52J 


is  a daughter  of  one  Muston,  a chief  of  the  Ottawa  tribe.  She  is  now  the  wife 
of  Henry  Bonnett,  a blacksmith,  of  Bogart’s  Corners.  Her  birthplace  was 
Port  Clinton,  O.,  and  her  age  is  fifty-five  years.  Ogontz,  the  Ottawa  chief, 
was  well-known  in  the  region  of  Sandusky,  which  was  his  favorite  hunting  and 
fishing  resort,  and  the  early  settlers  of  Perkins  were  frequently  honored  by 
his  visits  when  on  his  hunting  expeditions  through  the  township. 

The  township  derives  its  name  from  Hon.  Elias  Perkins,  a resident  of  New 
London,  Conn.  Almon  Ruggles  made  the  first  survey  in  1808.  Huron 
county  was  created  in  1809,  and  Perkins  became  one  of  its  townships.  Pre- 
vious to  the  year  1810  no  actual  settlement  had  been  made.  It  is  true  that 
one  or  two  settlers  were  living  within  the  limits,  but  they  were  transient  and 
only  remained  a year  or  two.  In  the  year  mentioned  above.  Rev.  John  Beatty,, 
then  a resident  of  Connecticut,  purchased  of  the  P'ire-lands  company  nearly  all 
the  land  in  Perkins  township.  After  the  purchase  was  completed,  he  in  com- 
pany with  Thomas  James,  who  wished  to  purchase  land,  started  immediately 
for  the  “ Great  West.”  They  traveled  through  the  State  of  Pennsylvania, 
where  they  were  joined  by  James  Forsyth,  Mr.  Beatty’s  brother-in-law.  Their 
line  of  travel  carried  them  through  Pittsburgh  and  Cleveland,  which  were  only 
small  villages.  Travel  at  this  earl}^  day  was  necessarily  slow,  as  ox  teams 
were  the  means  of  conveyance.  After  a long,  tiresome  trip,  and  many  hair- 
breadth escapes,  the  company  arrived  at  Perkins.  Soon  after  their  arrival  Mr. 
James  bought  land  of  Mr.  Beatty  in  the  south  part  of  section  four,  and  imme- 
diately built  a log-cabin,  thus  becoming  the  first  actual  settler.  The  next  set- 
tlers were  Christian  Winters  and  John  Freese,  who  arrived  from  Canada  in 
1812,  and  settled  in  the  northeast  corner  of  the  township,  and  lived  there  many 
years.  At  the  close  of  the  War  of  1812,  Mr.  Beatty,  who  had  looked  well 
over  the  township,  selected  Perkins  as  his  future  home.  He  accordingly  re- 
moved his  family  to  the  township,  accompanied  by  the  following  persons : 
Julius  House,  Jesse  Taylor,  Holly  Akins,  Roswell  Hubbard,  Harvey  Covell, 
Eleazer  Bell,  Joseph  Taylor,  Plinney  Johnson,  Richard  Christopher,  William 
R.  Beebe,  and  Joseph  Taylor,  jr.  These  all  purchased  land  of  Mr.  Beatty, 
and  erected  log-cabins  on  the  ridge  road  leading  to  Bloomingville,  and  better 
known  as  “Yankee  Settlement.”  Descendants  of  these  settlers  are  still  living 
on  the  same  farms,  many  of  whom  are  quite  wealthy.  After  the  colony  be- 
came settled,  a church  society  was  organized,  beginning  with  a class  of  fifteen 
members,  which  has  continued  to  prosper  for  more  than  seventy  years.  Other 
settlers  continued  to  arrive,  and  before  a decade  had  passed,  the  township  was 
well  settled.  The  following  are  some  of  those  who  located:  Fox,  Tucker, 
Irvine,  Rogers,  Wickham,  Allen. 

In  the  fall  of  18  ll  Rev.  William  Gurley  and  family  arrived  on  the  Fire 
lands,  and  settled  in  Huron  county,  on  the  edge  of  the  prairie,  in  a log- cabin 
near  the  south  line  of  Perkins  township.  There  was  a peculiar  freshness  and 


524 


History  of  Erie  County. 


novelty  in  a frontier  life,  as  all  who  have  been  pioneers  acknowledge.  At  this 
time  there  was  no  minister  of  the  Gospel  within  fifty  miles.  Great  was  the 
joy  of  the  settlers  of  the  surrounding  townships  when  they  heard  that  a 
preacher  had  arrived.  The  announcement  was  made  that  Mr.  Gurley  would 
preach  in  the  school-house  at  Bloomingville  on  the  following  Sunday.  The 
people  living  within  ten  or  twelve  miles  assembled  at  the  appointed  time,  and 
among  them  were  several  Indians,  who  came  from  curiosity.  Mr.  Gurley  or- 
ganized a class  of  ten  members  at  the  close,  and  this  was  the  first  sermon  and 
society  on  the  Fire-lands.  The  surrender  of  General  Hull  at  Detroit  caused  a 
stampede  among  the  settlers,  many  of  whom  did  not  return  till  the  close  ol 
the  war.  After  the  war  a wide  field  of  labor  opened  to  Mr.  Gurley,  which 
extended  nearly  over  the  county.  As  there  was  much  sickness  and  many 
deaths,  he  was  called  upon  to  attend  nearly  all  the  funerals.  He  often  re- 
marked, “What  a multitude  I have  buried,  and  nearly  all  younger  than  myself” 
He  continued  his  labors  for  twenty-five  years,  preaching  his  last  sermon  at  the 
age  of  eighty- nine. 

The  first  marriage  recorded  in  the  township  occurred  iu  the  year  1871. 
The  contracting  parties  were  William  Beebe  to  Minerva  Bell,  now  the  wife  of 
General  W.  D.  Lindsley,  of  Sandusky,  and  Joseph  Taylor  to  a daughter  ol 
David  Cummings,  who  had  previously  settled  in  Huron  township.  The  first 
birth  was  Sydney,  son  of  Plinney  Johnson,  and  the  second  was  Anna,  daugh- 
ter of  Harvey  Coveil,  and  late  wife  of  Dwight  Buck,  of  Toledo.  After  Mr. 
Beatty  became  settled,  he  had  the  land  surveyed  where  Bogart  now  stands, 
and  laid  out  in  town  lots,  some  of  which  were  sold,  but  after  a few  years  re- 
verted again  to  their  original  owner. 

In  the  spring  of  1819  he  commenced  building  a stone  residence  at  Bogart, 
which  is  still  one  of  the  landmarks  of  the  township,  and  was  known  for  many 
years  as  the  “half-way  house.”  It  was  occupied  for  many  years  as  a tav- 
ern, and  was  well-known  in  all  parts  of  the  country.  Teamsters,  in  hauling 
grain  to  Sandusky  from  Mansfield  and  vicinity,  used  to  stop  there,  and  as 
many  as  fortv  teams  have  been  seen  in  the  yards  in  one  night.  The  stage,  in 
making  its  regular  trips  from  Milan  to  Sandusky  for  twenty-five  years,  also 
stopped  there.  In  1820  Beatty  built  the  first  lime  and  brick  kiln,  and  the 
same  year  he  erected  the  first  saw-mill  on  Pipe  Creek,  on  section  two,  on  the 
farm  now  occupied  by  the  Erie  County  Infirmary.  In  1817  he  received  his 
appointment  as  postmaster,  this  being  the  first  in  the  township.  He  had  one 
room  in  the  stone  house  fitted  as  an  office,  and  the  boxes  and  desk  still  re- 
main as  they  were  when  he  distributed  the  mail  to  the  pioneers.  He  also 
kept  in  the  same  buiiding  a small  stock  of  dry  goods.  The  first  blacksmith- 
shop  was  erected  by  Mr.  Johnson  on  the  ground  now  occupied  by  F.  Siegel. 
Bogart,  even  at  this  early  day,  aspired  to  become  something  higher  than  a 
mere  cross-roads.  Rev.  William  Gurley  kept  a shop  in  which  he  devoted 


Perkins  Township. 


525 


himself  to  the  silversmith  business.  Mr.  Kellogg  was  the  proprietor  of  a 
cooper-shop.  John  Brodhead  was  the  only  carpenter.  A tavern  was  kept 
by  Holly  Akins,  where  J.  D.  Parker’s  store  now  stands.  James  Gurley  em- 
ployed himself  in  the  cabinet  business. 

The  second  post-office  was  established  in  1861,  by  Addison  Mixter,  and 
called  Prairieville  ; but  after  one  year  it  was  discontinued.  After  this  the 
people  continued  to  receive  their  mails  at  Sandusky  until  1882,  when  J.  D. 
Parker  was  appointed  postmaster  and  still  holds  the  office.  Mail  is  now  re- 
ceived regularly  Tuesday,  Thursday  and  Saturday  each  week.  A public  tel- 
ephone also  connects  the  office  with  Sandusky.  Mr.  Bell,  father  of  Stewart 
Bell,  of  Sandusky,  died  at  an  early  day.  He  was  a ship  carpenter,  and  in  the 
year  1817  he  built  a small  vessel  near  the  lake.  It  required  forty  yoke  of 
oxen  and  a number  of  men  to  move  it  to  the  shore,  which  was  accomplished 
after  much  labor,  and  launched  a short  distance  west  of  the  village  of  Huron. 
Dr.  Christopher,  a graduate  of  Yale  College  and  possessed  of  a fine  education, 
was  without  doubt  the  first  practicing  physician  in  the  township,  his  office 
being  located  at  Bogart.  Before  the  year  1818  log  barns  were  numerous,  but 
in  this  year  Julius  House  erected  a frame  barn  on  the  ridge  mentioned,  which 
is  still  in  good  repair.  As  the  pioneers  manufactured  most  of  their  wearing 
apparel,  looms  and  spinning-wheels  were  in  good  demand.  These  were  made 
to  order  by  Mr.  Hubbard,  a wheelwright.  One  of  these  looms,  which  he 
manufactured  for  weaving  carpets,  is  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Simeon  Gallo- 
way, who  weaves  upon  it  yearly  many  yards  of  carpets. 

The  dwellings  of  the  early  settlers  were  necessarily  rude,  only  one  story 
high,  built  of  logs,  very  often  without  being  hewn.  A few  of  these  structures 
still  remain  as  the  handiwork  of  the  pioneer,  but  the  builder  has  long  since 
passed  to  his  reward.  What  a change  in  three-fourths  of  a century!  From 
the  simple  cabin  built  of  logs,  often  containing  but  one  room,  with  the  open 
fireplace  extending  the  entire  width  of  the  house,  with  its  slab  door  and  floor, 
windows  of  greased  paper,  and  not  a nail  about  the  whole  structure,  to  the 
spacious  and  handsome  farm  house  of  modern  times,  luxuriously  furnished, 
and  with  all  its  conveniences  for  heating  and  lighting,  is  a transformation  which 
has  been  witnessed  by  few  who  still  remain,  but  whose  numbers  are  becoming 
fewer  as  the  years  glide  away. 

In  a small  log  school-house,  which  had  been  built  on  the  farm  now  owned 
by  Dennis  Taylor,  the  first  township  election  was  held  in  the  spring  of  1818, 
which  resulted  in  the  election  of  the  following  officers  : John  Beatty,  township 
clerk  ; Eleizur  Lockwood,  John  Freese,  Julius  House,  trustees  ; William  Beebe 
and  Roswell  Hubbard,  constables  ; John  Dillingham  and  Harvey  Coveil,  fence 
viewers. 

Soon  after  the  arrival  of  John  Beatty  and  his  colony  of  settlers  from  Con- 
necticut in  the  fall  of  1815,  he,  with  others,  proceeded  to  organize  a Metho- 

67 


526 


History  of  Erie  County. 


dist  society,  which  has  before  been  alluded  to,  and  which  was  the  first  in  the 
township.  Julius  House  was  chosen  class-leader,  a position  he  occupied  for 
fifty  years.  Services  were  held  at  the  log  school-house  or  dwellings  until 
about  the  year  1830,  when  a large  frame  building  was  erected  opposite  where 
the  brick  church  now  stands.  After  the  society  was  formed,  no  regular  preach- 
ing was  held  till  February,  1818,  although  occasional  sermons  were  preached 
by  John  Beatty. 

The  Ohio  Conference,  in  the  fall  of  1 8 17,  attached  five  appointments  to 
the  Cuyahoga  circuit.  These  appointments  were  such  a distance  from  the 
circuit  that  the  minister  in  charge  would  not  accept  of  them.  Rev.  James  B. 
Finley,  the  presiding  elder,  sent  Rev.  Bronson  to  form  a circuit  and  become 
pastor  of  the  same  the  balance  of  the  year.  Perkins  was  his  fourth  appoint- 
ment. When  the  time  arrived  for  his  first  quarterly  meeting,  the  presiding 
elder  being  absent.  Rev.  William  Gurley  officiated.  This  was  the  first  quar- 
terly meeting  held  on  the  Fire-lands.  This  society  has  prosperously  continued 
since  its  organization,  and  at  present  has  a large  membership.  The  frame 
building  spoken  of  was  occupied  until  the  year  1854,  when  a commodious  two- 
story  brick  building  was  erected,  which  has  recently  been  remodeled,  painted, 
frescoed,  refurnished,  and  is  now  in  excellent  condition.  On  the  north  and 
east  sides  comfortable  sheds  have  been  built  for  the  accommodation  of  horses, 
which,  being  nicely  painted,  adds  to  the  appearance  of  the  premises.  A pleas- 
ant and  cozy  parsonage  occupies  an  adjoining  lot  for  the  use  of  the  pastor. 
Since  the  formation  of  the  society  over  fifty  ministers  have  occupied  the  pul- 
pit, among  whom  we  mention  the  following  : Reverends  Poe,  O’Sheldon,  Board- 
man,  Reynolds,  Bigelow,  Kellam,  Jewett,  Mudge,  Broadwell,  Persons,  Wagar, 
Hoadley,  Kepler,  and  Kauffman.  The  present  pastor  is  Rev.  O Pearce,  who 
preaches  regularly  every  Sabbath  morning  and  holds  prayer  and  praise  service 
Sunday  and  Thursday  evenings.  Sabbath-school  was  first  organized  about 
1830,  and  is  now  well  attended  under  the  superintendency  of  Frank  A.  Akins. 

The  educational  interest  is  an  important  feature  of  the  township.  In  the 
year  1816  a log  school-house  was  built  on  the  farm  of  Jesse  Taylor,  and  the 
winter  school  was  taught  by  Dr.  Christopher.  Ann  Beatty,  daughter  of  John 
Beatty,  taught  the  following  summer.  Compensation  for  teaching  in  those 
early  days  was  small  compared  to  the  present  day.  Fadies  received  from  four 
to  six  dollars  per  month,  and  gentlemen  ten  and  twelve  dollars,  board  fur- 
nished, which  they  got  by  “boarding  round.”  Tuition  was  paid  by  each 
family  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  scholars  sent.  In  the  spring  of  i8l8 
Jerry  Sheffield  was  employed  as  instructor,  and  there  are  still  living  in  the 
township  at  the  present  writing  five  persons  who  were  his  scholars  that  year. 
Their  names  are  as  follows  : Fiery  Taylor,  Lindsley  House,  Mrs.  Maria  Greene, 
Stewart  Bell,  and  W.  D.  Gurley.  These  all  came  with  their  parents  from 
Connecticut.  The  township  is  divided  into  eleven  school  districts.  In  nearly 


Perkins  Township. 


527 


all  of  these  there  have  lately  been  built  fine  brick  or  frame  school  buildings, 
with  all  the  modern  appliances  for  health  and  comfort,  at  a cost  of  from  $1,500 
to  $2,000.  The  schools  are  in  a flourishing  condition,  are  well  attended,  and 
are  gradually  improving  under  the  management  of  an  excellent  corps  of 
teachers. 

In  the  southeastern  corner  of  section  two,  the  hamlet  of  Bogart,  already 
spoken  of,  is  situated.  Five  roads  centre  here,  which  lead  respectively  to 
Sandusky,  Huron,  Milan,  Bloomingville,  and  Castalia.  In  the  course  of  the 
year  considerable  business  is  transacted  The  only  merchant  is  James  D. 
Parker,  who  keeps  a general  store  in  which  may  be  found  a large  assortment 
of  goods,  including  dry  goods,  drugs,  notions,  groceries,  and  hardware.  In 
fact,  this  is  the  only  store  in  the  township,  and  enjoys  a large  patronage.  He 
also  deals  largely  in  eggs  and  handles  annually  many  thousand  dozen. 

The  firm  of  Siegel  & Hemminger,  blacksmiths,  is  doing  a flourishing  busi- 
ness in  their  line  of  work,  and  their  trade  extends  far  over  the  county.  Be- 
sides repairing  and  horseshoeing,  in  which  their  reputation  is  well  established, 
they  make  a specialty  of  ironing  wagons  and  buggies.  Their  constantly  in- 
creasing trade  compel  them  to  employ  one  or  two  extra  men. 

Martin  Kaltenbach  and  William  Zink  are  the  members  of  an  enterprising 
firm  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  wagons  and  buggies,  and  repairing  the 
same.  Their  work  is  considered  first-class  in  every  respect,  and  orders  for 
new  vehicles  from  this  and  adjoining  townships  are  filled  as  rapidly  as  their 
facilities  will  permit.  They  also  execute  excellent  painting  in  both  plain  and 
fancy  scroll  work. 

W.  D.  Gurley  for  many  years  did  an  extensive  business  in  both  blacksmith 
and  wagon  work  here. 

In  the  northern  part  of  the  township  Mr.  A.  Remington  is  doing  an  ex- 
tensive business  in  the  manufacture  of  cider  vinegar.  His  establishment  is 
filled  with  the  most  improved  machinery,  and  his  facilities  are  large.  Thou- 
sands of  bushels  of  apples  are  purchased  of  farmers  and  converted  into  vinegar, 
which  supplies  both  home  and  foreign  markets. 

The  manufacture  and  sale  of  brick  is  one  of  the  important  features  of  the 
township.  The  excellent  clay  found  in  section  three  is  used  for  this  purpose,  and 
two  brick-kilns  are  in  operation,  owned  respectively  by  William  DeWitt  and 
Lee  Chambers.  Many  thousands  of  brick  are  annually  burnt,  most  of  which 
is  used  in  the  city  and  surrounding  townships. 

Sections  two  and  three  are  rich  in  large  quarries  of  blue  limestone,  the 
principal  one  of  which  is  owned  by  By  & Gachsteter.  Hundreds  of  cords  are 
annually  quarried  and  find  a ready  sale.  Hundreds  of  loads  of  shale  stone  are 
used  upon  the  roads  through  the  township.  Stone  from  the  quarry  referred 
to  was  used  in  the  erection  of  the  Erie  County  Infirmary,  the  Soldiers’  Home, 
and  the  residence  at  Oakland  Cemetery,  besides  the  large  bridges  across  Pipe 
Creek. 


528 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Oakland  Cemetery  is  a beautiful  park  of  several  acres  in  extent,  situated 
in  the  northeastern  corner  of  section  two,  on  the  banks  of  Pipe  Creek.  It  is 
systematically  laid  out  into  lots,  with  driveways  bordered  with  maples,  ever- 
greens, willows,  and  various  other  trees.  The  grounds  are  under  the  care  of 
a superintendent,  who,  with  a corps  of  assistants,  keep  the  enclosure  in  per- 
fect condition.  A stone  wall  surrounds  the  cemetery  on  the  north  and  east 
sides.  A large  stone  vault  and  chapel  has  recently  been  finished ; also  a 
handsome  and  substantial  dwelling-house.  Gothic  or  Queen  Anne  style,  for 
the  use  of  the  superintendent.  The  place  is  visited  annually  by  hundreds  of 
people. 

The  Erie  County  Infirmary  farm  adjoins  the  cemetery  on  the  west.  The 
main  building  presents  an  imposing  appearance,  is  beautiful  in  style  of  archi- 
tecture, is  built  mostly  of  blue  limestone.  It  was  built  in  1886,  at  a cost  of 
about  forty  thousand  dollars,  to  replace  one  destroyed  by  fire  the  winter  of 
1885-86.  This  building  is  heated  by  steam,  and  is  as  near  fireproof  as  pos- 
sible. 

The  grounds  of  the  Ohio  Soldiers’  and  Sailors’  Home  are  located  in  sec- 
tion two,  south  of  the  cemetery.  The  work  of  erecting  buildings  and  improv- 
ing the  grounds  was  commenced  in  1887.  These  buildings,  nowin  the  course 
of  erection,  are  of  stone,  with  brick  partitions  and  slate  roof,  and  of  the  most 
substantial  character.  The  home  will  cost,  when  the  present  plans  are  carried 
out,  about  $350,000,  and  will  accommodate  six  hundred  inmates,  besides  the 
employees.  If  improvements  are  made  to  accommodate  1,400  inmates,  the 
total  cost  will  be  about  $600,000. 

The  agricultural  interests  of  the  township  are  flattering.  The  soil  is  of  the 
richest  quality  (well  underdrained),  and  is  adapted  to  raising  all  kinds  of  crops. 
The  limestone  soil  produces  a good  yield  of  wheat,  while  on  the  ridges  a 
variety  of  crops  is  raised,  the  principal  one  being  potatoes,  of  which,  during  a 
favorable  season,  thousands  of  bushels  are  produced.  On  the  prairie  soil,  corn 
and  oats  are  mostly  raised.  Large  quantities  of  apples,  grapes,  peaches,  straw- 
berries and  other  small  fruits  are  raised  and  annually  shipped. 

The  shipping  of  moulding  sand  is  an  important  feature.  This  sand  is  found 
only  on  the  sandy  ridges  before  mentioned,  and  is  of  the  finest  quality.  It  is 
found  just  below  the  soil,  which  is  usually  about  one  foot  in  depth.  The  soil 
is  first  removed  and  placed  at  one  side,  after  which  the  sand  is  taken  out  and 
the  soil  replaced,  which  leaves  the  land  in  good  condition.  The  principal 
shippers  or  dealers  in  sand  are  T.  B.  Taylor,  J.  D.  Parker,  J.  F.  Greene,  and 
Charles  House.  Hundreds  of  tons  are  annually  shipped  to  all  parts  of  the 
United  States,  and  the  total  value  of  which  is  about  $10,000  yearly.  The 
Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad,  which  passes  through  the  central  part  of  the 
township,  furnishes  an  excellent  shipping  point,  known  as  Greene’s  Station, 
about  four  miles  from  Sandusky.  From  here  a large  share  of  the  sand  is 
shipped,  also  quantities  of  produce. 


Biographical. 


529 


One  of  the  first  literary  societies  in  the  township,  and  in  fact  in  this  part  of 
the  State,  was  composed  of  a number  of  young  men  from  the  townships  of 
Perkins,  Huron  and  Milan,  about  the  year  1819.  The  late  Rev.  L.  B.  Gurley 
was  a member  of  this  society.  They  usually  met  on  one  of  the  ridges  on  Sat- 
urday during  the  summer  and  debated  many  important  questions.  Within 
the  past  few  years  societies,  both  for  social  and  intellectual  improvement,  have 
been  formed  for  the  winter  season,  but  discontinued  as  summer  approached. 
At  present  there  is  one  in  existence,  known  as  the  Chautauqua  Spare  Minute 
■Circle.  This  has  a good  membership,  and  Rev.  O.  Pearce  is  president. 

Another  society,  the  Ladies’  Home  Mission,  deserves  mention.  It  was 
organized  several  years  ago  by  the  ladies  of  the  township,  who  meet  regularly 
at  the  residences  the  first  Thursday  of  each  month  for  benevolent  purposes. 
Much  charitable  work  has  been  accomplished  by  the  society  since  its  for- 
mation. 

In  the  year  1874  Perkins  Grange,  No.  637,  Patrons  of  Husbandry,  sprang 
into  existence  in  this  township.  The  charter  was  obtained  in  March,  with 
thirty-three  members,  five  of  whom  have  since  died.  The  growth  was  rapid, 
and  by  May  the  membership  had  increased  to  eighty- five  members.  From 
1876  to  1881  little  interest  was  taken  in  the  grange,  and  members  gradually 
dropped  out,  but  since  the  latter  date  the  grange  has  revived,  new  members 
have  been  added,  till  at  the  present  date  the  grange  numbers  thirty-one,  and 
new  applications  are  received  monthly.  The  regular  session  is  held  each 
month  at  the  residence  cf  some  member  of  the  order.  The  late  Colonel  D.  C. 
Richmond  was  an  active  member  in  effecting  its  organization,  and  of  which  he 
held  the  office  of  worthy  master.  Farmers  are  becoming  convinced  of  the 
necessity  of  some  organization  for  the  protection  and  promotion  of  their  in- 
terests, and  without  doubt  the  grange  is  the  best  society  for  the  accomplish- 
ment of  this  purpose.  The  best  members  of  the  society  are  becoming  en- 
■roled,  in  the  ranks,  and  the  social  feature  is  also  an  important  item. 


CHAPTER  XXXI. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

McKELVEY,  JOHN,  was  born  in  Plymouth,  Huron  county,  O.,  February 
8,  1835,  being  the  youngest  of  ten  children.  His  parents,  Matthew 
McKelvey  and  Nancy  Adams,  were  married  March  27,  1818,  in  Greenfield 
township,  Huron  county,  O.  His  father,  Matthew  McKelvey,  was  born  in 
Westmoreland  county.  Pa.,  January  30,  1794.  His  father  was  William  Mc- 
Kelvey, v/ho  had  lost  a leg  in  the  Revolutionary  War.  The  family  moved 


530 


History  of  Erie  County. 


from  Pennsylvania  to  Portage  county,  O.,  in  1804,  and  from  there  to  Trum- 
bull county,  in  1 806,  and  from  there  to  Huron  county,  in  1815. 

His  mother,  Nancy  Adams,  was  born  in  Windham  county,  Vt.,  July  30^ 
1798,  and  with  her  parents  moved  to  Greenfield  township,  Huron  county,  0., 
in  the  spring  of  1815.  Her  father,  Bildad  Adams,  was  one  of  the  first  three 
county  commissioners  of  Huron  county,  and  she  taught  the  first  school  in  Peru 
township.  Soon  after  their  marriage  his  parents  moved  to  Sandusky,  where 
his  father  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business.  In  1825  they  changed  their 
residence  to  Plymouth,  Huron  county,  where  his  father  completed  the  third 
frame  building  erected  in  that  locality.  He  opened  the  first  general  store,  and 
continued  to  advance  the  growth  of  the  village  by  erecting  more  houses.  In 
1830  he  erected  a building  for  that  purpose,  and  established  a seminary  for 
young  ladies.  The  family  continued  to  resHe  in  Plymouth  until  the  fall  of 
1840,  when  they  moved  to  Hardin  county,  where  a large  quantity  of  land  had 
been  purchased,  and  commodious  buildings  for  those  times  had  been  erected. 
But  the  misfortune  of  sickness,  resulting  in  the  deaths  of  the  mother  and  three 
sisters,  caused  the  return  of  the  father  and  the  remaining  four  children  to  Ply- 
mouth, in  the  spring  of  1842,  where  another  sister  soon  died,  leaving  only  the 
younger  three  living  of  the  family  of  ten  children.  Those  three  are  still  living 
at  this  date  (1888)  and  reside:  Martha,  Mrs.  E.  C.  Lovell,  in  Greenfield  town- 
ship, Huron  county,  O.  ; Matthew,  in  Tiffin,  O.,  and  John,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  in  Sandusky.  Soon  after  the  death  of  his  father,  which  occurred  March 
18,  1853,  in  Greenfield  township,  Huron  county,  John  first  secured  a situation 
in  the  general  store  of  W.  T.  & A.  K.  West,  in  Sandusky,  where  he  remained 
during  the  summer,  but  desiring  to  obtain  a better  education,  he  decided  in 
the  fall  to  teach  school  during  the  winter  months,  and  attend  school  at  Ober- 
lin  College  during  the  remaining  nine  months  of  each  year,  and  he  pursued 
that  course  for  three  years,  until  ill  health  compelled  him  to  discontinue  it. 
He  thereafter  settled  in  Sandusky,  and  engaged  in  the  commission  business. 
In  1861  he  set  out  one  of  the  first  vineyards  in  the  vicinity  of  Sandusky,  and 
thereafter  set  out  several  more.  In  1867  he  became  engaged  in  the  real  estate 
and  insurance  business.  He  discontinued  the  insurance  branch  in  1874,  but 
has  continued  the  real  estate  business  to  the  present  time,  and  has,  during  the 
past  twenty  years,  made  ten  additions  to  the  city  of  Sandusky.  He  became 
interested  in  the  wholesale  ice  business  in  1876,  and  has  continued  his  interest 
therein  to  the  present  time.  In  1865  he  aided  materially  in  effecting  a reor- 
ganization of  the  Erie  County  Agricultural  Society,  and  in  securing  the  per- 
manent location  of  the  fair  grounds  at  Sandusky.  It  was  principally  through 
his  efforts  that  the  Sandusky  Tool  Company  came  into  existence.  He  was 
married  June  26,  1861,  to  Jennie  R.  Huntington.  They  have  had  si.x  child- 
ren, four  of  whom  are  living:  Janet  H.,  born  April  2,  1862  ; John  Jay,  born 
May  24,  1863;  Alice  R.,  born  April  25,  1867  ; Ralph  H.,  born  December  7, 


Biographical. 


531 


1877.  Janet,  John  Jay  and  Alice  are  graduates  of  the  Sandusky  High  School, 
and  Janet  and  John  Jay  are  graduates  of  Oberlin  College  ; the  former  of  the 
class  of  1883,  and  the  latter  of  the  class  of  1884.  John  Jay  also  graduated 
from  Harvard  College  Law  School,  receiving  the  degrees  of  A.M.  and  L.L.B., 
in  1887.  He  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  C.  Mattocks,  an  Oberlin  graduate  of 
the  class  of  1885,  of  Cleveland,  July  12,  1887,  and  is  now  engaged  in  the  prac- 
tice of  the  law  in  New  York  city.  Janet  was  married  to  the  Rev.  C.  F.  Swift, 
an  Oberlin  College  classmate,  July  27,  1886,  and  he  is  at  present  the  pastor  of 
the  Congregational  Church,  Saratoga  Springs,  N.  Y. 

Mrs.  John  McKelvey  was  the  daughter  of  Apollos  and  Deborah  Hunting- 
ton,  and  was  born  in  Brownville,  Jefferson  county,  N.  Y.,  August  8,  1837. 
She  came  with  her  parents  to  Sandusky,  in  the  spring  of  1852.  She  is  a grad- 
uate of  the  Sandusky  High  School  of  the  class  of  1856. 


STOLL,  ADAM  J.,  was  born  in  Bucyrus,  Crawford  county,  O.,  September 
25.  1844,  the  eldest  child  of  John  and  Mary  (Shealy)  Stoll.  John  Stoll, 
his  father,  was  born  in  the  kingdom  of  Wurtemberg,  Germany,  June  9,  1821, 
and  came  with  his  parents  to  America  in  1832.  In  1838110  settled  in  Bucyrus, 
O.,  and  lived  there  till  his  death,  which  occurred  December  26,  1884.  He 
was  a carpenter  by  trade,  but  became  an  extensive  dealer  and  manufacturer  of 
lumber,  and  in  the  latter  years  of  his  life  a large  operator  in  real  estate.  He 
enjoyed,  in  the  largest  measure,  the  confidence  and  respect  of  the  entire  com- 
munity in  which  he  lived,  was  successful  in  his  business  undertakings  and  left 
a handsome  fortune.  His  father  died  in  New  York  city  soon  after  the  arrival 
of  the  family  in  that  city  from  Germany.  His  mother  died  in  Bucyrus,  in 
1867.  His  wife  survives  him  and  is  living  at  the  old  homestead  in  Bucyrus. 
Adam  J.  Stoll  lived  in  Bucyrus  until  he  was  twenty-four  years  of  age.  His 
education  was  received  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native  place,  and  upon 
leaving  the  schools  he  became  interested  with  his  father  in  the  conduct  of  his 
lumber  interest.  On  September  22,  1868,  he  married  Sophia  Burgdorf, 
adopted  daughter  of  Ferdinand  Geiersdorf,  of  Sandusky,  O.  Mrs.  Stoll  was 
born  in  Hanover,  Germany,  August  li,  1846.  Mr.  Stoll  moved  from  Bucy- 
rus and  became  a resident  of  Sandusky,  in  1868,  where  he  became  book-keeper 
in  the  wholesale  fish  establishment  of  Ferdinand  Geiersdorf,  and  upon  the  death 
of  the  latter  became  general  manager  of  the  house,  in  which  capacity  he  served 
two  years,  when  he  became  a partner  under  the  firm  name  of  Adolph  & Stoll; 
a limited  partnership  for  five  years.  At  the  termination  of  this  partnership,  in 
1877,  Mr.  Stoll  withdrew  from  the  firm  and  purchased  the  wharf  and  fish  in- 
terest of  L.  Anthony,  also  the  fish  interest  of  H.  E.  O’Hagan  & Co.  From 
that  time  to  the  present  (1888)  he  has  done,  every  year,  a largely  increasing 
business,  and  is  one  of  the  heaviest  dealers  in  fresh  fish  on  the  entire  line  of 
lakes.  He  is  president  of  the  Sandusky  Steamboat  and  Fishing  Company, 


532 


History  of  Erie  County. 


which  operate  a line  of  steamers  in  connection  with  the  Canadian  fishing  in- 
dustry. 

In  all  efforts  of  the  government  to  improve  and  enhance  the  value  of  the 
fish  industries  of  the  United  States,  Mr.  Stoll  has  taken  a deep  interest  and  has 
lent  powerful  aid. 

In  1883  he  became  a stockholder  in  the  Sandusky  Gas  Light  Company, 
and  has  been  its  president  since  1886.  He  is  a stockholder  and  director  in  the 
Second  National  Bank,  also  a stockholder  in  the  Third  National  Bank. 

Since  1873  he  has  been  the  owner  of  the  undivided  half  of  the  Cedar  Point 
property,  and  was  one  of  the  projectors  of  the  Cedar  Point  Pleasure  Resort 
Company,  and  has  taken  a leading  part  in  building  up  and  bringing  to  its 
present  perfection  that  celebrated  resort. 

Mr.  Stoll  has  always  been  a liberal  contributor  towards  all  charitable  insti- 
tutions, not  only  in  Sandusky,  but  in  his  native  town  of  Bucyrus,  where,  hav- 
ing large  landed  interests,  he  is  still  regarded  by  its  citizens  almost  as  much  a 
Bucyrus  man  as  though  he  were  still  a resident  of  his  native  place.  He  is  one 
of  the  trustees  of  the  Good  Samaritan  Hospital  of  Sandusky. 

Mr.  Stoll  is  a Republican  in  politics,  and  though  too  busy  a man  with  his 
own  affairs  either  to  desire  or  seek  public  office,  he  has,  in  a number  of  in- 
stances, been  chosen  to  fill  such  offices. 

His  private  residence,  built  in  1884-5,  the  corner  of  Wayne  and  Madi- 
son streets,  is  a gem  of  architectural  beauty,  and  would  justly  be  regarded  an 
ornament  of  any  city. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stoll  have  had  three  children:  Emma,  born  July  9,  1870; 
Lena,  born  April  7,  1873  ; and  Willie,  born  April  20,  1874,  died  June  25,  1888. 

SIMPSON,  WILLIAM  AYERS,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Nottingham,  Not- 
tingham county,  N.  H.,  February  27,  1812;  the  next  youngest  child  in  a 
family  of  ten  children,  five  sons  and  five  daughters,  of  John  and  Abigail  (Guile) 
Simpson.  The  family  were  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  their  ancestor  emigrating 
to  this  country  in  a colony,  following  shortly  after  the  arrival  of  the  Mayflower, 
and  settled  in  Londonderry,  N.  H. 

John  Simpson,  grandfather  of  William  A.,  was  the  first  one  of  the  family 
who  settled  in  Nottingham,  on  a farm  which  has  been  owned  and  occupied  by 
some  descendant  nearly  three  hundred  years.  John  Simpson,  father  of  Will- 
iam A.,  was  owner  of  this  homestead  farm.  He  was  a man  of  sterling  quali- 
ties, and  commanded  the  respect  of  the  entire  community  in  which  he  lived. 
He  died  at  an  advanced  age,  October,  1832,  and  was  buried  in  the  family  burial 
ground  in  Nottingham.  His  wife  survived  him  about  twenty  years,  reaching 
the  extreme  age  of  ninety  years.  She  was  a woman  of  decided  Christian  char- 
acter, and  left  the  impress  and  influence  of  her  long  and  useful  life,  as  the  dear- 
est legacy  to  her  large  family.  All  the  children,  five  sons  and  five  daughters, 
save  one,  lived  to  adult  age,  were  married  and  raised  families. 


Biographical. 


533 


William  Simpson,  uncle  of  William  A.,  was  the  first  of  the  family  who  em- 
igrated to  Ohio,  and  was  a soldier  in  the  Indian  War,  under  General  Wayne. 
He  first  settled  in  Meigs  county,  raised  a family  there,  and  his  descendants  are 
still  living  in  that  portion  of  Ohio.  William  A.  Simpson  spent  his  youth  at  home 
in  Nottingham,  where  he  received  his  primary  education,  which  was  supple- 
mented by  one  year’s  attendance  at  Durham  Academy.  At  the  age  of  seven- 
teen he  went  to  Boston,  where  for  one  year  he  was  employed  as  clerk  in  the 
shipping  house  of  John  K.  Simpson,  a cousin  of  his  father.  In  1831,  in  com- 
pany with  his  youngest  brother,  Samuel  A.,  he  went  to  Detroit  by  canal  and 
lake,  where  he  was  employed  as  clerk  in  a store  until  1834.  In  the  fall  of  the 
latter  year  he  moved  to  Sandusky.  Here  he  engaged,  in  company  with 
Horace  Aplin,  in  the  grocery  trade.  This  partnership  was  terminated  at  the 
end  of  the  year.  He  then  engaged  in  the  wholesale  grocery  and  liquor  busi- 
ness, with  Leonard  Johnson,  under  the  firm  name  of  Simpson  & Johnson. 
This  partnership  lasted  but  a short  time,  when  Mr.  Johnson  sold  his  interest, 
Mr.  Simpson  dropping  the  liquor  branch  of  the  business,  and  adding  the  dry 
goods,  continued  the  business  in  his  own  name  for  many  years,  taking  as  a 
partner  in  the  later  years  of  his  life,  David  Everett,  under  the  firm  name  of 
Simpson  & Everett.  In  the  year  1859  he  sold  his  interest  in  the  firm,  and  for 
two  years  thereafter  he  engaged  in  the  ship  chandlery  and  grocery  business, 
which  business  he  carried  on  until  the  fall  of  1861,  at  which  time  he  retired 
from  active  business.  Mr.  Simpson  was  a stockholder  and  director  in  the  San- 
dusky Gas  Company  from  its  organization ; its  president  for  many  years,  and 
its  vice-president  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  a stockholder  and  director 
in  the  Second  National  Bank  from  its  organization. 

Mr.  Simpson  was  a staunch  Republican,  but  never  desired  or  sought  office. 
He  was  a member  of  Grace  Church  over  forty  years,  and  a vestryman  thirty- 
six  years.  Mr.  Simpson  died  at  his  residence  in  Sandusky  December  20,  1887. 
We  cannot  more  fittingly  close  this  sketch  of  Mr.  Simpson  than  to  quote  the 
following  extracts  from  writers  who  knew  him  thoroughly  and  intimately. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  S.  A.  Bronson,  his  former  rector,  in  a letter  to  Mrs.  Simpson, 
wrote  as  follows  : “ Mr.  Simpson  was  a man  with  as  many  virtues,  and  as  few 
faults,  as  almost  any  one  who  can  be  found  in  this  crooked  world.  As  a vestry- 
man in  my  church  during  the  sixteen  years  I was  rector  of  Grace  Church,  San- 
dusky, I can  safely  say  I found  no  fault  in  him.  As  a business  man,  he  was 
honest  and  honorable  ; as  a Christian,  and  as  an  officer  of  the  church,  he  was 
faithful  in  the  discharge  of  all  his  duties;  benevolent,  judicious  and  wise.  If 
help  was  needed,  he  was  always  ready  to  do  his  part.  He  was  always  a pillar 
in  Grace  Church,”  and  he  adds,  “ a thousand  more  words  in  all  departments 
of  life  may  be  said  of  him.” 

The  Rev.  R.  L.  Howell,  rector  of  Grace  Church  during  the  last  years  of 
Mr.  Simpson’s  life,  in  an  article  he  published  in  the  Standard  of  the  Cross  and 
68 


534 


History  of  Erie  County. 


the  Cluirch,  writes  of  him  as  follows:  “William  A.  Simpson  was  one  of  those 
rare  instances  of  the  happy  commingling  of  solid  worth  and  simplicity  of  char- 
acter which  it  is  positively  refreshing  to  behold.  As  we  watched  over  him  dur- 
ing his  last  night,  until  the  morning  sun  stole  across  the  room,  and  he  entered 
into  the  rest  he  longed  for,  it  did  not  seem  more  difficult  to  fall  asleep  with 
him,  after  the  long  hours  of  watching  than  it  did  to  brace  ourselves  for  the 
stern  duties  of  another  day.  Even  the  devoted  wife,  so  dearly  beloved,  who 
had  stood  by  his  side  for  well  nigh  half  a century,  joined  with  us  as  we  thanked 
the  Father  for  answering  our  prayers,  and  taking  him  so  gently  to  himself. 
Grandly  did  we  realize  the  deep  meaning  of  that  frequent  saying,  “ O ! death, 
where  is  thy  sting?”  Mr.  Simpson  was,  during  a long  life  in  Sandusky,  rever- 
enced and  loved  by  all  who  came  in  contact  with  him.  His  great  modesty  and 
simplicity  of  character  endeared  him  to  all  who  knew  him.  We  have  lost  a 
most  valuable  citizen  whose  ivise  counsel  was  never  darkened  by  many  words.” 

Mr.  Simpson  married  January  5,  1841,  Mary,  daughter  of  David  and  Mary 
(Wright)  Denman.  Mrs.  Simpson  was  born  in  Frederick,  Md.,  January  16, 
1816.  Her  father  was  an  officer  in  the  War  of  1812,  under  General  Scott,  and 
was  in  the  battles  of  Lundy’s  Lane,  Queenstown  Hights,  and  Fort  Erie.  Her 
father  died  when  she  was  but  seven  years,  and  her  mother  when  only  five  years 
of  age.  After  the  death  of  her  parents  she  was  adopted  into  the  family  of  Ma- 
jor J.  G.  Camp,  who  moved  to  Ohio  from  Buffalo  in  1835.  Mrs.  Simpson  has 
been  a member  of  Grace  Church  since  1841.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Simpson  had  no 
children.  Eliza  D.  Bartlett,  a child  of  an  elder  and  only  sister  of  Mrs.  Simp- 
son’s was  taken  into  the  family,  and  lived  with  them  until  her  marriage.  She 
is  now  the  widow  of  James  Cook,  and  lives  in  Saginaw,  Mich.  Jennie  E.  Simp- 
son, who  lost  her  parents  at  the  time  of  the  cholera  epidemic  in  Sandusky,  in 
1849,  and  was  adopted  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Simpson,  lives  at  the  homestead  in 
Sandusky,  with  Mrs.  Simpson.  Since  the  death  of  her  husband,  Mrs.  Simp- 
son purchased’ and  deeded  to  Grace  Church,  the  “Grace  Church  parish  build- 
ing,” corner  of  Adams  and  Hancock  streets,  as  a memorial  gift  to  the  church. 
The  memory  of  the  man  who  was  so  worthy  of  such  a memorial,  as  well  as  that 
of  the  generous  giver,  must  ever  be  kept  green  in  the  minds  of  those  who,  in 
all  the  years  to  come,  shall  have  ihe  good  fortune  to  enjoy  the  healthy  social 
privileges  of  this  beautiful  parish  home. 

ADLER,  EBENEZER  B.  The  accompanying  print  will  be  recognized. 


in  feature  and  expression,  as  a faithful  likeness  of  one,  who  for  nearly 


fifty- three  years  was  a resident,  and  actively  and  earnestly  identified  with  the 
prosperity  and  history  of  this  localit)’  ; and  whose  decease  on  March  25,  1888, 
was  the  cause  of  well  nigh  universal  regret  throughout  the  county  and  beyond 
its  borders. 

Having  held  many  important  positions  of  public  trust,  and  always  with  the 


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■m 


i?-5 


Biographical. 


535 


highest  sense  of  duty,  and  with  unswerving  rectitude  and  fidelity,  and  having 
ever  discharged  his  professional  duties  with  an  integrity  unquestioned  by  client 
or  opponent,  and  being  socially,  sweet-tempered,  broad,  and  sympathetic,  and 
just  in  all  his  relations  with  his  fellow-men,  and  having  retained,  even  up  to 
the  last  few  days  of  his  life,  the  full  possession  of  his  faculties,  when  his  death 
was  announced  it- was  followed  by  such  a universal  expression  of  personal  loss 
as  is  accorded  to  but  few  characters  in  any  community. 

Judge  Ebenezer  B.  Sadler  was  born  at  Grafton,  Mass.,  on  November  i6, 
1808,  and  was  therefore  in  his  eightieth  year  when  he  died.  His  ancestry  was 
of  an  excellent  old  England  stock,  settling  in  Massachusetts  in  the  earlier  years 
of  the  eighteenth  century.  He  was  the  last  of  four  brothers,  all  of  whom  had 
borne  respectable  parts  in  the  drama  of  life.  His  mother,  of  whom  he  always 
spoke  with  the  highest  filial  love  and  with  keen  remembrance,  died  when  he 
was  under  ten,  at  Geneva.  N.  Y.  Under  the  untoward  circumstances  of  his 
fate,  at  an  early  age  he  was  obliged  to  shift  for  himself  and  buftet  the  world  as 
he  found  it.  But  through  his  energy  and  self-reliance,  prompted  by  a stead- 
fast ambition,  he  attained  what  was  considered  in  those  days,  a good  common 
school  education,  and  after  reaching  his  majority,  he  for  several  years  taught 
school  in  Western  New  York.  During  this  period  he  also  devoted  such  hours 
as  he  could  command  in  the  law  office  ©f  the  Hon.  John  Dickson,  of  West 
Bloomfield,  at  that  time  a member  of  Congress,  where  he  acquired  the  rudimen- 
tary knowledge  of  his  chosen  profession. 

In  the  early  summer  of  1835,  with  hopeful'visions  of  the  then  far  west  as 
the  field  for  young  men,  he  “staged”  it  to  Buffalo,  and  there  embarked  for 
Sandusky.  Soon  after  reaching  Sandusky  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  and  in 
1836  formed  a law  partnership  with  the  late  F.  D.  Parish,  which  continued, 
agreeably  and  successfully,  for  eleven  years,  till  his  elevation  to  the  bench. 

In  1844—5  was  mayor  of  Sandusky,  and  in  1847  he  was  appointed  presi- 
dent judge  of  the  Court  of  Common  Pleas  of  the  Thirteenth  Judicial  Circuit, 
then  embracing  the  counties  of  Erie,  Huron,  Sandusky,  Ottawa,  Lucas,  Wood 
and  Henry.  He  served  in  this  capacity  five  years  and  until  the  adoption  of 
the  constitution  of  1852  changed  the  judicial  system  of  the  State.  The  satis- 
faction he  gave  as  judge  is  evidenced  by  the  resolutions  adopted  by  the  bar  of 
the  several  counties,  testifying  to  the  ability,  impartiality,  uprightness,  and  the 
urbanity  which  characterized  him  as  a judicial  officer. 

In  1852  he  was  the  candidate  of  his  party  (Whig)  for  Congress.  In  the 
years  1866-67  he  was  State  senator  from  this  district.  During  the  first  term 
of  President  Grant’s  administration  he  served  as  postmaster  of  Sandusky. 
Looking  to  the  interest  and  welfare  of  the  city  he  also  served  as  a member  of 
the  council  several  times.  This  is  the  mere  plain  record  of  his  official  life.  He 
never  sought  any  office,  but  when  called  upon  to  serve  the  people,  he  dis- 
charged what  he  considered  the  highest  duty  of  a citizen  with  rare  fidelity. 


540 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Immediately  after  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  actively  and  prominently 
identified  in  the  great  railroad  project  of  building  a line  of  railway  from  Port- 
land, Ore.,  to  Sacramento,  Cal.,  and  had  much  to  do  in  securing  the  grant 
from  the  government  to  assist  that  enterprise.  He  was  also  up  to  the  time  of 
his  death  a director  in  several  of  the  railroads  terminating  in  Sandusky.  But 
in  all  of  his  official  positions,  whether  public  or  private  trust,  and  in  the  con- 
duct of  his  professional  business  he  exhibited  the  highest  integrity,  and  it  may 
be  well  said  that  he  traveled  through  life  without  leaving  a suspicion  in  any 
man’s  mind  that  he  has  not  been  faithful  and  honest  to  the  utmost.  As  an 
attorney  and  counsellor  at  the  bar,  his  judgment  was  considered  pre-eminently 
valuable.  He  was  an  unusually  clear  thinker,  and  an  able  practitioner.  He 
was  possessed  of  a cool,  judicial  temperament,  and  to  an  unusual  degree,  was 
endowed  with  the  “ genius  of  common  sense.”  Broad,  conservative  and  chari- 
table in  his  views,  benevolent  and  unselfish,  he  was  the  friend  of  every  good 
work,  ready  to  sacrifice  his  own  comfort,  if  need  be,  to  the  pleasure  and  good 
of  others.  In  social  life  he  was  ever  the  genial,  kind  hearted  gentleman;  the 
general  favorite  with  both  old  and  young;  and  in  Sandusky  no  company 
seemed  complete  without  his  presence. 

In  1843  he  married  Emily  Webb,  of  West  Bloomfield,  N.  Y.  Their  mar- 
ried life  was  short,  she  dying  at  Sandusky  in  1849.  She  will  be  remembered 
by  many  as  a singularly  beautiful  woman,  of  most  excellent  virtues;  and  ever 
true  to  her  memory,  he  remained  a widower.  His  only  child  is  C.  W.  Sadler, 
who  resides  at  Sandusky.  Eor  nearly  forty  years  Judge  Sadler  lived  in  a cot- 
tage on  Jackson  street,  to  which  was  attached  his  law  office. 

Me  was  passionately  devoted  to  the  beautiful  in  art  and  nature.  During 
his  leisure  hours  he  cultivated  with  rare  devotion  choice  fruits  and  flowers,  and 
his  flower  garden,  in  season,  was  a recurring  picture  long  to  be  held  in  remem- 
brance by  his  friends  and  the  public. 

Finally  it  may  be  said,  that  though  his  well  rounded,  ever  active  life  was  a 
perpetual  rebuke  to  all  evil-doers,  yet  he  lived  without  an  enemy. 

“ His  life  was  gentle,  and  the  elements 
So  mixed  in  him,  that  Nature  might  stand  up 
.^nd  say  to  all  the  world,  ‘ This  was  a man,’  ” 


BRIEF  BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES. 


FFLECK,  WILLIAM  J.,  Sandusky,  one  of  the  representative  citizens  of 


Sandusky,  was  born  in  Liverpool,  England,  December  23,  1826.  He 


visited  America  in  1846,  in  company  with  his  father,  and  in  1857  came  to 
America,  and  became  engaged  in  business  on  the  lakes.  In  1857  he  retired 
from  this  seafaring  life,  and  became  engaged  in  farming  and  the  cooper  busi- 
ness in  Huron.  In  April,  1861,  he  enlisted  on  the  first  call  for  three  months 
men,  in  the  24th  Ohio  Vols.,  mustered  in  June  6,  1861,  under  Colonel  Jacob 
Ammen,  and  served  three  years.  He  was  promoted  to  orderly,  then  to  second 
and  then  to  first  lieutenant,  and  afterwards  made  adjutant.  He  was  discharged 
in  June,  1864.  He  settled  in  Sandusky,  and  was  clerk  of  the  county  courts  for 
six  years.  In  1883  he  became  engaged  in  the  wholesale  ice  business.  He  was 
married  in  August,  1867,  to  Isabella  Duff,  who  was  born  in  Scotland.  They 
have  had  a family  of  four  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living:  John  R., 
born  in  1868;  Harriet  E.,  and  William  W.  Mr.  Affleck  erected  his  present 
residence  in  1879. 

Alstaetter,  William,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Hesse  Darmstadt,  Germany, 
in  1834,  and  was  a son  of  Lrederick  and  Susanna  L.  (Ganzert)  Alstaetter. 
William  and  his  brother,  Louis,  came  to  America  in  1850,  and  settled  in  Allen 
county,  O.,  where  they  became  engaged  in  farming.  The  parents  emigrated 
in  1851,  and  settled  in  Lima,  Allen  county,  where  they  died.  Lrederick  was 
born  in  1803,  and  died  in  1883;  his  wife  born  in  1810,  died  in  1887.  They 
had  a family  of  eight  children:  Louis,  William,  Christian,  Emma,  Mary,  Au- 
gusta, Harman  and  Henry.  Harman  and  Henry  enlisted.  Harman  was 
wounded  in  battle  and  died  in  Geoi'gia.  William  was  married  in  1861  to  Bar- 
bara Reul,  who  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany.  She  died  in  1867,  leaving  one 
child,  Mina.  He  married  his  second  wife,  Lrederica  Walter  in  1868.  They 
have  one  child,  Hedwig.  Frederica  was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany.  Mr. 
Alstaetter  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1876,  and  became  engaged  in  the  manu- 
facture of  grape  wines,  a member  of  the  firm  of  Alstaetter  Brothers,  and  in  1879 
William  became  sole  proprietor.  His  cellars  now  have  a capacity  of  20,000 
gallons. 


69 


542 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Ambacher,  Jacob,  Sandusky,  a manufacturer  and  dealer  in  cutlery,  guns 
and  other  supplies,  was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  in  1843,  and  was  a son 
of  Gottlieb  and  Frederica  Ambacher.  His  mother  died  in  Germany,  leaving 
a family  of  six  children  : Louisa,  Frederica,  Gottlieb,  jr.,  Sophia,  Jacob  and 
Christina.  Jacob  came  to  America  in  i 867,  and  Louisa  and  Gottlieb  came  one 
month  after.  They  settled  in  Adrian,  Mich.,  in  1868.  January  i,  1868,  Jacob 
■came  to  Sandusky,  and  started  his  present  business  in  a small  way.  He  now 
has  all  the  improved  machinery  of  later  days,  and  gives  employment  to  about 
five  hands.  He  was  born  in  1843,  married  Mrs.  Elizabeth  (Kehl)  Mey- 
ers. They  have  had  one  child,  Lena.  Mrs.  Ambacher  had  four  children  by 
her  first  husband.  In  1874  Jacob  sent  to  Germany  for  his  father  and  his  re- 
maining three  sisters. 

Anderson,  James,  jr.,  Huron  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Surrey,  England,  January 
25,  1836,  and  was  a son  of  James  and  Sarah  (Baden)  Anderson,  who  came  to 
America  in  1839,  and  settled  in  Huron  township,  where  Mr.  Anderson  died  in 
1866,  aged  68  years,  and  his  wife  in  1876,  aged  75.  They  had  a family  of 
four  children,  of  whom  James  is  now  the  only  surviving  one.  *Mr.  Anderson 
now  owns  the  old  homestead  of  153  acres,  which  was  purchased  by  his  father 
on  settlement  for  $8  per  acre.  Mr.  Anderson  now  owns  some  250  acres  of 
fine  land.  He  has  been  supervisor  of  the  township,  treasurer  of  the  Huron 
board  of  education  for  four  years,  and  a member  of  the  board  of  education  for 
the  same  length  of  time.  He  was  married  in  1863  to  Miranda  H.  Bartlett. 
She  was  a daughter  of  Corbin  W.  and  Mary  Etta  Bartlett.  Miranda  died  in 
1885,  leaving  a family  of  five  children  ; Sarah  Etta,  Mary  A.,  Carrie  E.,  James 
Corbin  and  Burton  Baden.  Mr.  Anderson  married  his  second  wife,  Mary  E. 
Davey,  daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Davey,  of  Berlin  township,  in  1887. 

Arnold,  Christian  H.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Nassau,  Germany,  in  1854,  and 
■emigrated  to  America  in  1870.  He  came  to  Sandusky  on  a visit,  and  remained 
two  months.  He  was  a son  of  Philip  and  Elizabeth  Arnold.  Philip  died  in  Ger- 
many, leaving  a widow  and  nine  children.  Two  brothers  and  a sister  came  to 
America,  and  in  1875  Christian  sent  for  his  mother  and  the  remaining  six  chil- 
dren. The  children  are  Philip,  Christian  H.,  Christina,  Henry,  Minnie  and 
Katie  (twins),  Maggie,  Charles  and  Julius.  Christian  H.  became  a farmer,  and 
in  1881  became  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  as  a country  merchant.  In 
1883  he  settled  in  Sandusky  as  a general  grocer,  produce  and  provision  dealer. 
He  was  married  in  1882  to  Jennie  Kramb,  of  Erie  county.  They  have  had  a 
family  of  two  children,  Millie  and  Roy. 

Arnold,  D.  R.,  Sandusky,  proprietor  of  the  Sloane  House  Drug  Store, 
was  born  in  Wayne  county.  Pa.,  in  1845.  He  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1862, 
and  became  engaged  in  the  drug  business  with  Messrs.  Adams  and  Fay, 
and  in  1868  purchased  the  business,  and  sold  the  same  in  1871,  and  became 
engaged  as  a traveling  agent.  He  formed  a partnership  with  Mr.  Lee  in  1882, 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


543 


the  firm  being  Lee  & Arnold.  He  sold  his  interest  in  1883,  and  purchased  his 
present  business,  corner  of  Columbus  avenue  and  Washington  street.  He  is  a 
son  of  David  and  Maria  Arnold.  David  was  born  in  Orange  county,  N.  Y., 
and  his  wife,  Maria,  in  Connecticut.  D.  R.  Arnold  was  married  in  1868  to 
Mary  Drake,  of  Sandusky.  They  have  a family  of  six  children : Bessie, 
Fannie,  George,  Effie  and  D.  R.,  jr.  He  formed  the  firm  of  Arnold  & Hen- 
kelman,  of  which  he  is  now  a member,  in  1887. 

Atwater,  Jeremiah,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  has  been  one  of  the  repre- 
sentative men  of  his  town.  He  has  been  elected  to  nearly  all  the  offices  in  the 
gift  of  his  townsmen;  justice,  town  clerk,  town  treasurer,  trustee,  real  estate 
assessor,  and  member  of  the  school  board  for  nearly  thirty  five  years.  He  was 
born  in  Ontario  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1830,  and  has  lived  in  Erie  county  since  1835  ; 
was  a son  of  John  and  Mary  (Rogers)  Atwater,  who  were  born  in  the  State 
of  New  York,  and  married  in  Ontario  county,  N.  Y.,  and  settled  in  Sandusky 
county,  O.,  in  1834,  where  his  wife  died  in  1835,  leaving  a family  of  four  chil- 
dren, one  of  whom  died  one  week  later,  and  two  are  now  living,  Henry  and  Jer- 
emiah. John,  the  father,  died  in  Erie  county  in  1877.  'Jeremiah  was  raised 
on  a farm.  He  engaged  in  carriage  and  wagon  manufacturing  in  1849, 
continued  the  same  until  1864.  He  enlisted  in  Company  I,  145th  Regiment, 
in  May,  1864,  and  was  discharged  the  last  of  August,  1864.  He  returned  to 
the  farm  in  1864,  and  is  still  engaged  in  farming.  He  was  married  in  1859  to 
Mary  J.  Button,  who  was  born  in  Erie  county.  They  have  a family  of  three 
children:  Charles  H.,  Barden  S.,  now  a student,  and  Sally  M. 

Baldruffi  Jacob,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Germany  in  1813,  and 
was  a son  of  Christian  Baldruffi  He  was  married  in  1836  to  Erederica 
Rohrbacker,  and  in  1846  came  to  America,  and  settled  in  Perkins  township, 
Erie  county,  O.  They  had  a family  of  four  children:  Catharine,  Erederica, 
Christian  and  Jerome.  Jerome  died  on  the  ocean  and  was  buried  at  sea.  Five 
children  were  born  to  them  in  America:  Julia,  Elizabeth,  Sarah,  Louisa  and 
Jacob,  jr.  Erederica  died  March,  1882,  aged  71  years.  When  he  first  settled 
here  he  worked  for  three  years  in  the  warehouse  of  the  S.  M.  & N.  R.  R.  In 
1849  he  purchased  his  farm  of  33^  acres  of  timber  land,  for  which  he  paid  $30 
per  acre.  This  farm  he  cleared  and  improved,  and  in  1887  sold  it  for  $100 
per  acre.  He  has  now  retired  from  active  business  life.  His  daughter,  Louisa, 
married  Adam  E.  Lehr  in  1879.  They  have  had  three  children:  Oscar,  Eva 
and  Clara.  Sarah  married  Charles  Watzel,  Elizabeth  married  Conrad  Eck- 
ler,  Catharine  married  Jacob  Horning,  and  Frederica  married  George  Guen- 
ther, and  Christian  was  married  in  1864  to  Elizabeth  Keller. 

Bardshar,  Allen  J.,  Huron  p.  o.,  one  of  the  representative  young  men  of  his 
county,  was  born  in  Margaretta  township  in  1854,  and  was  a son  of  Solomon 
and  Amelia  (Hanum)  Bardshar,  now  residents  of  Sandusky.  Allen  J.  was  mar- 
ried October  21,  1880  to  Martha  V.  Dale  of  Huron.  They  have  two  sons,  J. 


544 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Dale  and  Burt  S.  Martha  was  a daughter  of  Jacob  and  Elizabeth  (Aldson)  Dale. 
Mr.  Dale  settled  in  Ohio  at  an  early  day,  coming  there  from  Pennsylvania.  His 
wife  was  born  in  England.  They  were  married  in  Huron  where  they  died. 
They  had  a family  of  four  children,  of  whom  Mrs.  Bardshar  is  now  the  only 
surviving  one.  Mr.  Bardshar  is  now  engaged  in  farming,  owning  a fine  farm 
of  I 50  acres. 

Bardwell,  Seth  E.,  Groton,  Castalia  p.  o.,  one  of  the  representative  men  of 
his  township,  was  born  in  Groton,  December  6,  1844.  He  was  a son  of  Seth 
and  Louisa  (White)  Bardwell.  Louisa  was  born  in  Hampshire  county,  Mass., 
in  1808,  and  Seth  was  born  in  Hampshire  county  in  1806.  They  were  mar- 
ried in  Hatfield,  Mass.,  in  1833,  and  settled  in  Groton  that  same  year.  They 
had  a family  of  seven  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living.  Mr.  Bardwell 
learned  the  blacksmith  trade,  but  after  settling  here  became  engaged  in  farm- 
ing. He  died  in  1863,  leaving  a widow  and  six  children.  Seth  was  a son  of 
Remembrance  Bardwell,  one  of  the  prominent  men  of  Massachusetts,  a mem- 
ber of  the  State  Legislature.  Louisa  Bardwell  had  a brother  Daniel,  who,  in 
company  with  Captain  John  White  and  sister  Lucy  Ann  White,  also  came  to 
this  county.  Seth  E.  Bardwell  enlisted  in  Company  G,  145th  O.  V.  I.,  on 
the  100  day  call,  under  Captain  David  James,  and  was  discharged  at  Camp 
Chase.  He  was  married  in  1874  to  Celesta  M.  Thompson,  of  Groton.  They 
have  had  a family  of  three  children  ; Ethel,  Seth  Arden  and  Alvah  Edgar. 
Mr.  Bardwell  has  held  several  township  offices. 

Barnes,  Walter  S.,  Oxford,  North  Monroeville  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Gouver- 
neur,  St.  Lawrence  count}%  N.  Y.,  in  1817,  and  was  a son  of  Norman  and  Sy- 
bel  (Parker)  Barnes,  who  were  born  and  married  at  Hartford  county.  Conn. 
They  settled  in  St.  Lawrence  county,  N.  Y.,  where  Norman  died  in  1839,  and 
his  widow  in  1884,  aged  92  years.  Walter  S.  was  married  at  Sacketts  Har- 
bor, N.  Y.,  in  1840,  to  Alma  G.  Hoyt,  who  was  born  at  Gouverneur,  N.  Y. 
They  have  two  children,  Llattie  A.  and  John  II.  Hattie  A.  married  Albert  J. 
P'isheri  and  John  H.  married  Ella  Fisher.  They  came  to  Oxford,  Erie  county, 
in  September,  1844,  when  Barnes  became  proprietor  of  the  Cook  Hotel, 
located  at  North  Monroeville.  Mr.  Barnes  retired  from  the  hotel  business  in 
1847,  and  became  engaged  in  farming,  and  in  1866  purchased  his  present 
homestead  of  100  acres.  Mr.  Barnes  was  prominent  in  the  organization  and 
building  up  of  the  Congregational  Church  of  Monroeville.  He  has  filled  the 
office  of  deacon  since  1848,  and  is  now  one  of  the  oldest  surviving  officers,  and 
one  of  the  most  active  Christian  workers  in  the  church. 

Bartlett,  Corbin  W.,  Huion  p.  o , was  born  in  New  Hampshire,  July  28, 
1805,  and  was  a son  of  Giles  and  Mary  (Tombs)  Bartlett,  who  had  a family  of 
nine  children,  two  of  whom  are  now  living,  Abigail  and  Corbin  W.  Corbin 
W'.  settled  in  Genesee  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1821,  and  became  engaged  in  farming. 
He  was  married  in  1831  to  Marietta  Willey,  who  was  born  in  Rutland  county. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


545 


Vt.  They  settled  in  Fairport,  O.,  in  1833,  and  in  1838  came  to  Erie  county. 
They  have  had  a family  of  nine  children,  eight  of  whom  are  now  living:  Har- 
riet, Mary,  Almira,  Miranda,  George,  William,  Giles,  Emma  and  Sarah.  Mi- 
randa married  James  Anderson,  and  died,  leaving  a family  of  five  children. 
Marietta  was  a daughter  of  Zachariah  and  Serepta  Willey.  George  enlisted  in 
1861  in  the  7th  Ohio,  but  was  discharged  on  account  of  disability.  He  re- 
enlisted the  same  year  in  the  ist  Ohio  Cavalry,  and  was  discharged  at  the  close 
of  the  war.  Mr.  Bartlett,  on  settlement  here,  was  engaged  as  a railroad  fore- 
man and  contractor,  in  which  business  he  was  engaged  until  1847,  when  he 
became  engaged  in  farming.  He  purchased  his  present  homestead  farm  of  65 
acres,  in  1872. 

Barrett,  Rachel,  Huron  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Yates  county,  N.  Y.,  March  14, 
1805,  and  was  a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Zipporah  (Woodhull)  Lewis.  Joseph 
died  in  New  York  State,  leaving  a widow  and  seven  sons  and  three  daughters. 
Joseph  died  while  serving  in  the  War  of  1812,  as  a substitute.  Two  of  his  sons 
were  also  soldiers  in  this  war.  The  widow,  Zipporah,  emigrated  to  New  Lon- 
don, Huron  county,  about  1820.  Rachel  was  married  in  1825,  to  Clark  A. 
Smith,  who  died  in  1826.  She  was  married  the  second  time  in  1827,  to 
Squire  Barrett.  They  had  a family  of  nine  children,  five  of  whom  are  now 
living:  Benjamin  L.,  Philander  J.,  William  C.,  Cynthia  E.,  and  Wealthy 
Orinda.  William  C.  enlisted  in  1861,  in  the  63d  Ohio  Volunteers,  and  served 
to  the  close  of  the  war.  Mrs.  Barrett  is  now  in  her  84th  year,  but  manages 
her  farm  and  financial  interests. 

Bartzen,  Peter,  Huron  p.  o.,  a general  blacksmith  and  dealer  in  farm  im- 
plements, was  born  in  Rhineland,  Germany,  in  1854,  and  was  a son  of  Nicho- 
las and  Margaret  Bartzen.  Peter  learned  his  trade  from  his  father,  and  in  1871 
came  to  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and  in  1873  settled  in  Huron,  Erie  county.  He  pur- 
chased his  present  property,  and  erected  thereon  his  shop  and  residence.  He 
was  married  in  1876  to  Maggie  Alenz,  who  was  born  in  Erie  county.  They 
have  a family  of  four  children  : Catharine,  Peter,  jr.,  Libbie  and  Leonard. 
Mr.  Bartzen  was  in  the  council  for  two  years,  and  is  now  agent  for  the  Lansing 
Wagon  Company. 

Baubach,  Jacob,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  in  1809,  and 
married  his  first  wife,  Catharine,  in  Germany,  and  came  to  Sandusky  in 
1842,  where  his  wife  died  in  1854.  Mr.  Baubach  married  his  second  wife, 
Rosa  Dietz,  in  1855.  She  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  in  1836,  and  was 
left  an  orphan  at  an  early  age.  She  came  to  Sandusky  in  1853.  Mr.  Bau- 
bach died  in  1885,  leaving  a wfidow.  Their  only  child,  a son,  died  at  the  age 
of  five  years.  Mr.  Baubach  was  the  first  man  in  Sandusky  to  engage  in  the 
manufacture  of  pure  grape  wine.  In  early  life  he  was  engaged  in  the  grocery 
and  provision  business,  at  Sandusky,  O. 

Bauer,  John,  Sandusky,  a manufacturer  of  grape  wines,  and  a member  of 


546 


History  of  Erie  County. 


the  firm  of  Adam  Bauer  & Son,  was  born  in  Sandusky,  January  7,  1850,  and 
was  a son  of  Adam  and  Magdalena  Bauer,  who  were  born  in  Germany;  Adam 
in  Hesse  Darmstadt.  He  settled  in  Crawford  county  and  became  engaged  in 
farming,  and  at  an  early  date  came  to  Sandusky,  where  he  was  married.  They 
have  had  a family  of  five  children,  John,  Caroline,  Hattie,  Albert  and  Fred. 
Adam  was  engaged  in  carpentering  in  early  life,  and  in  1855  became  engaged 
in  the  grocery  and  provision  business.  He  sold  his  interest  in  this  business  in 
1878  and  became  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  grape  wines,  and  erected  his 
present  wine  cellar  in  1881.  The  firm’s  cellars  now  have  a capacity  for  some 
ten  thousand  gallons. 

Baum,  Charles,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  one  of  the  successful  farmers  of 
Perkins  township  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1826,  and  was  a son  of 
George  and  Susan  (Ernst)  Baum  who  came  to  America  and  settled  in  Perkins 
county  in  1834  with  a family  of  four  sons  and  two  daughters,  William,  Charles, 
Fred  and  August,  Sally  and  Catharine.  John  and  Sophia  were  born  in  this 
township.  Charles  Baum  was  married  in  Sandusky  in  1854  to  Eva  Margaret 
Frey,  who  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany.  They  have  had  two  sons,  Charles 
F.  and  George  A.  Mr.  Baum  was  town  treasurer  for  three  years,  and  trustee 
for  several  years.  He  commenced  farming  with  a farm  of  twenty  acres,  and 
now  owns  183  acres  of  well  cultivated  land.  Charles  F.  married  Rosa  Feon- 
ard  ; George  A.  married  Lena  Taylor. 

Baum,  John,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Perkins  township  in  1836 
on  his  present  farm.  He  was  a sou  of  George  and  Sally  (Ernst)  Baum,  who 
were  born  and  married  in  Baden,  Germany,  and  settled  in  Perkins  township  in 
1 834,  with  a family  of  four  sons  and  two  daughters,  William,  Charles,  Fred  and 
August.  John  and  Sophia  were  born  in  this  township.  George  died  in  Perkins 
in  1867,  and  his  wife  in  1854.  John  now  owns  the  old  homestead  which  he 
has  improved,  having  added  a modern  dwelling  house  and  outbuildings.  He 
was  married  in  1855  to  Radena  Witmer,  who  died  in  1878,  leaving  a family 
of  five  children,  two  of  whom  are  now  living,  Elizabeth  and  Emma.  He  mar- 
ried his  second  wife,  Mary  Hoffman,  in  1880.  She  was  born  in  Sullivan 
county,  N.  Y.  They  have  had  two  children,  Louisa  and  George. 

Bauman,  Charles,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1835, 
came  to  America  in  1854,  and  settled  in  Sandusky.  He  learned  the  paint- 
er’s trade  and  worked  at  it  for  several  years,  when  he  became  a partner  in  the 
business  firm  of  Holland  & Bauman  in  1862,  and  in  1870  purchased  the  in- 
terest of  the  former  partners.  He  formed  the  company  of  Bauman  & Tibbutt 
in  1871,  and  that  of  Bauman  & Co.  in  1872,  and  in  1877  sold  his  interest  and 
opened  his  present  store,  dealing  largely  in  oils,  paints  and  wall  paper  and 
decorating  materials.  He  was  married  in  1858  to  Eva  Bitter,  who  was  born 
in  Hesse  Darmstadt,  Germany.  They  have  eleven  children  living,  Fred, 
Barbara,  Charles  H.,  Mary,  Louisa,  Cecelia,  Lizzie,  John,  Jacob,  Harry  and 
Amanda. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


547 


Bear,  Abraham,  Sandusky,  a commission  merchant  and  curer  of  hams 
and  bacon  and  wholesale  dealer  in  the  same,  was  born  at  Cleveland  in  1844, 
and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1847.  He  was  a son  of  Nathan  Bear.  Nathan 
Bear  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1847,  started  the  packing  business  which  is 
now  carried  on  by  his  son  Abraham  and  Mr.  Ruth.  He  died  in  1874  leaving 
a widow  and  one  son,  Abraham. 

Beatty,  George  D.,  Oxford,  Bloomingville  p.  o.,  a grandson  of  the  pioneer 
settler,  John  Beatty  and  his  wife  Mary  (Cook)  Beatty,  who  were  born  in  Dub- 
lin, Ireland.  Mr.  Beatty  was  the  owner  of  some  40,000  acres  of  land.  George 
D.  Beatty  was  born  in  Perkins  township  in  1843,  and  was  a son  of  James  and 
Margaret  (Hibbard)  Beatty.  James  was  born  in  1800  in  New  London,  Conn., 
and  settled  in  Perkins  township  with  his  parents  in  1815.  James  and  his  wife 
died  of  the  cholera  in  1852,  leaving  a family  of  one  son  and  two  daughters, 
George  D.,  Margaret  and  Mary  J.,  and  by  a previous  marriage  two  sons  and 
one  daughter,  John,  Amanda  and  William  G.  James  was  a son  of  John  and 
Mary  (Cook)  Beatty,  who  had  a family  of  seven  children  : James,  Leonard, 
John  W.,  Anna,  Mary,  Susan  and  Jane.  Susan  is  now  the  only  surviving  one. 
George  married  Viola  T.  James,  who  was  born  in  Oxford,  and  a daughter 
of  the  pioneers,  Thomas  and  Fanny  James,  who  settled  here  in  1810.  George 
D.  and  Fannie  were  married  in  1869,  and  have  had  a family  of  six  children  : 
Arthur,  Thomas  J.,  Mabel,  Elva  J.,  George  D.,  jr.,  and  John  B.  Mr.  Beatty 
was  elected  justice  for  one  term,  town  clerk  seven  years.  He  is  now  engaged 
in  general  farming 

Beatty,  Louis,  Kelley’s  Island  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Russia  June  3,  1821,  and 
was  a son  of  Andrew  and  Mary  Beatty,  who  died  leaving  a family  of  five  chil- 
dren : Anna,  Louis,  Caroline,  Marcus  and  Christina.  Louis  Beatty  was  mar- 
ried in  1841  to  Mary  Schautz,  who  was  born  in  Russia  in  1822.  They  emi- 
grated to  America  in  1849,  settled  in  Akron,  O.,  where  he  worked  as  a 
farm  laborer.  He  came  to  Kelley’s  Island  in  the  fall  of  1854,  and  purchased 
five  acres  of  land  at  $60  per  acre.  One  and  a half  acres  of  this  land  he  con- 
verted into  a vineyard,  and  from  that  time  on  his  business  increased,  until  now 
he  has  a vineyard  of  thirty-two  acres,  and  his  crop  of  grapes  in  1887  exceeded 
100,000  tons.  He  erected  his  first  wine  cellar  in  i860,  and  now  has  capacity 
for  70,000  gallons.  He  now  owns  sixty  acres  on  the  island  and  300  acres  in 
Huron  township.  They  have  had  a family  of  ten  children,  five  of  whom  are 
now  living:  Christina,  born  in  1850;  William,  born  1856;  Mary,  born  in 
1859;  Henry,  born  in  1862  ; and  Daniel,  born  in  1865.  Two  sons,  Michael 
and  Jacob,  enlisted.  Jacob  died  from  disease  contracted  while  in  the  service, 
and  Michael  in  1868,  aged  twenty-six  years.  Mr.  Beatty  went  home  to  Russia 
on  a visit  in  1879,  and  when  he  returned  brought  with  him  his  two  sisters, 
his  younger  brother  and  sister  having  came  with  him  when  he  first  emi- 
grated. 


548 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Becker,  William,  Kelley’s  Island  p.  o. , a representative  man  of  the  island, 
was  born  at  Nassau,  Germany,  in  1833,  and  was  a son  of  George  and  Catha- 
rine Becker.  Mr.  Becker  learned  the  blacksmith  business  and  came  to  San- 
dusky April  19,  1852,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  as  a journeym.an.  He 
came  to  Kelley’s  Island  November  20,  1852,  where  he  also  worked  at  his 
trade.  He  was  married  in  1857  to  Philomelia  Miller,  of  Sandusky.  She  was 
born  in  Nassau,  Germany,  and  died  September  4,  1888.  They  had  a family 
of  eleven  children,  ten  of  whom  are  now  living  : William  F.,  Emma,  Caroline, 
Lydia,  Martha,  George,  Elizabeth,  Karl,  Laura  and  Arthur.  They  settled  in 
Huron  county,  but  returned  to  Kelley’s  in  1859,  where  he  purchased  his  home- 
stead farm  on  which  he  erected  his  present  residence.  He  now  has  a farm  of 
sixty-one  acres  and  vineyard  of  thirty  acres.  In  1861  he  became  engaged  in 
the  manufacture  of  wine,  and  now  has  capacity  for  75,000  gallons. 

Beecher,  Joseph,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o,,  was  born  in  Bergen,  Genesee 
county,  N.  Y.,  in  1818,  and  was  a son  of  Limer  Beecher.  He  was  married  in 
1839  to  Eliza  Tigart,  of  New  York.  She  died  in  1843,  leaving  two  children: 
Martha  and  John.  His  second  wife  was  Susan  Wright,  of  New  York.  She 
died  in  1859,  leaving  one  son,  Leroy.  Mr.  Beecher  settled  in  Perkins  town- 
ship in  1845.  He  has  served  in  many  of  the  town  offices,  was  justice  of  the 
peace,  trustee  for  two  terms,  assessor  three  terms.  He  was  married  the  third 
time  in  1862,  to  Mrs.  Amarita  St.  John,  widow  of  James  St.  John. 

Beecher,  Malcom  G.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Williamsport, 
Lycoming  county,  Penn.,  in  March,  1828,  and  was  a son  of  Lucas  S.  and  Jane 
(Turk)  Beecher.  Jane  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1800,  and  her  husband  in 
New  Haven,  Conn.,  March  13,  1799.  Jane  died  in  1882,  and  Lucas  in  1883. 
They  had  a family  of  five  children  : Malcom  G.,  John  C.,  Mary  J.,  now  Mrs. 
Dr.  Rankin  ; Clara,  now  Mrs.  John  Fink,  and  Emma.  They  settled  in  San- 
dusky in  1828. 

Bemiss,  Samuel,  Groton,  Bellevue  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Groton,  Erie  count)^ 
April  23,  1829,  and  was  a son  of  Elijah  and  Sophronia  Bemiss.  Elijah  was  born 
in  Shelburne,  Mass.,  in  1797,  and  settled  in  Cayuga  county,  N.  Y.  His  father, 
Samuel,  with  his  two  sons,  Elijah  and  Rodney  came  to  Groton  from  New  York 
in  1823,  when  he  purchased  the  homestead  farm  of  200  acres,  which  the 
grandson,  Samuel,  now  owns  and  occupies.  Samuel,  sr. , had  a family  of  two 
sons  and  three  daughters,  of  whom  Rodney  and  Anna  are  the  only  surviving 
ones.  Elijah  and  Sophronia  had  a family  of  five  children,  three  of  whom  are 
now  living:  Eliza,  Mrs.  Seymour;  Ruth  A.,  Mrs.  Barnard,  and  Samuel. 

Elijah  was  married  February  13,  1823.  His  wife  was  born  July  12,  1795,  and 
died  November  26,  1863  ; Elijah  died  October  18,  1869.  Samuel  Bemiss,  the 
grandson,  was  married  March  24,  1855,  to  Mary  A.  Nims.  They  have  had  a 
family  of  four  children  : Samuel  E.,  Fannie  A.,  Minnie  A.,  and  P red  N.  Mrs. 
Bemiss  was  a daughter  of  Samuel  and  Fannie  (Peck)  Nims,  who  had  four  chil- 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


549 


dren  : Samuel,  Betsey  M.,  Ardelia  and  Augusta.  Mr.  Bemiss  was  drafted,  but 
furnished  a substitute.  He  has  been  .trustee  for  six  years,  and  like  his  father 
was  prominently  connected  with  the  county  agricultural  society,  being  an  offi- 
cer in  the  society  for  thirty-five  years. 

Biehl,  Jacob,  Sandusky,  a builder  and  contractor,  was  born  in  Kreis  Mel- 
sungen,  Kur  Hessen,  Germany,  in  1824,  and  emigrated  to  America  and  set- 
tled in  Pittsburg  in  1848.  He  was  married  to  Catharine  Bier,  who  was  born 
in  Kur  Hessen,  and  came  over  in  the  same  vessel  with  Mr.  Biehl.  They  set- 
tled in  Sandusky.  They  were  married  in  May,  1849,  ^nd  have  had  a family 
of  seven  children  : Henry,  Fred,  John,  Lewis,  Jacob,  Mary  and  Anna.  Lewis 
and  Jacob  are  engaged  in  the  drug  business.  Jacob  after  settling  here  became 
engaged  in  the  carpentering  business,  and  in  1858  became  a contract  carpenter 
and  builder,  and  is  still  engaged  in  that  business.  He  was  a son  of  Conrad 
and  Margaret  E.  Biehl,  who  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1849,  coming  here  from 
Germany.  They  had  a family  of  six  sons  and  two  daughters.  Conrad  was 
born  in  1788,  and  died  in  1854;  Margaret  was  born  in  1788,  and  died  in 
i860.  Two  of  their  sons,  Fred  and  Inglehart,  served  in  the  123rd  Regiment 
during  the  war. 

Bing,  William,  Sandusky,  a carriage  and  wagon  manufacturer,  was  born  in 
Sandusky  in  1852,  and  was  a son  of  Ferdinand  and  Catharine  (Graceman) 
Bing.  She  was  a Hessian  by  birth,  and  her  husband  was  born  in  Baden,  Ger- 
many. They  came  to  Sandusky  in  1848,  and  were  married  in  1849.  Ferdi- 
nand died  in  July,  1883,  leaving  a widow  and  six  children.  Ferdinand  was  a 
wagonmaker  by  trade,  and  was  engaged  in  that  business  after  settling  here. 
Whlliam  learned  the  trade,  and  in  1861  became  engaged  in  the  business  for 
himself  After  the  death  of  his  father  he  purchased  the  entire  interest,  and 
now  conducts  the  carriage  and  wagon  manufactory,  and  smithing  and  repair- 
ing departments.  He  was  married  in  1874  to  Barbara  Kenne,  of  Sandusky. 
They  have  had  six  children  : Fily,  William  jr.,  Charles,  Ferdinand,  Casper, 
and  an  infant  daughter. 

Bogert,  Jay,  Sandusky,  owner  and  proprietor  of  the  Sandusky  Livery  and 
Sales  Stable,  and  dealer  in  carts,  carriages  and  buggies,  was  born  in  Sandusky 
in  1842,  and  was  a son  of  David  D.  and  Minerva  Bogert.  Minerva  was  born 
in  Hartford,  Conn.,  and  David  in  New  York  city.  They  settled  in  Erie  county 
in  1832,  where  they  died.  They  had  a family  of  eight  children,  two  of  whom 
are  now  living — Jay  and  Mrs.  Ellen  Chase.  David  D.  enlisted  first  in  the 
Eighth  Ohio,  on  the  100  days  call,  after  which  he  enlisted  in  the  same  regiment 
for  three  years.  His  son,  John,  who  was  not  twelve  years  old,  enlisted  in  the 
same  regiment,  and  served  eighteen  months  in  the  regular  army  and  served 
five  years  as  chief  bugler.  He  died  in  1882.  Jay  enlisted  in  the  123rd  Ohio 
in  1862,  and  served  to  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  married  in  1876  to  Mary 
Dietrich.  They  have  had  three  children:  Jessie  M.,  David  D.  and  Charles  A. 

70 


550 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Bredbeck,  John  F.,  Sandusky,  a general  dry  goods  merchant  of  Sandusky, 
was  born  in  Danbury,  Ottawa  county,  O.,  August  i6,  1851,  and  was  a son  of 
John  D.  and  Maria  S.  (Dowding)  Bredbeck,  who  were  born,  he  in  Bremen, 
Germany,  and  his  wife  in  London,  England.  They  settled  in  Ottawa  county 
in  1847,  coming  there  from  New  York.  They  had  a family  of  five  sons  and 
three  daughters.  John  F.  came  to  Sandusky  seeking  employment,  and  in 
1868  became  a clerk  in  a hotel,  and  by  untiring  energy  and  a few  changes  he 
became  clerk  in  the  store  of  S.  E.  Hubbard,  and  afterward  with  A.  Zerbe. 
In  1874  he  became  engaged  in  the  dry  goods  business,  being  a member  of  the 
firm  of  Wagner,  Powers  & Bredbeck,  and  in  1880  joined  the  firm  of  Harris, 
Schumacher  & Co.,  and  in  1886  purchased  controlling  interest  in  his  present 
extensive  dry  goods  business,  the  present  firm  being  J.  F.  Bredbeck  & Co. 
He  was  married  November  25,  1875,  to  Elizabeth  Schneider,  of  Sandusky. 
They  have  had  one  child  — Maude.  He  has  been  a member  of  the  board  of 
education  for  two  terms,  and  is  one  of  the  most  enterprising  men  of  Sandusky. 

Brehm,  William,  Sandusky,  a dry  goods  merchant  of  Sandusky,  was  born 
in  Nassau,  Germany,  November  22,  1815,  and  was  a son  of  Martin  Brehm. 
William  learned  the  trade  of  cabinetmaking,  and  emigrated  to  New  York 
city  in  1848,  where  he  worked  at  this  trade  until  May  18,  1849,  when  he 
settled  in  Sandusky,  O.,  and  became  engaged  as  a journeyman  at  his  trade. 
In  1865  he  became  engaged  in  his  present  business.  He  was  married  in  San- 
dusky, in  1851,  to  Elizabeth  Rode,  who  was  born  in  Remsfeld,  Germany,  in 
1830.  They  have  had  a family  of  eight  children:  Mena,  Theodore,  Mary, 
William,  Libbie,  Conrad,  John  and  Caroline.  Theodore  enlisted  in  the  United 
States  army,  and  served  for  five  years.  Mary  is  now  engaged  in  teaching,  and 
Theodore  and  Conrad  are  engaged  in  business  in  Chicago. 

Brooks,  Absalom,  Berlin,  Vermillion  p.  o.,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Ver- 
million, was  born  in  Newark,  N.  Y.,  in  1814,  and  was  a son  of  Reuben  and 
Eleanor  (Benschoten)  Brooks,  who  were  married  in  New  York,  and  settled  in 
Erie  county,  O.,  in  February,  1817,  with  a family  of  two  sons,  Absalom  and 
William.  They  had  a family  of  seven  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living, 
Absalom,  Rebecca,  now  Mrs.  Eaton  ; Julia,  now  Mrs.  Washburn.  Reuben, 
who  was  born  in  1790,  died  in  Erie  county  in  1859.  His  wife  died  in  1844. 
Absalom  was  married  in  Huron  county  in  1839,  to  Abigail  Utter,  who  was 
born  in  Geneseo,  Livingston  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1817.  They  have  had  a fam- 
ily of  five  children,  two  of  whom  are  now  living : Marion,  now  Mrs.  Ketchum, 
who  has  two  sons,  Carl  and  Edwin ; and  Eleanor,  now  Mrs.  George  Chapin, 
who  has  a family  of  three  children,  Willis,  Marion  and  Millie.  Mrs.  Brooks  was 
a daughter  of  Amos  and  Phoebe  (Babcock)  Utter,  who  were  married  in  New 
York  State  and  settled  in  Huron  county,  O.,  in  1818.  They  had  a family  of 
four  children,  of  whom  Mrs.  Brooks  is  the  only  surviving  one.  Mr.  Brooks 
owns  a fine  farm  of  120  acres. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


551 


Brown,  Orlando,  son  of  Kling  and  Asaneth  (Walker)  Brown,  was  born  in 
Tolland  county,  Conn.,  in  1815;  settled  in  Margaretta,  in  1817,  where,  with 
the  exception  of  one  year,  he  resided  until  his  death,  in  1882.  He  was  married 
in  1839  to  Laura  Boice.  They  raised  a family  of  seven  children.  His  wife 
died  in  1867. 

Brown,  Otto  W.,  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  in 
1854,  and  was  a son  of  Ernest  and  Caroline  Brown,  who  came  to  America 
with  a family  of  two  children,  Otto  and  Charles,  and  settled  in  Sandusky. 
They  have  had  a family  of  thirteen  children  in  all,  nine  of  whom  are  now  liv- 
ing: Otto,  Albert,  Ernest,  jr.,  Lena,  now  Mrs.  L.  P.  Smith;  Emma,  Mrs- 
Charles  Hann ; Clara,  Louis,  William  and  Lucy.  The  parents  now  reside  in 
Michigan.  Otto  W.  returned  to  Ohio,  and  settled  on  Kelley’s  Island  in  1874, 
and  became  engaged  in  business  in  the  Kelley’s  Island  wine  cellar.  He  pur- 
chased his  homestead  of  ten  acres  in  1878,  eight  acres  of  which  he  has  con- 
verted into  a vineyard.  He  paid  $500  per  acre  for  this  land.  The  wine  cel- 
lars erected  on  it  at  the  time  he  purchased,  were  built  by  Mr.  J.  Rush,  which 
Mr.  Brown  has  had  enlarged  from  a capacity  of  60,000  to  140,000  gallons. 
He  was  married  in  1878  to  Anna  Kastning,  of  Cleveland.  They  have  had 
four  children  : Alma,  Walter,  Rhea  and  Hugo.  Mr.  Brown  organized  the 
Sweet  Valley  Wine  Company  in  1887,  with  a capital  stock  of  $50,000,  He  is 
now  manager  of  this  company. 

Brown,  Solomon,  Margaretta,  Venice  p.  o.,  a pioneer  by  birth,  was  born  in 
Groton  township  in  1819,  and  was  a son  of  Joseph  R.  and  Ruth  (Smith)  Brown, 
who  were  married  in  New  York  State  and  settled  in  Groton  in  1818.  They 
had  a family  of  nine  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living:  Solomon,  Daniel, 
Ruth,  Diadema  and  Martha.  The  father,  Joseph  Brown,  served  in  the  War  of 
1812.  He  was  born  in  1790  and  died  in  1841.  His  wife,  Ruth,  died  in  1867. 
Joseph  purchased  his  farm  in  1828,  for  which  he  paid  $3  per  acre.  Solo- 
mon now  owns  a part  of  the  old  homestead,  owning  in  all  about  250  acres. 
He  was  married  in  1842  to  Ziltha  Campbell,  who  was  born  in  Groton  in  1817, 
and  have  had  two  children,  Sylvia  R.  and  Church  S.  Ziltha  was  a daughter 
of  Dougal  and  Sylvia  (Herrington)  Campbell.  Sylvia  was  born  in  Warren 
county,  N.  Y.,  and  Dougal  in  Washington  county.  Pa.  They  were  married  in 
Oxford,  O.,  in  1815,  and  had  a family  of  three  children:  Ziltha,  Urban,  and 
Almira,  now  Mrs.  Sherman. 

Brown,  William  jr.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Utica,  Oneida 
county,  N.  Y.,  in  1834,  and  was  a son  of  William  and  Eunice  (Prey)  Brown. 
Eunice  was  born  in  Maine,  and  her  husband  in  Rathsbay,  England,  in  1794. 
They  were  married  in  Maine  and  settled  in  New  York  State.  In  1836  they 
settled  in  Norwalk,  Huron  county,  O.,  and  in  1838  settled  in  Perkins  township, 
where  they  died,  Eunice  in  1865  and  William  in  1875.  They  left  a family  of 
four  children  : Mary  Ann,  Rachel,  William,  jr.,  and  Ruth.  Rachel  has  taught 
school  for  several  terms,  and  Ruth  is  also  engaged  in  teaching. 


552 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Bruckner,  David,  Sandusky,  one  of  the  leading  carriage  and  wagon  manu- 
facturers of  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Perkins  township  in  1855,  and  was  a son 
of  Peter  Bruckner,  who  was  born  in  Germany  about  1813,  and  settled  in  Erie 
county  about  1847.  His  wife  died  in  1867,  leaving  eleven  children,  ten  of 
whom  are  now  living.  David  learned  the  blacksmith  trade,  and  in  1881  pur- 
chased his  lot  and  erected  buildings  for  his  blacksmith  shop  and  wagon  factory. 
Mr.  Bruckner  was  married  October  17,  1878,  to  Mary  Burkin,  who  was  born 
in  Germany,  They  have  had  a family  of  five  children  : Katie,  Mary,  Charles, 
Emma  and  David. 

Buderus,  Anton,  Sandusky,  a merchant  tailor  and  clothing  merchant  of 
Sandusky,  was  born  in  Nassau,  Germany,  in  1834,  and  was  a son  of  Philip  H. 
Buderus.  The  father  died  in  1843  the  mother  in  1841.  They  had  a 

family  of  six  children,  four  of  whom  came  to  America : Anton,  Magdalene, 
Mary  and  Sophia.  Anton  emigrated  in  1854  and  settled  in  Sandusky,  where 
he  was  engaged  as  a journeyman  tailor  until  1863,  when  he  formed  a partner- 
ship with  his  present  partner,  Cornelius  Schnaitter,  and  embarked  in  a general 
clothing  and  merchant  tailoring  business  on  Columbus  avenue.  In  1873  they 
erected  a block  of  two  fine  three-story  stores,  and  are  now  occupying  one  of 
them,  the  other  being  rented.  Success  has  attended  this  firm  in  all  its  under- 
takings. Mr.  Buderus  was  married  in  1859  to  Catharine  Joseph,  of  Baden, 
Germany.  She  died  in  1864,  leaving  one  daughter,  Julia.  Mr.  Buderus  then 
married  his  second  wife,  Amantha  Hindi,  of  Hamburg,  in  1865.  They  have 
had  four  children  : Ida,  Laura,  Arthur  and  Willie. 

Buyer,  Jacob,  Sandusky,  proprietor  of  the  Sandusky  File  and  Saw  Manu- 
factory and  Repair  Factory,  was  born  in  Sandusky  in  1849,  and  was  married  in 
1873  to  Ellen  Kane,  who  was  born  in  Sandusky  in  1851.  They  have  had  a 
family  of  eight  children — Ellen,  Jacob,  Robert,  Thomas,  Albert,  Edwin,  Eugene 
and  Arthur.  Mr.  Buyer  in  early  life  became  engaged  in  the  tin,  copper  and 
sheet-iron  business,  and  in  1868  started  his  present  saw  and  file  manufacturing 
business,  giving  employment  to  seven  men,  and  to-day,  with  his  greatly  im- 
proved machinery,  employs  nine  men.  Jacob  was  a son  of  Nicholas  and  An- 
geline  (Hoeffel)  Buyer.  Nicholas  was  born  in  1812,  in  Bavaria,  and  emigrated 
to  America  and  settled  in  Tiffin.  Angeline  was  born  in  Lichtenburg,  France, 
in  1816.  They  were  married  in  Tiffin  in  1840,  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in 
1846.  They  have  nine  children  living:  Louis,  Cornelia,  Celia,  Jacob,  Edward, 
William,  George,  Henry  and  Angeline.  The  mother,  Angeline,  died  on  the 
4th  of  March,  1872,  and  Nicholas  died  December  r,  1887. 

Carpenter,  Charles,  Kelley’s  Island,  one  of  the  prominent  pioneers  of  Kel- 
ley’s Island,  was  born  in  Norwich,  New  London  county.  Conn.,  in  1810,  and 
was  a son  of  Gardner  and  Mary  (Huntington)  Carpenter,  who  had  a family  of 
five  sons  and  one  daughter,  but  two  of  the  children  are  now  living,  Gardner, 
jr.,  born  in  1802,  and  Charles.  One  son,  George,  and  the  daughter,  Mrs.  Les- 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


553- 


ter,  both  died  leaving  families.  Charles’  received  a liberal  education,  and  in 
1830  became  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  cords  and  twine,  but  by  too  close 
application  to  business  his  health  became  impaired,  and  he  went  South  on  a 
trip.  After  his  return  his  mill  and  property  was  destroyed  by  fire.  He  then 
came  to  Kelley’s  Island  on  a visit,  where  he  found  employment,  and  here  he 
remained.  He  was  married  in  1 844  to  Caroline  Kelley,  a daughter  of  Datus  and 
Sarah  Kelley.  They  have  had  a family  of  four  children,  Lester,  Alida,  now  Mrs. 
Seton  ; Mary,  now  Mrs.  Ward  ; and  Sara,  now  Mrs.  Moysey.  Mr.  Carpenter 
purchased  his  farm  of  124  acres  in  1844.  He  purchased  the  farm  with  accom- 
panying farm  tools  and  stock  from  Horace  Kelley  on  credit,  he  having  no 
capital  at  the  time.  He  then  became  engaged  in  the  lime  and  building  stone 
business,  having  many  government  contracts.  He  retired  from  the  stone  busi- 
ness in  1863.  He  first  became  engaged  in  the  grape  culture  in  1844,  and 
erected  the  first  wine  cellar  north  of  Cincinnati  in  1851,  and  became  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  pure  grape  wine.  He  retired  from  active  business  some 
time  afterward,  selling  his  wine  cellar  to  the  Kelley  Island  Wine  Company.  He 
now  devotes  his  entire  attention  to  his  vineyard,  peach  orchard,  and  the  culti- 
vation of  a great  variety  of  smaller  fruits.  The  Kelley  Island  Wine  Company 
was  formed  in  1886,  and  rented  Mr.  Carpenter’s  cellars  and  some  years  later 
purchased  the  property. 

Carpenter,  Mrs.  Jane  A.,  Huron,  was  born  in  Greenwich,  Fairfield  county,. 
Conn.,  in  1823,  and  was  a daughter  of  Charles  and  Maria  (Brown)  Brun- 
dydge,  who  settled  in  New  London,  Huron  county,  in  1832,  and  later  in 
Williams  county,  where  Mrs.  Brundyge  died  in  i877,leaving  a family  of  three 
children:  Jane  A.,  Phebe,  now  Mrs.  D.  Thomas;  and  Charles  Henry.  Jane 
A.  was  married  in  1843  to  David  S.  Carpenter,  who  was  born  in  Westchester 
county,  N.  Y.,  in  1818,  and  with  his  parents  settled  in  New  London,  Huron 
county,  when  he  was  a child.  The  parents  had  a family  of  eleven  children, 
but  one  of  whom  is  now  living,  Mrs.  Eliza  Hallday.  Mr.  David  S.  Carpenter 
purchased  his  homestead  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  and  erected  his  fine  resi- 
dence thereon  in  1859.  He  died  September  16,  1877,  leaving  a widow. 

Car  Skaden,  William,  Oxford,  North  Monroeville  p.  o.,  one  of  the  repre- 
sentative men  of  his  town,  was  born  in  Luzerne  county.  Pa.,  in  1826,  and  was 
a son  of  Anson  and  Sarah  Car  Skaden.  Anson  served  in  the  War  of  1812-14. 
William  Car  Skaden  learned  the  carpenter  and  joiner’s  trade  after  settling  in 
Ohio.  October  28,  1843,  he  came  to  Cook’s  Corners,  Oxford  township,  where 
he  worked  for  his  brother  Henry,  who  was  then  engaged  in  the  carpenter’s 
trade,  and  also  in  the  manufacture  of  plows.  His  brother  Henry  died  in  1856. 
William  was  married  in  1848  to  Celucia  Jefferson.  They  have  two  sons  : Delos, 
born  in  1849,  and  Wilmer,  born  in  1868.  Celucia  was  a daughter  of  Willard 
and  Susanna  (Burt)  Jefferson.  Susanna  was  born  in  New  York  in  1797,  and 
Willard  was  born  in  Vermont  in  1796,  and  died  in  1884,  leaving  a widow  and 


.554 


History  of  Erie  County. 


eight  children.  Willard  served  in  the  War  of  1812.  He  was  married  and  set- 
tled in  Cattaraugus  county,  N.  Y.,  and  in  1835  came  to  Oxford  township. 
Delos  was  educated  at  the  Granville  University,  and  is  now  engaged  in  the 
publishing  interest  at  Chicago.  Wilmer  is  now  student  at  the  Granville  Uni- 
versity. Mr.  Car  Skaden  purchased  his  present  homestead  of  seventy  acres  in 
1851,  for  which  he  paid  $18  per  acre,  on  which  he  erected  his  own  build- 
ings. He  is  now  engaged  in  the  raising  of  blooded  stock.  He  was  trustee  of 
the  town  during  the  war. 

Caswell,  Calvin,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  one  of  the  representative  gen- 
tlemen of  his  county,  was  born  in  Steuben  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1819,  and  was  a 
son  of  Thomas  and  Elinor  (Force)  Caswell.  Elinor  was  born  in  New  Jersey, 
and  her  husband,  Thomas,  was  born  in  Massachusetts.  They  were  married  in 
Steuben  county.  Thomas  came  to  Margaretta  in  1836,  and  his  son,  Calvin, 
came  in  1838.  Thomas,  on  settlement  here,  purchased  a farm  of  500  acres. 
Here  they  commenced  clearing,  and  Calvin  now  owns  and  occupies  this  old 
homestead.  Thomas  and  Elinor  had  a family  of  seven  children  : Daniel,  Cal- 
vin, Elisha,  Emily,  Julia,  Walter  and  Obert.  Three  are  now  living:  Calvin, 
Dr.  Walter,  of  New  York  city,  and  Obert,  a lawyer  of  Iowa.  Thomas  died  in 
1853,  and  his  wife  in  1882,  aged  eighty-six  years.  Walter  served  in  the  army 
as  surgeon  of  the  loist  Regiment;  Obert  also  served  during  the  war,  and  was 
promoted  from  lieutenant  to  captain  of  his  company.  Calvin  Caswell  was  mar- 
ried in  1841  to  Louisa  Ellison,  of  Yates  county,  N.  Y.  She  died  in  1844,  leav- 
ing two  children — Emily  and  Mary  H.  Mr.  Caswell  married  his  second  wife, 
Mrs.  Serena  Caswell,  in  1855.  She  was  born  in  New  York,  and  had,  by  her 
first  husband,  Daniel  Caswell,  three  children,  two  now  living  : Milton  J.  and 
Erva.  Mr.  Caswell  has  been  county  commissioner  five  years.  He  is  now  en- 
gaged in  general  farming,  owning  a farm  of  525  acres. 

Clarkson,  Martin  C.,  Oxford,  Bloomingville  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Lincolnshire, 
England,  in  i8ii,was  married  in  1830  to  Maria  Smith,  who  was  born  in  i8ir. 
In  1837  they  emigrated  to  America  and  settled  in  Mansfield,  O.,  where  Mr. 
Clarkson  worked  at  his  trade,  that  of  a blacksmith.  In  1847  tliey  settled  in 
Sandusky,  where  he  found  work  in  the  S.  M.  & N.  R.  R.  shops  as  foreman. 
Here  he  remained  for  thirty-five  years,  when  he  resigned  in  1882,  and  settled 
on  his  farm  in  Oxford  township,  but  is  now  engaged  in  the  general  smithing 
business.  Maria  died  in  1872,  leaving  seven  children:  Mary  Ann,  Rebecca, 
Elizabeth,  Margaret,  Lucy,  George  and  Hattie.  Mr.  Clarkson  married  his  sec- 
ond wife,  Eliza  Frankenberger,  in  1874.  She  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1814. 
Mr.  Clarkson  united  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  1833,  and  soon 
became  a class- leader.  In  all  his  changes  of  residence  he  has  ever  been  active 
in  discharging  his  religious  duties.  Three  of  his  daughters  have  been  success- 
ful teachers.  His  residence  now  at  Bloomingville,  is  the  building  erected  by 
Messrs.  Luther  Cook  and  Judge  Colwell  in  1817,  for  banking  purposes. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


55? 


Cluever,  Herman,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Hanover,  Germany,  in  1854,  and 
was  a son  of  John  Cluever.  Herman  came  to  America  and  settled  in  San- 
dusky in  1870.  He  learned  the  baking  and  confectionery  business,  and  in 
1886  commenced  the  business  which  is  now  a successful  enterprise.  He  was 
married  in  1880  to  Minnie  Dahnk,  who  was  born  in  Sandusky,  and  was  a 
daughter  of  John  and  Minnie  (Neaman)  Dahnk,  who  were  among  the  early  set- 
tlers in  this  county.  John  died  in  1879  leaving  a widow  and  three  children  : 
William  C.,  Charles  and  Minnie. 

Collins,  Captain  Edward  Ross,  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  in  Jefferson  county,. 
N.  Y.,  in  1826,  and  was  a son  of  William  and  Sarah  (Crawford)  Collins.  Cap- 
tain Edward  worked  on  the  farm  with  his  father  until  1841,  when  he  entered 
the  employ  of  the  Messrs.  E.  G.  Merrick  & Co.,  Clayton,  N.  Y.,  then  engaged  in 
a large  lake  business.  He  remained  with  this  firm  for  six  years,  and  in  1847 
settled  in  Cleveland,  and  became  mate  of  the  propeller  Ohio,  and  several  other 
vessels  until  1855,  when  he  became  master  of  the  propeller  New  Englmid,  of 
the  American  Transportation  Company,  running  from  Buffalo  to  Toledo.  In 
1856  and  1857  he  was  captain  of  the  propeller  Sun,  of  650  tons,  and  belonging 
to  this  same  compan)c  in  1858-59  and  i860  captain  of  the  Nile,  running  from 
Buffalo  to  Chicago;  1861-62-63  of  the  Evergreen  City,  belonging  to  the  N. 
Y.  C.  R.  R.  Company.  In  1864  captain  of  the  steamer  Arctic,  and  in  1865 
became  interested  in  the  oil  business  in  Pennsylvania,  where  he  remained  until 
1874,  when  he  shipped  as  mate  of  City  of  Sa7idusky,  plying  between  Cleveland 
and  Port  Stanley,  Canada  ; 1877-78  captain  of  steamer  Elickox,  of  the  Kelley’s 
Island  Lime  Company,  and  in  1879-80-81  was  superintendent  of  the  quarries 
for  the  Kelley’s  Island  Lime  Company,  and  in  1882-83  leased  the  West  Bay 
stone  quarry,  which  he  purchased  in  the  fall  of  1883.  This  quarry  of  thirty 
acres  he  is  now  developing  with  great  success,  giving  employment  to  about 
forty  hands,  working  with  steam  power,  and  shipping  from  four  to  six  thou- 
sand cords  per  year.  Captain  Collins  was  married  in  Cleveland,  in  1854,  to 
Miss  Jane  Thompson  Clampitt.  She  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  and  settled 
with  her  parents  in  Cleveland,  November,  1834.  She  was  a daughter  of  Smith 
B.  Clampitt.  They  have  had  two  children,  Edward  Erank  and  Sarah  Jane. 

Conradi,  Christian,  Oxford,  Prout  p.  o.,  was  born  in  the  province  of  Nas- 
sau, Germany,  July  26,  1825,  and  was  a son  of  Anthony  Conradi.  Christian 
came  to  America  in  1852,  and  settled  in  Huron  county,  O.,  where  he  was  mar- 
ried in  1857,  to  Christina  Beilstein,  who  was  born  in  Hesse  Darmstadt,  in  1833. 
They  have  a family  of  five  children;  Philip  W.,  John  L.,  Anna  M.,  Jacob  and 
Catharine  Augusta.  Mr.  Conradi  settled  in  Oxford  in  1857,  and  purchased  a 
farm  of  51  acres.  He  now  has  a finely  cultivated  farm  of  153  acres. 

Coveil,  William  R.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Perkins  town- 
ship, September  22,  1818,  and  was  a son  of  Harvey  H.  and  Ora  (House)  Coveil, 
who  were  born  and  married  in  Glastonbury,  Conn.  Harvey  was  born  in  May,. 


556 


History  of  Erie  County. 


1791,  and  Ora  in  March,  1789.  They  were  married  December  28,  1812,  and 
came  to  Perkins  township  in  1815,  in  company  with  eleven  other  families. 
They  were  seven  weeks  and  four  days  in  making  the  journey,  coming  by  way 
of  Albany  and  Buffalo.  The  sufferings  endured  the  first  winter  beggar  de- 
scription. Harvey  and  Ora  had  a family  of  eight  children,  three  of  whom  are 
now  living;  William  R.,  Maria,  born  in  1823  ; and  George  I.,  born  in  1826. 
Harvey  died  in  1831,  and  his  wife  in  1844.  William  R.  Coveil  was  married 
in  1842  to  Jeanette  Henderson,  who  was  born  in  Chatham,  Middlesex  county, 
Conn,,  in  1822.  They  have  had  a family  of  eight  children:  William  H., 
Joseph  I.,  Charles  N , Mary  M.,  Sarah  A.,  Charlotte  E.,  M.  Abbie  and  Alice. 
Jeanette  was  a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Mary  A.  Henderson,  who  settled  in 
Perkins  in  1839.  Their  children  were,  Jeanette,  Joseph,  William,  Sarah,  Jer- 
ome, Charlotte  and  Henry. 

Cowell,  Alvin  T.,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  was  born  on  the  farm  where 
he  now  resides,  March  21,  1844,  and  was  married  in  1871  to  Catharine  Cooper. 
They  had  two  children,  only  one  now  living,  Fanny  Albertie,  born  November 
5,  1872.  Alvin  T.  is,  and  has  been,  trustee  for  five  years.  He  chose  farming 
as  his  occupation.  He  enlisted  in  Company  I,  145th  O.  V.  L,  May  2,  1864, 
serving  on  the  100  day  call,  and  was  discharged  at  Camp  Chase  at  the  end  of 
his  term  of  service.  His  brother  Martin  enlisted  in  1861,  in  the  72d  Ohio, 
and  was  taken  prisoner  and  held  at  Andersonville  for  nine  months.  Three 
times  he  made  an  effort  to  escape,  but  was  captured  each  time.  He  was  finally 
exchanged.  He  now  receives  a small  pension  as  a slight  compensation  for  in- 
juries received.  Alvin  T.  was  a son  of  Philip  S.  and  Mrs.  Anna  M.  (Snow) 
Cowell,  who  were  married  at  Margaretta,  October  12,  1826.  They  had  a fam- 
ily of  eight  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living  ; Martin,  Eleanor,  Lavina 
and  Alvin  T.  Philip  was  born  in  Bradford  county.  Pa.,  June  22,  1801,  and 
died  March  3,  1869.  Anna  M.  Cowell  was  a daughter  of  S}dvester  and  Lucy 
(Webster)  Osborne,  who  settled  in  Bloomingville,  O.,  in  1819,  coming  from 
Burlington,  Vt.,  with  a family  of  four  children,  one  daughter  and  three  sons: 
Anna  M , Salmon,  Saliman  and  Sylvester.  Anna  M.  was  born  in  1801,  and 
married  Erastus  Snow  in  1822.  He  died  leaving  one  son,  Charles  R.,  born 
July  5,  1824;  died  in  1881.  Erastus  settled  in  Margaretta  a few  years  pre- 
AdoLis  to  the  War  of  1812,  with  his  wife  and  family  of  four  children,  two  sons 
and  two  daughters.  His  wife  and  one  child  were  killed  by  the  Indians.  Their 
remains  were  found  and  buried  at  Margaretta.  The  other  three  children,  after 
a few  years,  went  West.  Mr.  Snow  built  the  first  small  log  mill  at  Castalia, 
soon  after  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  no  doubt  the  pioneer  of  the  town. 
Philip  S.  Cowell  was  born  at  Towanda,  Bradford  county.  Pa.,  and  settled  in 
Castalia  in  18  18. 

Cowel,  Joseph,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Lima,  Livingston 
county,  N.  Y.,  May  2,  1803,  and  was  a son  of  Joseph  and  Roxana  Cowel,  na- 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


557 


tives  of  Connecticut,  and  settled  in  Livingston  county,  where  they  remained 
until  1815,  when  they  came  to  Perkins  township  and  purchased  a farm  of  120 
acres,  for  which  they  paid  $6  per  acre.  Joseph  now  owns  70  acres  of  the  old 
homestead.  Joseph  Cowel  was  married  in  1830  to  Mary  Hubbard,  who  was 
born  in  Connecticut  in  1813.  They  have  had  a family  of  eight  children,  five 
of  whom  are  now  living:  Edwin,  Enoch,  William,  Joseph,  jr.,  and  George. 
Three  of  the  sons  served  in  the  late  war.  Enoch  enlisted  in  Company  F,  ist 
Ohio  Artillery,  in  April,  1864,  and  was  discharged  on  account  of  disability  in 
February,  1865  ; William  enlisted  in  1861  in  the  55th  Ohio,  and  served  for 
three  years;  John  enlisted  in  1862,  and  was  discharged  on  account  of  disa- 
bility, in  1864,  and  died  soon  after.  Ansel,  the  oldest  son,  and  the  only  one 
of  the  boys  married,  died,  leaving  a family. 

Crysinger,  Christian,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany, 
February  17,  1818,  and  was  a son  of  Christian  and  Catharine  (Hedwig)  Cry- 
singer,  who  were  married  in  Baden,  Germany,  and  came  to  Sandusky,  Erie 
county,  in  1832,  with  a family  of  four  children:  Christian,  jr.,  Catharine,  Tib- 
bie and  Laney.  Three  children  were  born  in  Perkins  township  : John,  Chris- 
tian and  Henry.  Christian,  who  was  born  in  1797,  died  in  1872  ; Catharine 
died  in  1852.  Christian,  jr.  was  married  in  1847,  to  Catharine  Rohrbacher, 
who  was  born  in  Germany,  in  1822.  They  have  had  a family  of  eight  child- 
ren: John,  Tilda,  Catharine,  Margaret,  Frederica,  Sarah,  Libbie  and  Anna. 
Catharine  came  to  America  with  her  mother,  Mrs.  Julia  Rohrbacher,  in  1846. 
Mr.  Crysinger  began  married  life  comparatively  poor.  He  worked  one  year 
at  the  railroad  depot  but  soon  turned  his  attention  to  farming,  and  purchased 
a farm  of  25  aci'es,  for  which  he  paid  $22  per  acre.  He  has  now  47  acres 
under  cultivation,  and  a very  comfortable  dwelling. 

Dahnke,  Charles,  Sandusky,  a dealer  in  groceries  and  provisions,  was  born 
in  Sandusky  in  1858,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Minnie  Dahnke.  John  died 
in  1879,  leaving  a widow  and  three  children:  William  C.,  Charles  and  Minnie. 
Charles  became  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  in  1877.  He  was  married 
that  same  year  to  Julia  Roth,  who  was  born  in  Sandusky,  in  1858.  They 
have  a family  of  three  children  : Mary,  Lizzie  and  Minnie. 

Dailey,  Fred.  W.,  Oxford,  Milan  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Oxford,  October  4, 
1851,  and  is  a son  of  Erastus  and  Phoebe  Dailey.  He  received  a liberal  edu- 
cation and  chose  farming  as  an  occupation;  was  married  September  24,  1884, 
to  Fannie  E.,  daughter  of  Robert  and  Mary  Killey,  of  Marblehead,  Ottawa 
county.  Two  children  have  been  born  to  them,  Robert  E.  and  Ethel  Wells. 

Daniel,  George,  Sandusky,  one  of  the  representative  men  of  the  county, 
was  born  in  Hesse  Darmstadt,  Germany,  in  1834,  and  was  a son  of  John  and 
Eva  Daniel,  who  came  to  America  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1847.  John 
was  a stone  cutter  by  trade.  He  died  in  1865,  leaving  a widow  and  one  son, 
George.  Eva  died  in  1872.  John  Daniel,  in  company  with  his  son,  George, 


71 


558 


History  of  Erie  County. 


purchased  a lot  on  which  they  erected  a store,  and  became  engaged  in  the 
general  grocery  and  provision  business.  In  1855  George  became  sole  own.er, 
and  in  1865  sold  the  business.  He  became  engaged  in  the  manufacture  ot 
grape  wine  in  1865,  a business  in  which  he  is  now  engaged,  having  storage 
for  20,000  gallons.  He  is  now  the  oldest  manufacturer  of  wines  in  the  county. 
He  has  held  many  of  the  city  offices.  He  was  elected  mayor  for  six  years; 
town  treasurer  in  1857  i councilman  for  four  terms,  and  president  of  the  board 
three  years.  He  was  elected  a member  of  the  board  of  equalization  of  prop- 
erty, in  1880,  representing  four  counties,  and  in  1884  was  appointed  by  Gov- 
ernor Hoadley,  commissioner  of  the  fishery  interest,  serving  as  treasurer  of  the 
same,  and  on  November  28,  1887,  was  appointed  postmaster.  He  was  mar- 
ried in  1855  to  Agnes  Iceman,  who  was  born  in  Erie  county,  N.  Y.  She  died 
August  14,  1883,  leaving  ten  children  : George  W.,  John  N.,  Frank  A.,  Ben- 
jamin W.,  Charles  A.,  Victor  Henry,  Mary,  Amelia,  Louisa  B.  and  Agnes  M. 
Mr.  Daniel  married  his  second  wife,  Claudine  Good,  March  9,  1886.  She  was 
born  in  Switzerland. 

Darling,  Emery  B.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Salisbury,  Ad- 
dison county,  Vt.,  in  1827,  and  was  a son  of  Pllnathan  and  Lucy  C.  (Corbett) 
Darling,  who  were  born  in  Connecticut.  They  settled  in  Vermont,  and  in 
1831  came  to  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  where  they  remained  until  1835, 
when  they  settled  in  Perkins  township,  Erie  county,  O.,  and  purchased  a 
homestead  farm  of  100  acres.  Lucy  died  in  1835,  leaving  three  children,  of 
whom  Emery  B.  is  now  the  only  surviving  one.  Elnathan  married  for  his 
third  wife  Sarah  F"aulkner.  They  had  one  daughter,  Amelia,  now  Mrs.  Con- 
verse. Elnathan  was  a blacksmith  in  early  life,  after  which  he  became  en- 
gaged in  the  hotel  business,  and  then  went  into  the  mercantile  business.  He 
was  sheriff  of  Rutland  county  for  several  years.  After  settling  in  Ohio  he  be- 
came engaged  in  farming.  He  was  born  in  April,  1782,  and  died  September 
13,  1870.  Emery  B.  now  owns  and  occupies  the  old  homestead.  He  re- 
sponded to  the  call  for  the  100  day  soldiers,  and  enlisted  in  Company  B,  145th 
Ohio  Regiment,  and  was  discharged  in  August,  1864.  He  served  as  express 
messenger  for  two  years. 

De  Lamatre,  Belding,  Oxford,  Kimball  p.  o.,  settled  in  O.xford  township  in 
1844,  and  purchased  a farm  of  937  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $3  per  acre.  He 
was  born  in  Hyde  Park,  N.  Y.,  in  1819,  and  died  in  i88>.  He  was  married 
to  Elizabeth  O’Leary,  in  Oxford  township,  in  1848,  and  had  a family  of  six 
children,  of  whom  five  are  living:  Belding,  jr.,  Carrie  E.,  James  C.,  Clayton 
W.,  and  Grace  J.  Mr.  De  Lamatre  was  a large  stock  drover  and  feeder.  He 

was  engaged  in  taking  large  droves  to  the  New  York  market  via  land,  having 

at  one  time  218  oxen  shod  for  the  journey,  which  lasted  about  sixty  days. 
Mr.  De  Lamatre  improved  his  farm,  built  a large  brick  farmhouse,  also  barn 

and  other  buildings.  He  was  interested  at  one  time  in  grape  growing  on 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


559 


Kelley’s  Island.  For  the  last  few  years  he  turned  his  attention  to  sheep  rais- 
ing. Mrs.  De  Lamatre  still  lives  on  the  old  homestead,  but  spends  much  of 
her  time  traveling.  Her  daughter,  Grace,  who  is  still  single,  lives  with  her 
mother.  Belding,  jr.  was  married  in  1873,  to  Annie  Wilson,  who  died  in  1877, 
leaving  one  child,  Maro  Mackey.  He  married  his  second  wife,  Emma  James, 
in  1880.  They  had  two  children,  Hallie  Austin  and  Grace  E.  Belding  jr. 
and  James  C.  manage  the  farm,  which  contains  550  acres.  Carrie  E.  married 
M.  J.  Love  ; James  C.  married  Mary  Garlic  in  1887  ; C W.  De  Lamatre  mar- 
ried Martha  Sargeant,  in  1887,  who  moved  with  her  husband  to  Omaha,  where 
C.  W.  has  a large  law  practice.  Clayton  received  a college  education,  and 
was  a graduate  from  the  Cincinnati  Law  School ; was  admitted  to  the  bar  in 
1886.  They  have  one  child,  Harrison  C. 

Devlin,  Samuel,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  an  extensive  farmer  and  dealer  in 
stock  was  born  in  Delaware  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1832,  and  was  a son  of  Walter 
and  Jane  (Foster)  Devlin,  who  were  married  in  Ireland,  and  settled  in  New 
York  with  one  daughter,  Margaret,  in  1836.  They  came  to  Perkins  township, 
Ohio,  where  they  died.  They  had  a family  of  ten  children,  seven  of  whom  are 
now  living  : Margaret,  Mary  Jane,  Samuel,  Walter,  jr , Nancy,  Matilda  and 
Fannie.  Mr.  Devlin  was  married  in  1872  to  Nettie  Hinds,  who  was  born  in 
Huron,  and  was  a daughter  of  Edward  and  Theodosia  Hinds.  Samuel  and 
Nettie  have  a family  of  four  children,  Samuel  J.,  Belle,  Walter  and  Rosa.  Mr. 
Devlin  now  owns  a farm  of  300  acres. 

Deyo,  Dr.  John  Palmer,  Groton,  Bellevue  p.  o.,  was  born  in  New  Paltz,  Ul- 
ster county,  N.  Y.,  in  1804,  and  was  a son  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Ketcham) 
Deyo,  who,  with  their  son,  Hiram,  came  to  Groton  in  1831  and  purchased  a 
tract  of  1,200  acres,  for  which  they  paid  $1.25  per  acre.  They  had  a family 
of  five  children;  Ruth,  Hiram,  Dr.  John  P.,  Maria  and  Patience.  John  is  now 
the  only  surviving  one.  Hiram  was  married  in  Erie  county,  N.  Y , and  settled 
in  Erie  county,  O.,  in  1831,  where  he  died  in  1845,  leaving  a widow  and  eight 
children.  John  P.  was  graduated  from  the  Geneva  College,  N.  Y.,  in  the  class 
of  1826,  being  a classmate  of  ex-Governors  Seymour  and  Hunt  of  New  York. 
He  was  graduated  from  the  Hamilton  Medical  College  of  New  York  in  1827, 
and  settled  in  North  Carolina  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  February, 
1833  ; settled  in  Groton,  where  he  also  practiced  his  profession  until  the  death 
of  his  father  in  1838,  when  he  settled  on  the  old  homestead  farm  and  became 
engaged  in  farming.  His  mother  was  born  in  1775  and  died  in  1861.  John 
P.  was  married  in  1836  to  Sarah  Ann  Foster,  who  was  born  in  Tonawanda, 
Erie  county,  N.  Y.  She  died  September  14,  1887,  leaving  six  sons  and  one 
daughter,  Maria,  Allen,  Hiram,  Frank,  Bardeen,  Delevan  and  Fred. 

Deyo,  Otis  P.,  Groton,  Bellevue  p.  o.,  one  of  the  representative  men  of 
Erie  county  was  born  in  Groton  township  February  7,  1843,  and  was  a son  of 
Hiram  and  Rachel  (Coe)  Deyo.  Rachel  was  born  in  New  Jersey,  September 


560 


History  of  Erie  County. 


13,  1824,  and  was  a daughter  of  Matthew  and  Martha  Coe,  who  died  in  New 
York  State.  Hiram  was  born  in  New  Paltz,  Ulster  county,  N.  Y.,  September 
22,  1802,  and  came  to  Groton  in  the  fall  of  1831,  when  he  purchased  about 
1,300  acres  at  $1.25  per  acre.  He  sold  his  father  400  acres  for  $3  per  acre. 
His  father  and  family  settled  in  Groton  in  1832,  where  they  died.  They  were 
Willi.im  and  Elizabeth  (Ketcham)  Deyo.  They  had  a family  of  two  sons  and 
three  daughters,  Ruth,  Hiram,  John  P.,  Maria  and  Patience.  John  P.  is  now 
the  only  one  living.  Hiram  died  in  1 845,  leaving  a widowand  eight  children,  six 
sons  and  one  daughter  of  whom  are  now  living:  George,  Denton,  Eestus,  Charles, 
Rosanna,  William  and  Otis  B.  Erastus  died  leaving  a widow  and  two  children. 
Denton  enlisted  in  Sherman’s  regiment  of  sharpshooters  in  1863.  Otis  B.  was 
married  December  5,  1867,  to  Augusta  Eord,  who  was  born  in  Groton  in  1847. 
They  have  had  a family  of  three  children,  two  are  now  living.  Royal  C.,  born 
December  28,  1875  ; and  Ernest  P'.,  born  in  November,  1880.  Augusta  was 
a daughter  of  James  and  Mary  A.  (Rowcliff)  Ford,  who  were  born  in  England. 

Dilger,  William,  Sandusky,  florist  and  landscape  gardener  of  Sandusky, 
was  born  in  Sandusky  in  1857,  and  was  a son  of  Rudolph  and  Mary  (Ruem- 
meli)  Dilger,  who  were  natives  of  Germany,  but  came  to  this  country  at  an 
early  date.  They  died  in  Sandusky  when  William  was  quite  young.  Three 
of  their  children  are  now  living:  Amalia,  William  and  Albert.  Mr.  Dilger  was 
apprenticed  to  his  profession.  He  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1878,  where  he  be- 
came engaged  in  his  present  occupation.  His  buildings  are  covered  with  6,500 
square  feet  of  glass,  and  he  has  one  of  the  largest,  as  well  as  choicest  La  Marque 
rose  trees  in  the  country.  It  is  now  fourteen  years  old,  covering  a space  22 
by  44  feet,  and  in  1887  had  over  nine  thousand  buds  and  blossoms.  Mr.  Dil- 
ger was  married  in  1876  to  Esther  Leach,  of  Indianapolis.  She  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania.  They  have  had  a family  of  four  children,  Stella  M.,  William  H., 
Royal  L.  and  Hazel  W. 

Doerflinger,  John  W.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Sandusky  in  1856,  and  was 
married  in  November,  1886,  to  Anna  Schlenk,  who  was  also  born  in  Sandusky. 
They  have  one  son,  Edgar  F.,  born  March  20,  1888.  John  W.  was  a son  of 
Charles  P'.  and  Margaret  (Maul)  Doerflinger,  who  were  born  in  Germany,  and 
settled  in  Sandusky  about  1834.  They  have  had  a family  of  five  children, 
Charles,  born  in  1848;  Christina,  John  W.,  Louisa  and  Frank.  John  W.  be- 
came a partner  in  the  Germania  Basket  Company,  which  was  organized  in 
1881  by  Charles  Doerflinger  and  C.  W.  Koegle.  John  purchased  his  interest 
in  1884.  They  now  give  employment  to  about  thirty-five  hands,  and  produce 
about  six  hundred  thousand  baskets  per  season,  which  are  consumed  by  the 
home  peach  and  grape  production. 

Dorn,  John  G.,  Sandusky,  a manufacturer  of  grape  wine  and  brandy,  and 
also  engaged  in  the  wholesale  ice  business,  was  born  at  Cincinnati  in  1861, 
and  was  a son  of  John  Philip  and  Margaret  Dorn,  who  were  married  in  Cincin- 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


561 


nati  in  1854.  She  was  born  in  Bavaria,  and  came  to  Cincinnati  in  1852.  Her 
husband  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany.  Margaret  died  November  12,  1885, 
and  her  husband  January  31,  1886,  They  had  a family  of  four  children,  two 
■died  at  an  early  age,  John  C.  and  Catharine  M.  are  now  living.  Mr.  Dorn 
settled  in  Sandusky  in  1866  and  became  engaged  in  the  brewing  business,  be- 
ing a member  of  the  firm  of  Sorgel,  Dorn  & Raible.  He  sold  his  interest  in 
this  business  in  1870  and  became  engaged  in  the  grape  wine  and  brandy  busi- 
ness. His  son,  John  G.,  is  his  successor.  He  manufactures  125,000  gallons 
•of  wine,  and  has  a vineyard  of  sixty-five  acres. 

Dreher,  Lawrence,  Margaretta,  Venice  p.  o.,  an  extensive  and  successful 
farmer  of  Margaretta,  having  a farm  of  400  acres  of  the  best  land  in  the  town- 
ship, was  born  in  Kirchhoffen,  Baden,  Germany,  August  10,  1834,  and  came 
to  America  in  1854  and  settled  in  Sandusky,  a poor  young  man,  where  he 
found  employment  chopping  wood  for  John  Homegardner,  with  whom  he  re- 
mained until  1855,  when  he,  in  company  with  three  others,  went  to  Middle 
Bass  Island,  Lake  Erie,  in  the  interest  of  the  steamboat  company,  having  a con- 
tract to  chop  500  cords  of  wood  for  that  company.  In  1856-57  Mr.  Dreher 
lived  at  Put-in-bay,  there  being  only  six  families  on  the  island  at  that  time. 
Here  he  was  engaged  in  chopping  and  clearing,  and  in  1858  settled  in  Marga- 
retta, where  he  purchased  his  homestead  of  sixty  acres,  for  which  he  paid  forty 
dollars  per  acre.  Lie  was  married  in  1859  to  Emma  Fo.x,  who  was  born  in 
Bavaria.  They  have  had  two  children  : Emma,  born  December  16,  1859,  and 
Heni')^  born  May  19,  1861.  Emma  was  born  in  1835,  and  came  to  Wyandotte 
county,  Ohio,  in  June,  1856,  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1857.  Her  parents 
died  in  Germany,  and  she,  in  company  with  her  three  brothers,  settled  in  Wyan- 
dotte county  in  1856.  After  residing  here  thirty  years,  she  returned  November 
1st,  1886,  to  Germany  for  a three  months  visit.  She  is  now  engaged  in  taking 
charge  of  the  farm,  and  raises  large  quantities  of  grapes  besides  other  fruits. 

Drumm,  Karl,  Oxford,  Kimball  p.  o.,  was  born  in  St.  Julian,  Rhein  Pfalz, 
Bayern  Province,  Germany,  and  was  the  second  son  of  Abraham  and  Catha- 
rine Drumm,  who  had  a family  of  six  children,  four  of  whom  came  to  America  : 
Abraham  jr.,  Charles,  Catharine  and  Christopher.  Charles  came  in  1855,  and 
settled  in  Huron  county,  O.,  where  he  and  his  brother,  Christopher,  hired  a 
farm,  and  afterward  they  purchased  his  present  home  of  one  hundred  acres,  in 
Oxford  township,  Erie  county,  for  which  they  paid  three  thousand  dollars, 
after  which  they  dissolved  partnership,  and  Christopher  then  purchased  a farm 
in  Milan  township.  Charles  has  improved  his  land,  and  erected  a fi.ne  dwell- 
ing and  other  farm  buildings.  He  was  married  in  1861  to  Barbara  Catharine 
Slessman,  daughter  of  Martin  and  Mary  Elizabeth  Slessman,  who  had  a family 
of  six  children,  of  which  she  was  the  oldest,  and  was  born  in  Adams  township, 
Seneca  county,  O.,  in  1838.  They  have  two  daughters,  Henrietta  and  Mary 
Elizabeth.  Elizabeth  was  married  in  1880  to  Fred  Justie.  They  have  four 
children  ; Charles  Christopher,  Henry,  Emma  and  Catharine  Henrietta. 


562 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Dwight,  Oscar,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Livingston  county, 
N.  Y.,  in  1838,  and  was  a son  of  Roswell  and  Eloisa  (Skidmore)  Dwight.  She 
was  born  in  Vermont  in  1812  ; Roswell  was  born  in  Hatfield,  Mass.,  in  August, 
1813,  and  they  were  married  in  Avon,  N.  Y.,  in  1837.  Dwight  visited 

Margaretta  in  1833  and  returned  to  Livingston  county.  After  his  marriage 
they  settled  in  Margaretta,  in  1838,  with  one  son.  They  had  a family  of  eight 
children  : Oscar,  Eveline,  Mary  L.,  Henry,  Emily,  Albert,  Fred  and  Frank. 
Mary  L.  married  John  Wilson,  and  died  leaving  a family  ; Emily  married  Mr. 
Coughenour  ; and  Eveline  married  a Mr.  Bardsher.  Roswell  Dwight  died  in 
July,  1887.  His  wife,  Eloisa,  was  a daughter  of  Philo  and  Elizabeth  (Patter- 
son) Skidmore.  His  wife  died  in  Vermont,  and  Philo  came  to  Ohio,  where  he 
resided  with  his  daughter  from  1866  to  1868,  when  he  died,  aged  84  years. 
Oscar  enlisted  in  Company  G.,  101  st  regiment,  in  January,  1864,  served  to 
the  close  of  the  war,  when  he  was  discharged  November,  1865.  Henry  en- 
listed in  Company  G,  loist  regiment,  in  1862,  and  was  discharged  with  his 
regiment  in  1865.  During  service  he  was  transferred  to  the  51st  Ohio  Regi- 
ment. Oscar  was  married  in  1868  to  Harriet  Jones,  who  was  born  in  Nunda, 
Livingston  county,  N.  Y.,  and  was  a daughter  of  Henry  C.  and  Pelina  Jones, 
who  settled  here  in  1850. 

Eddy,  Joseph,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  an  early  settler  in  Perkins  town- 
ship, was  born  in  Chatham,  Tolland  county.  Conn.,  in  September,  1815,  and 
was  a son  of  Roswell  and  Hannah  (Taylor)  Eddy,  who  settled  in  Perkins  town- 
ship in  1817.  They  had  a family  of  six  children,  four  daughters  and  two  sons. 
Edwin,  Joseph  and  Caroline  are  now  living.  Joseph  was  married  in  1841  to 
Caroline  Akins.  They  had  three  daughters,  two  of  whom  are  now  living, 
Mary  and  Mattie.  Caroline  died  in  1883.  She  was  a daughter  of  John  Akins, 
of  Connecticut.  Mr.  Eddy  now  owns  the  farm  which  was  purchased  by  his 
father  on  settlement;  it  comprises  162-^  acres.  He  is  engaged  in  buying  and 
selling  stock.  P'rank  A.  Akins  was  born  in  Mayfield,  Cuyahoga  county,  O., 
in  January,  1849,  and  married  in  October,  1876,  to  Mattie  E.  Eddy.  They 
have  one  child,  Cora  M.  Mr.  Akins  received  his  education  at  the  public 
schools,  and  afterwards  taught  for  several  years.  He  settled  in  Perkins  town- 
ship in  1876,  where  he  became  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  and  the  sale 
of  farm  implements. 

Eichenlaub,  Valentine,  Groton,  Sand  FLU  p.  o.,  a representative  German 
farmer  of  his  town,  was  born  in  Alsace,  Germany,  in  1832,  and  was  a son  of 
Michael  and  Elizabeth  Eichenlaub,  who  had  a family  of  ten  children,  three  of 
whom  died  in  Germany,  and  seven  came  to  America.  George  came  in  1848 
and  settled  in  Milan  ; Valentine  in  1851,  and  the  parents  and  other  five  came 
to  Seneca  in  1853,  where  Valentine  first  settled.  The  five  children  were: 
Jacob,  Elizabeth,  Michael,  Julia  and  Louis.  The  mother,  Elizabeth,  died  in 
Seneca  in  1863,  and  the  father  settled  in  Groton  in  1865,  where  he  died  in 
1881.  Two  sons  served  in  the  war,  George  and  Louis.  Valentine  was  mar- 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


563 


ried  in  1859  to  Catharine  Brendel,  of  Sandusky.  She  died  in  1861,  leaving 
two  children.  Valentine  married  his  second  wife,  Barbara  Juengling,  in  1863. 
She  was  born  in  Germany  in  1841.  They  have  had  a family  of  five  children. 
Of  the  seven,  six  are  now  living:  Emma,  Samuel,  Elizabeth,  Mary,  Valentine 
jr.,  and  Louisa.  Valentine  purchased  his  farm  in  Groton  of  160  acres  in  1862, 
for  which  he  paid  forty  dollars  per  acre.  He  has  been  trustee  of  the  town  for 
ten  years. 

Elfers,  Erederick,  Kelley’s  Island,  merchant,  grape  grower,  and  postmaster 
of  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  in  Hanover,  Germany,  in  1846.  His  father  died 
when  Frederick  was  about  seven  years  old.  Frederick  came  to  America 
some  time  in  July,  1861,  and  has  lived  on  the  island  ever  since.  His  first  em- 
ployment was  working  in  the  vineyard,  and  later  in  the  fall  attended  school  to 
become  familiar  with  the  English  language.  In  1865,  when  but  nineteen  years 
old,  he  started  in  business  for  himself,  leasing  a vineyard  of  five  and  one-half 
acres  from  Addison  Kelley,  working  the  vineyard  for  one-half  of  the  crop,  for 
the  term  of  ten  years.  After  the  ten  years  were  up  Frederick  worked  the  vine- 
yard from  year  to  year;  and  up  to  the  present  season  (1888)  he  has  worked 
said  vineyard  for  twenty-three  years,  by  all  means  the  longest  lease  on  record 
on  the  island.  He  was  married  in  April,  1871,  to  Sophia  Koster,  also  a native 
of  Hanover,  Germany.  Their  family  consists  of  five  children,  Emma,  Arnold, 
Nellie,  Herbert  and  Helen.  Arnold,  now  fourteen  years  old,  is  helping  his 
father  in  the  post-office  and  store  when  his  time  is  not  occupied  by  school 
hours.  Emma  is  using  her  spare  time  for  studying  music.  In  1876  Frederick 
became  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business,  when,  in  the  spring  of  1876,  he 
started  the  second  store  on  the  island,  an  undertaking  at  that  time  looked  upon 
by  some  of  the  wisest  heads  on  the  island  as  certainly  destined  to  be  a fail- 
ure, and  predictions  were  made  at  that  time,  that  “six  months  will  wind  that 
business  up,”  arguing  from  the  standpoint,  that  a man  having  had  no  previous 
experience  as  a merchant  could  not  succeed  as  such  on  the  island  without  many 
friends  and  a big  barrel  of  monej/.  Frederick  paid  no  attention  to  all  such  re- 
marks, but  finished  his  store  building,  and  then  bought  a stock  of  merchan- 
dise, giving  notice  to  the  public  also  to  come  and  inspect  his  stock  of  goods 
and  prices,  and  waited  for  the  results,  and  strange  to  say  the  business  prospered, 
and  Frederick  has  been  successful  ever  since.  He  is  a firm  believer  in  the  old 
adage,  “wherever  there  is  a will  there  is  a way.”  On  September  7,  1885, 
he  was  appointed  postmaster  of  the  island,  and  holds  the  same  office  still.  He 
has  served  as  deputy  treasurer  of  Erie  county  for  six  years.  Another  fact 
worthy  of  mention  for  Erie  county  might  be,  that  Mr.  F.  Elfers  introduced  the 
first  system  of  electric  lighting  in  Erie  county,  and  is  still  the  only  person  using 
electric  light  on  the  island.  An  arc  light  plant,  of  the  Thomson-Housten  sys- 
tem, was  purchased  by  Mr.  Elfers  in  April,  1885,  and  put  in  operation  in  June, 
1885,  thus  making  it  the  first  in  Erie  county  at  that  time.  His  store  building 


564 


History  of  Erie  County. 


is  equipped  with  an  engine  and  boiler  and  steam  heater.  Mr.  Elfers  carries  a 
general  stock  of  merchandise,  dry  goods,  notions,  boots  and  shoes,  groceries, 
queensware,  hardware,  and,  in  short,  everything  which  is  usually  kept  in  a 
large  general  store.  Mr.  Elfers  is  one  of  the  representative  and  most  promi- 
nent men  of  his  county. 

Epple,  Gottlieb,  jr.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  March 
15,  1831,  and  was  a son  of  Gottlieb  and  Margaret  (Keeller)  Epple.  Gottlieb, 
jr.,  emigrated  to  America  in  1851,  and  visited  Philadelphia,  and  in  July  settled 
in  Sandusky,  where  he  became  engaged  in  farming.  He  was  married  in  1856 
to  Louisa  Wise,  of  Sandusky.  They  have  one  adopted  son,  Frederick  Epple, 
born  in  1856.  Louisa  was  born  in  Prussia,  and  was  a daughter  of  Emanuel 
and  P'rederica  (Fear)  Wise,  who  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1851.  Mr.  Epple  be- 
came engaged  in  the  lumber  and  saloon  business  in  1865,  and  in  1869  pur- 
chased a lot  and  erected  his  present  store  and  dwelling.  In  1876  he  purchased 
his  carts  and  street  sprinkling  outfit,  and  now  runs  four  carts. 

Ernst,  Conrad,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1830,  and  was 
a son  of  Joseph  and  Gertrude  Pirnst.  Conrad  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1850, 
and  became  engaged  as  a machinist.  He  retired  from  this  business  in  i860, 
and  purchased  ground  and  became  engaged  in  the  culture  of  grapes  and  the 
manufacture  of  wine.  In  1874  he  erected  his  present  wine  cellar,  which  now  has 
capacity  for  35,000  gallons.  He  manufactures  a fine  line  of  grape  brandies  and 
wines.  He  was  married  in  1855  to  Philophena  Ohlemacher,  who  was  born  in 
Germany  in  1838.  They  have  nine  children  : Adolph,  Henry,  Fred,  Theodore, 
Julia,  Amelia,  Tena,  Louisa  and  Ida.  Mrs.  Ernst  was  a daughter  of  Henry 
and  Catharine  Ohlemacher,  early  settlers  in  Sandusky. 

Esch,  William  F.,  Huron,  the  general  blacksmith,  wagon  and  carriage  fin- 
isher and  repairer  of  farm  implements,  was  born  in  Germany  in  1861,  and  was 
a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Esch.  William  F.  emigrated  to  America  in  1881. 
He  learned  the  blacksmith  trade  at  his  home  in  Germany,  and  on  his  arrival 
in  this  country  found  employment  at  Cleveland,  and  in  1882  came  to  Huron. 
In  1885  he  purchased  and  fitted  up  his  present  shop  and  factory,  and  became 
engaged  in  his  present  smithing  business,  making  horseshoeing  a specialty. 
He  was  married  May  10,  1887,  to  Mary  Mainzer,  of  Perkins  township.  She 
was  a daughter  of  Peter  Mainzer,  of  Perkins  township. 

Pistes,  James,  jr.,  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  on  Kelley’s  Island  in  August, 
1845,  was  a son  of  James  and  Adeline  (Andrews)  Estes,  who  were  born 
in  New  York  State,  Adeline  in  Genesee  county  in  1819,  and  James  in  1814. 
They  were  married  April  27,  1844,  and  settled  on  Kelley’s  Island  that  same 
year,  where  Mr.  Estes  purchased  a farm  of  one  hundred  acres,  for  which  he 
paid  $8  per  acre,  and  on  which  he  erected  a first-class  hewn  log-cabin.  He 
died  in  1845,  leaving  a widow  and  one  son,  James,  jr.  Mrs.  Estes  started  a 
vineyard  of  one  hundred  vines  in  1857,  which  has  since  increased,  and  now 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


565 


consists  of  thirty-seven  acres.  James,  jr.,  is  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of 
grapes,  peaches,  apples  and  pears,  and  has  erected  one  of  the  finest  farm  resi- 
dences on  the  island.  In  1886  he  became  one  of  the  stockholders  in  the  Kel- 
ley’s Island  Wine  Company.  He  served,  during  the  late  war,  on  the  call  for 
lOO-day  men.  He  has  been  trustee  and  councilman  of  the  township. 

Everschwine,  Jacob,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  the  kingdom  of  Wurtemburg, 
German}^  in  1822,  and  was  a son  of  Christian  Everschwine,  who  with  his 
three  sons  and  two  daughters,  Jacob,  Christian,  jr.,  Fred.,  Rachel  and  Eliza- 
beth emigrated  to  America,  and  the  father  and  four  children  settled  in  San- 
dusky in  1847,  where  Christian  died  in  i860.  Jacob  settled  in  Syracuse,  N. 
Y.,  in  1847,  and  became  engaged  in  stonecutting  and  boiling  salt.  That  same 
year  he  enlisted  in  the  United  States  army,  serving  during  the  Mexican  war 
under  General  Scott,  and  was  discharged  at  St.  Louis.  He  settled  in  Sandusky 
in  1851,  and  was  married  in  1853  to  Barbara  Smith.  They  have  a family  of 
six  children  now  living:  Rosa,  Conrad,  Frederica,  Margaret,  John  and  Henry. 
Mr.  Everschwine  is  now  retired.  He  settled  on  his  present  homestead  in  1866. 
His  wife,  Barbara,  was  born  in  Wurtemburg  in  1831. 

Faber,  Henry,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Hesse  Cassel,  Ger- 
many, November  2,  1831.  He  came  to  New  York  in  1846,  and  in  1848  set- 
tled in  Sandusky,  where  he  remained  until  1850,  when  he  went  to  Detroit. 
March  4,  1852,  he  joined  a company  of  42  persons,  and  started  for  California 
by  overland  route  via  Salt  Lake.  They  lost  seven  men  and  eight  horses  on 
their  journey,  and  arrived  in  California  in  August,  1852.  He  remained  here 
five  years  engaged  in  mining  and  prospecting,  and  returned  home  via  the  Pan- 
ama route.  He  again  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1857,  where  he  purchased  his 
present  homestead  farm  of  100  acres.  He  was  married  in  1857  to  Elizabeth 
Zund,  who  was  born  in  Pennsylvania.  She  died  January  28,  1885.  They  had 
a family  of  six  children  : Joseph,  Lewis,  Lena,  Fred,  Henry  and  Philomena. 
Mr.  Faber’s  father  died  in  Germany  in  1835,  leaving  a widow  and  three  chil- 
dren, who  all  came  to  America. 

Falk,  John  A.,  Sandusky,  a notary  public,  and  fire,  life  andjaccident  insur- 
ance agent,  was  born  in  Hesse  Darmstadt,  Germany,  September  21,  1825.  He 
was  educated  in  Gerprany,  and  became  engaged  in  teaching.  In  185  i he  came 
to  America,  and  settled  in  Pittsburg,  Pa.,  where  he  taught  until  1856,  when  he 
was  called  to  Rochester  as  a teacher  in  German,  and  in  1861  went  to  a larger 
field  of  usefulness  in  Chicago,  and  after  the  large  fire  there  he  settled  in  San- 
dusky, where  he  taught  until  1877,  when  he  resigned  his  position  in  the  Ger- 
man department  of  the  Sandusky  High  School,  and  became  engaged  in  his 
present  business.  His  first  wife  was  Wilhelmine  Franziska  Roessing.  They 
had  a family  of  five  children;  Theodore,  Louis,  Rudolph,  John,  Adam  and 
Florence.  All  the  children  are  now  residents  of  Chicago.  He  married  his  sec- 
ond wife,  Louisa  C.  Sandway,  in  Chicago  in  1864.  They  have  a family  of  three 
children  now  living:  Edward  S.,  Bertha  and  Louisa.  72 


566 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Federer,  Frederick,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Grossheppacli,  Wurtemburg,. 
Germany,  in  1821,  and  was  a son  of  Frederick  and  Henrietta  Federer,  who  had 
a family  of  four  children,  three  of  whom  came  to  America:  Gottleib,  Frederick 
and  Henrietta,  Christian  resides  in  Germany,  Gottleib  died  in  Chicago,  Ilk, 
in  1887,  and  Henrietta  resides  in  Philadelphia.  Pa.  Frederick  emigrated  to 
America  in  1848,  and  settled  in  Sandusky,  O.,  in  1849.  He  was  married  in 
1847,  Switzerland,  to  Zelaide  Olempe  Callame,  of  French  descent.  She  was 
born  in  P'errier  county,  Berne,  Switzerland.  She  died  in  Sandusky,  O.,  in  1878. 
They  had  a family  of  six  children.  Three  died  at  an  early  age,  and  three  are 
still  living.  Ernest  C.  was  born  in  Fremont,  O.,  in  1850,  he  now  lives  in  Detroit^ 
Mich.,  and  is  a professor  of  chemistry.  Pie  was  married  in  1878  to  Emma  Min- 
thorne  ; they  have  one  son,  George.  Feopold  S.  was  born  in  Sandusky,  O.,. 
in  1852,  is  a shoemaker  by  trade,  and  was  married  in  1876  to  Sophia  Hem- 
merly.  They  have  five  children:  Charles,  Edward,  Frederick,  Elsie  and  Philip. 
Arnold  J.  was  born  in  Sandusky,  O.,  in  1859.  The  last  heard  from  him  he  was 
in  Cincinnati,  O.  Mr.  Federer  learned  the  shoemaker  trade,  and  on  settlement 
here  became  engaged  in  that  business,  and  is  now  one  of  the  leading  shoe  mer- 
chants of  the  city. 

Feuerstein,  John  A.,  Sandusky,  the  custom  boot  and  shoe  manufacturer  of 
Sandusky,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1831,  and  was  a son  of  Frank  and 
Catharine  Feuerstein.  John  A.  emigrated  to  America  in  1851,  and  spent  a 
year  in  Buffalo,  and  in  1852  settled  in  Cleveland,  O.  He  was  married  June  12, 
1854,  to  Mary  PC  Rieber,  who  was  born  in  Baden,  and  came  to  Buffalo,  N.  Y., 
in  1836,  and  settled  in  Cleveland  in  1854.  They  have  had  a family  of  three 
children  : John  C.,  George  F.  and  Emma  F.,  and  one  grandson,  Albert  G.  H. 
Feuerstein.  John  A.  enlisted  in  Company  E,  107th  Ohio  Regiment  in  1862, 
and  was  discharged  at  Charleston,  S.  C.,  in  July,  1865.  He  went  out  under 
Colonel  Meyers,  and  was  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville.  Pie  is  a 
great  lover  of  books,  and  has  one  of  the  finest  collections  in  the  State,  showing 
a cultivated  taste. 

P'isher,  Edward  P.,  Huron  p.  o.,  owner  and  proprietor  of  the  Wheeling  and 
Fake  Erie  House,  opposite  the  depot,  was  born  in  York  county.  Pa.,  in  1837, 
and  was  a son  of  John  and  Mary  (Everhardt)  Fisher.  Edward  learned  the  ma- 
son’s trade  in  Maryland,  and  settled  in  Erie  county,  O.,  in  1858,  as  a journey- 
man plasterer.  Pie  enlisted  in  Company  F,  197th  Ohio  Regiment,  and  was 
promoted  to  corporal,  served  during  the  war,  and  was  discharged  at  the  close, 
at  Columbus,  with  his  regiment.  He  was  married  in  Huron  in  i860,  to  Mary 
P'aulkner,  who  was  born  in  England.  They  have  four  children  now  living: 
Sarah,  James,  John  R.  and  Edward  Andrew.  John  Fisher  died  in  Pennsylva- 
nia in  1856,  leaving  a widow  and  two  sons.  They  had  a family  of  ten  children 
in  all,  two  of  whom  are  now  living.  The  widow  came  to  Huron  and  died  here 
in  1857.  Edward  P.  Fisher  retired  from  the  mason  business  in  1886. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


567 


Fischer,  Michael,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  in  1824, 
and  was  a son  of  Joseph  and  Mary  Fischer.  Michael  emigrated  to  Sandusky 
in  1849,  and  afterward  settled  in  Thompson,  Seneca  county,  where  he  became 
engaged  in  farming.  He  was  married  in  Seneca  county  in  1850,  to  Cresentia 
Daugelmeier,  of  Wurtemburg,  Germany.  They  have  had  a family  of  three 
children:  Charles,  Theresa  and  Michael,  jr.  Mr.  Fischer  settled  in  Sandusky 
in  1852,  and  became  engaged  in  teaming;  in  1864  he  purchased  a plat  of 
ground  on  which  he  erected  several  dwellings  and  stores,  and  became  engaged 
in  a general  grocery  and  provision  business.  In  1879  he  purchased  his  farm 
in  Ottawa  county,  and  in  1880  retired  from  his  grocery  business  and  became 
engaged  in  farming.  In  1882  he  lost  his  barn,  seven  horses  and  several  cattle 
by  fire.  His  son,  Michael,  jr.,  died  in  January,  1885.  His  wife,  Cresentia,  died 
August  30,  1885.  Mr.  Fischer  returned  to  Sandusky,  and  again  became  en- 
gaged in  the  grocery  and  provision  business.  He  married  his  second  wife, 
Mary  Meyer,  May  3,  1886.  Mr.  Fischer  is  one  of  the  leading  men  of  his  ward, 
and  is  now  serving  as  alderman.  His  brother,  George,  came  to  Erie  county 
In  1850.  He  died  August  22,  1888,  on  his  farm,  three  miles  south  of  Sandusky, 
leaving  a widow. 

Fleming,  George  W.,  Groton,  Sand  Hill  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Groton,  1838, 
and  was  a son  of  the  pioneer  settlers,  John  and  Nancy  (Paxton)  Fleming. 
Nancy  was  born  in  Erie  county,  N.  Y.,  July  21,  1802,  and  John  was  born  in 
Allegany  county.  Pa.,  August  i,  1798.  John  was  a son  of  John  and  Mary 
Fleming,  who  settled  in  Groton  among  the  very  first  settlers  of  that  section, 
and  purchased  a farm.  John  sr.’s  wife  lived  to  the  good  old  age  of  103  years. 
They  had  a family  of  five  children.  John,  jr.,  and  Nancy  were  married  Sep- 
tember 8,  1823,  and  had  a family  of  six  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  liv- 
ing: John  P.,  born  August  lo,  1825  ; Mary  Ann,  born  October  19,  1830,  and 
George  W.,  born  April  25,  1838.  John,  jr.,  died  January  i,  1863,  and  his  wife, 
Nancy,  died  August  29,  1877.  Mary  was  a daughter  of  John  Paxton,  who  set- 
tled here  about  1810.  George  W.  was  married  in  1875  to  Mereb  C.  Kershner, 
who  was  born  in  Springfield,  O.,  in  1852.  They  have  five  children  living: 
Frank  A.,  George  W.,  jr.,  Florence  S.,  Bertha  B.  and  Arden  Ellsworth.  George 
W.  enlisted  in  Company  C,  lOist  O.  V.  I.,  August  12,  1862,  under  Colonel 
Stern,  and  was  discharged  in  1863  on  account  of  disability.  He  enlisted  in  the 
Home  Guards,  and  they  were  ordered  out  on  lOO-day  call,  and  discharged  at 
Camp  Chase.  He  was  promoted  ^to  first  lieutenant,  and  now  receives  a pen- 
sion. His  wife  was  a daughter  of  William  and  Mary  Kershner. 

Ford,  James,  Groton,  Belleview  p.  o.,  a retired  farmer,  was  born  in  Devon- 
shire, England,  in  1816,  and  was  a son  of  Samuel  and  Sarah  Ford,  who  died  in 
England,  having  a family  of  nine  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living:  Sam- 
uel, jr.,  and  Jane  reside  in^England,  and  four  came  to  America  in  1836.  They 
were  Mary,  Sarah,  John  and  James.  James  Ford  first  settled  in  Huron  county, 


568 


History  of  Erie  County. 


where  he  became  engaged  in  farming,  in  which  he  was  engaged  for  eight  years. 
In  1841  he  purchased  his  present  homestead  of  53y  acres,  for  which  he  paid 
$1,000,  and  in  1844  he  was  married  to  Mary  A.  Rowcliff,  who  was  born  in 
Devonshire,  England,  in  1821.  They  have  had  two  children,  Charles  M.  and 
Helen  Augusta.  Helen  was  married  in  1868  to  O.  B.  Deyo  ; they  have  had 
two  sons.  Charles  M.  was  married  in  December,  1874,  to  Salina  McKesson; 
they  have  had  one  son,  Bert.  James  Ford  settled  in  Groton  on  his  farm  in 
1844,  and  now  owns  a farm  of  600  acres,  a large  portion  of  which  is  under  cul- 
tivation. He  has  visited  his  native  country  twice,  and  has  been  an  active  man 
in  the  interest  of  his  county,  but  is  not  an  office  seeker.  Mrs.  Ford  was  a 
daughter  of  John  and  Grace  Rowcliff,  of  Devonshire,  England.  They  emi- 
grated to  America  in  1836,  with  their  family  of  six  children.  Mrs.  Grace  died 
and  was  buried  at  sea.  John  was  born  in  1795,  and  died  in  1861.  His  chil- 
dren were  Rev.  William,  Rev.  John,  jr.,  Mary  A.,  James,  George  and  Charles. 
William  enlisted  in  the  13th  Illinois  Cavalry  and  served  for  three  }^ears  as  cap- 
tain under  Colonel  Capron. 

Fowler,  Josiah,  Margaretta,  Castalia,  p.  o.,  a pioneer  settler  of  Margaretta, 
was  born  in  Westfield,  Mass.,  in  1800,  and  was  a son  of  Medad  and  Lovisa 
Fowler.  Josiah  was  brought  up  to  farm  work,  having  the  usual  school  advan- 
tages. The  parents  had  a family  of  ten  children,  two  of  whom  are  now  living, 
Fouisa  and  Josiah.  Richard  Fowler  visited  Margaretta  in  1810,  intending  to 
remain  with  his  uncle,  Frederick  Falley,  who  had  then  a contract  for  the  entire 
township,  intending  to  sell  it  in  lots.  But  during  the  War  of  1812  many  re- 
turned to  the  East,  and  among  these  was  Richard,  who  settled  in  Painesville, 
O.  In  1816  Richard  settled  in  Painesville,  Fake  county,  and  in  1818  Medad 
purchased  two  farms  in  Margaretta,  of  226  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $3  per  acre. 
His  son,  Harvey,  settled  on  this  farm  in  1819,  and  Josiah  visited  Harvey  in 
1821,  and  in  1830  Josiah  settled  in  Margaretta,  working  with  his  brother, 
Harry,  as  partner.  Josiah  was  married  in  1833  to  Sophronia  Stocking,  who 
was  born  in  Westfield,  Mass.,  in  1812.  Sophronia  was  a teacher,  and  came  West 
to  teach  school.  They  have  had  a family  of  four  children  ; Zervia,  Katie,  So- 
phronia and  a son  who  died  when  but  seven  weeks  old.  He  settled  on  his  pres- 
ent homestead  of  1 10  acres  in  1833,  which  was  purchased  in  1818.  Mr.  P'owler 
was  an  old  line  Whig,  and  a strong  friend  of  the  Abolition  cause,  and  voted  the 
Abolition  ticket  at  the  second  presidential  nomination.  He  was  a man  held  in 
high  esteem  by  his  fellow-men. 

Fox,  Allen,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Perkins,  Erie  county, 
July  II,  1826,  and  was  a son  of. Roger  and  Polly  (Weatherly)  Fox,  who 
was  born  and  married  in  Hartford  county.  Conn.,  and  settled  in  Perkins  in 
1821,  where  they  purchased  a farm  of  100  acres,  paying  therefor  $2  per  acre. 
His  wife,  Polly  W.,  was  born  January  I,  1800,  and  died  February  28,  1881. 
Roger  was  born  May  20,  1797,  and  died  February  28,  1883.  They  had  a 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


569 


family  of  nine  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living,  Amelia,  Mrs.  Gallaway; 
Allen,  Sylvester,  Charles  B.  Allen  was  married  May  4,  1851,  to  Eliza  C.  Bar- 
lett,  who  was  born  in  Sharon,  Schoharie  county,  N.  Y.  They  had  a family  of 
ten  children,  Polly  C.,  John  R.,  Joseph  A.,  Ida  M.,  George  B.,  Emma  I.,  Syl- 
vester D.,  Mary  L.,  Martha  A.  and  Lucy  E.  Eliza  C.  was  a daughter  of  John 
H.  Barlett,  who  settled  here  in  1845.  Four  children  were  married:  Polly  C. 
Joseph  A.,  George  B.  and  Martha  A. 

Fox,  John  M.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Prussia  November  18,  1824.  He 
learned  the  tailor  trade  and  emigrated  to  America ’in  1849,  when  he  settled 
in  New  Orleans  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  until  1852,  when  he  became  en- 
gaged in  the  merchant  tailoring  business,  and  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  war 
came  North  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1861,  and  in  1865  purchased  his  present 
business  place  and  is  now  engaged  in  a general  mercantile  business.  He  was 
married  January  16,  1866,  to  Pauline  Rheinegger,  of  Sandusky.  She  was  born 
in  Switzerland,  and  was  a daughter  of  Anthony  Rheinegger.  They  have  had 
a family  of  seven  children,  Anna,  Frank,  Robert,  Katie,  Clara,  Mattie  and  Fan- 
nie. Anna  was  married  in  July,  1887,  to  James  Curtis.  She  died  September 
27,  1888. 

Fox,  William  N.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Perkins  township  in 
1835,  and  was  a son  of  Alvin  and  Frances  D.  (Johnson)  Fox,  who  were  mar- 
ried in  Perkins  in  1830.  Frances  was  born  in  Tolland  county.  Conn.,  and  her 
husband  in  Glastonbury,  Conn.,  in  1804.  They  had  a family  of  eight  children, 
Polly  L.,  Mary  L.,  William  N.,  Solomon  and  Julia  E.  Alvin  died  in  1869,  and 
his  wife,  Frances,  in  1864.  Albert  was  master  of  different  vessels  on  the  lake. 
On  his  first  trip  he  was  shipwrecked  near  Chicago  in  1821,  and  the  crew  found 
their  way  back  to  the  East  on  foot.  He  became  master  in  1830,  after  which  he 
visited  and  spent  his  winters  in  Perkins  township  with  his  uncle.  Frances  D. 
was  a daughter  of  Pliny  and  Betsey  (Davis)  Johnson,  who  were  married  March 
29,  1806,  at  Hebron,  Tolland  county,  Conn.  They  settled  in  Perkins  township 
in  1810,  and  had  a family  of  six  children,  only  one  of  whom  is  now  living,  Mrs. 
Mary  Radcliff.  William  N.  Fox  was  married  October  6,  1869,  to  Sarah  F> 
klarshall,  of  Perkins,  where  she  was  born  in  1849.  They  had  a family  of  four 
children,  Frances  M.,  Frank  W.,  Emery  D.,  Thurman  C.  Sarah  E.  was  a 
daughter  of  Joseph  and  Lucina  (Chatman)  Marshall,  who  settled  here  in  1848. 
Lucina  died  in  April,  1886,  leaving  four  children,  Sarah  E.,  Hannah  M.,  Will- 
iam C.  and  Rosa  E. 

Frank,  Conrad,  Sandusky,  the  leading  baker  and  confectioner  of  San- 
dusky, was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1849,  and  was  a son  of  Henry  and 
Catharine  Frank.  Conrad  was  married  in  1872  to  Caroline  Beck,  and  they 
emigrated  to  America  in  1879,  and  settled  in  Sandusky.  They  have  had  a 
family  of  three  children,  Fred,  William  and  Julius.  Mr.  Frank,  on  settlement 
here,  purchased  his  residence  and  erected  his  baking  shop,  and  is  now  carrying 


570 


History  of  Erie  County. 


on  a successful  business.  One  of  his  sisters,  Mary  Frank,  also  settled  in  San- 
dusky. 

Garrett,  Daniel,  Huron,  was  born  in  Lebanon  county,  Pa.,  in  1812,  and 
was  a son  of  George  and  Eve  Garrett.  Daniel  was  brought  up  on  his  fath- 
er’s farm,  but  in  early  life  became  engaged  in  the  lumber  business,  rafting 
and  contracting  for  the  same.  He  then  became  a pilot  on  the  Susquehanna 
River,  a calling  which  he  followed  for  eighteen  years.  In  1849  became  en- 
gaged in  farming,  and  settled  in  Summit  county,  O.  He  was  married  in  1832 
to  Margaret  Hettrick,  of  Union  county.  Pa.  She  was  born  in  1814.  They 
had  a family  often  children:  Henry  A.,  George  F.,  William  F.,  Margaret  A., 
Daniel  W.,  Mary  E.,  Lydia  A.,  Sarah  J.,  Katie  L.  and  Harriet  F.  William  F. 
died  at  the  age  of  twenty- one  years;  Sarah  J.  married  John  Rhinemiller,  'and 
died,  leaving  two  children.  Mr.  Garrett  purchased  a grape  vineyard  on  Kel- 
ley’s Island  in  1862.  In  1864  he  purchased  his  present  homestead  farm  of 
fifty  acres,  where  he  now  resides.  One  of  his  sons,  George  P'.  enlisted  in  the 
3d  Iowa  Regiment,  and  served  for  three  years,  being  in  the  commissary  de- 
partment almost  two  years. 

Garritt,  John,  Huron,  druggist  and  dealer  in  groceries,  stationery,  books, 
paints,  oils  and  fancy  goods,  was  born  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  in  1849,  and  at 
an  early  age  became  engaged  in  the  drug  business  with  his  father,  George  W, 
Garritt,  and  in  1865  became  a partner  in  the  business,  the  firm  becoming  John 
M.  Garritt  & Co.  In  1878  Mr.  Garritt  became  sole  proprietor,  and  located  in 
his  present  store,  greatly  increasing  his  facilities  for  trade.  He  was  elected 
treasurer  of  the  township  in  1884,  ’85,  ’86,  ’87,  ’88.  He  was  married  in  1873 
to  Lettie  Phelps,  of  Huron,  a daughter  of  James  and  Mary  Phelps.  Mr.  Gar- 
ritt has  a family  of  two  children  : James  Henry  and  Mira  F.  John  M.  is  a son 
George  W and  Fannie  (Mason)  Garritt.  George  W.  was  in  New  York  city  in 
181  I.  He  was  married  in  1834,  in  Erie  county.  They  had  a family  of  six 
children,  two  of  whom  are  now  living:  Susan  and  John  M.  One  son,  Henry, 
enlisted  in  the  24th  Ohio  Regiment  and  died  while  in  service.  George  W. 
settled  in  Erie  county,  at  Milan,  in  1828,  with  his  parents,  Charles  and  Cath- 
arine Garritt,  who  had  a family  of  five  children  : George  W.,  Adaline,  Edward, 
Hiram  and  Sarah.  Charles  Garritt  became  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of 
rope  at  Huron  in  [828,  and  in  1830,  on  the  completion  of  his  residence,  re- 
moved his  family  to  Huron.  George  W.’s  wife,  Fanny,  died  January  19, 
1887.  George  W.,  became  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  in  1865,  and  re- 
tired from  the  same  in  1886.  He  has  served  as  town  councilman,  constable 
and  inspector  and  collector  of  port  for  nine  years.  On  September  10  he  was 
at  Niagara  P'alls,  and  saw  the  boat  Michigan,  with  several  animals  on  board, 
go  over  the  falls.  Charles  Garritt  and  his  family  went  from  Buffalo  to  San- 
dusky by  a sailing  vessel,  consuming  three  weeks  in  making  the  voyage. 

Gerold,  Theodore,  Sandusky,  an  insurance  and  real  estate  agent  of  San- 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


571 


dusky,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1840,  and  with  his  mother  and  one 
sister,  Francisca,  emigrated  to  America  in  1852.  They  were  ninety- three 
days  in  making  the  voyage.  The  mother  died  in  1855.  Theodore  was  left  to 
depend  on  his  own  resources.  He  shipped  as  helper  on  board  one  of  the  steam- 
ers plying  between  here  and  Buffalo.  After  the  last  trip  made  by  the  vessel 
in  the  fall,  he  worked  his  way  to  Philadelphia,  and  in  1856  went  to  New  York 
and  shipped  as  a sailor  on  board  of  a vessel  bound  for  Ladrador  on  a fishing 
expedition.  He  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1850,  where  he  remained  for  a short 
time,  when  he  worked  his  way  on  foot  from  Sandusky  to  Cincinnati  and  en- 
gaged as  cook  on  board  one  of  the  steamers  running  on  the  Mississippi,  and 
after  making  several  trips  engaged  with  the  Morgan  line  then  running  on  the 
gulf  At  the  opening  of  the  war  he  enlisted  in  the  first  special  battalion  of 
Louisiana,  which  was  called  the  Robert  Wheat  or  Tiger  battalion.  He  was 
discharged  in  1862,  and  afterwards  became  engaged  in  several  different  occu- 
pations, but  meeting  with  frequent  interruptions  was  obliged  to  abandon  his 
plans  He  was  arrested  and  imprisoned  in  a cell  with  six  other  ex-soldiers, 
and  while  trying  to  make  their  escape  were  captured  and  heavily  ironed.  He 
finally  gained  his  liberty  on  promising  to  again  join  the  army.  Previous  to 
this  he  had  sought  protection  from  the  German  consul  at  Richmond,  but  after 
the  proclamation  of  President  Jeff  Davis  for  all  non-residents  to  leave  or  join 
the  army,  he  was  compelled  to  wander  about  or  join  the  army.  After  going 
from  place  to  place,  traveling  both  night  and  day  during  the  months  of  De- 
cember and  January  (1864),  he  finally  crossed  the  Blue  Ridge  Mountains  in 
rags  and  nearly  starved.  He  was  finally  cared  for  by  some  Northern  pickets 
and  afterwards  released  and  sent  to  Philadelphia,  where  he  found  employment, 
and  replenished  his  wardrobe.  He  came  to  Sandusky  in  1865  and  was  mar- 
ried November  12,  1866.  to  Elizabeth  Miller,  of  Sandusky.  They  have  had  a 
family  of  ten  children,  eight  of  whom  are  now  living.  Mr.  Gerold  became 
engaged  in  his  present  business  in  1869. 

Gideman,  John  A.,  Sandusky,  one  of  the  extensive  boot  and  shoe  dealers 
of  Sandusky,  and  a member  of  the  firm  of  Gideman  & Homegardner,  was 
born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1850,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Theresa  Gide- 
man. John  was  born  1822,  and  died  in  1882,  leaving  a widow  and  two  child- 
ren, John  A.  and  Sophia.  John,  sr.,  enlisted  in  Company  G,  65th  Ohio  Regi- 
ment, in  1861,  and  served  for  three  years.  John  A.,  in  early  life,  became  en- 
gaged in  clerking.  In  1870  he  became  engaged  as  partner  in  the  shoe  firm  of 
William  Koch  & Co,  and  in  1878  formed  the  present  firm  of  Gideman  & 
Homegardner.  He  is  also  agent  for  the  Dayton  Teutonia  Insurance  Com- 
pany. He  was  married  in,  1875  1°  Kate  Homegardner.  They  have  had  three 
children  : Cora,  Ida  and  Katie.  Kate  was  a daughter  of  John  and  Mary  L. 
Homegardner. 

Gilcher,  W.  H.,  Sandusky,  one  of  the  leading  lumber  merchants  of  San- 


572 


History  of  Erie  County. 


dusky,  was  bom  July  2,  1843,  in  Sandusky,  and  was  a son  of  Peter  Gilcher 
and  Christian  (Boos)  Gilcher,  who  settled  in  Sandusky  in  August,  1833.  Mr. 
Peter  Gilcher  was  born  May  24,  1812,  and  was  one  of  the  earliest  lumbermen 
in  the  county.  He  established  the  business  at  the  present  stand  in  1853.  His 
son,  W.  H.,  became  a partner  in  the  business  in  May,  1865,  as  P.  Gilcher  & 
Son,  and  in  1868  R.  E.  Schuck  was  taken  in  as  a partner,  and  the  style  of  firm 
was  changed  to  P.  Gilcher  & Co.  That  continued  until  1878,  when  the  style 
of  firm  was  changed,  on  account  of  death  of  Peter  Gilcher,  to  Gilcher  & 
Schuck,  the  present  firm.  They  are  now  engaged  in  a general  lumber  and 
shipping  trade.  Peter  Gilcher’s  death  occurred  in  July,  1877.  W.  H.  Gilcher 
was  married  in  1868  to  Tennie  Rosenbaum,  who  was  born  in  Russia.  They 
have  three  children  : Laura  IT,  William  A.  and  Bessie  H. 

Gildenmeister,  Christian.  Groton,  Sand  Hill  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Mecklen- 
burg Schwerin,  March  20,  1836,  and  was  a son  of  Johannes  and  Elizabeth 
Gildenmeister.  He  emigrated  to  America  in  1857,  and  settled  in  Sandusky, 
where  he  worked  at  farming  by  the  month,  until  1861,  when  he  hired  a farm 
in  Oxford.  He  purchased  his  present  homestead  of  80  acres,  in  1872,  for 
which  he  paid  $65,  which  he  now  has  under  a high  state  of  cultivation.  He 
was  married  in  i860  to  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Russell,  who  was  born  in  Herzogthum, 
Nassau.  They  have  two  children  : Lewis,  born  in  1861.  and  William,  born  in 
1865.  Mrs.  Gildenmeister,  by  her  first  husband,  Philip  Russell,  had  a family 
of  three  children  : Charles,  Philip  and  Nettie.  Christian’s  parents  came  to 
Ohio  in  1863,  and  settled  in  Huron.  They  had  two  sons,  Christian  and  John. 

Gill,  Edward,  Oxford,  Bloomingville  p.  o.,  was  born  on  the  Isle  of  Man,  in 
1818,  and  was  a son  of  John  Gill.  He  learned  the  carpenter’s  trade  at  Liver- 
pool, England,  and  in  1842  came  to  America  and  settled  in  Monroeville,  Hu- 
ron county,  as  a journeyman  carpenter.  He  soon  became  a contractor  and 
builder.  He  was  married  January  i,  1852,  to  Esther  Young,  of  Milan.  They 
have  a family  of  ten  children:  Mary  E.,  Sarah  C.,  William  E , Almona,  John 
T.,  Elorence,  Ruth  E.,  George,  Bertha,  Ernest  R.  They  settled  in  Oxford  in 
1855,  and  purchased  their  present  homestead  farm  of  60  acres.  Mr.  Gill  has 
one  of  the  finest  building-stone  quarries  of  the  county,  which  he  has  worked 
in  connection  with  his  farm  interest  with  much  success.  He  has  given  a col- 
lege education  to  each  of  his  ten  children.  William  and  John  are  now  prac- 
ticing physicians  and  surgeons  ; William  is  a graduate  from  the  college  at  Cin- 
cinnati, and  John  T.  of  the  New  York  Medical  Society  ; Mary  is  a graduate 
from  the  Athens  University;  Florence  graduated  from  Oberlin,  and  went  as  a 
missionary  to  Japan,  in  1887,  for  a term  of  five  years.  She  received  a diploma 
of  art  from  the  Cooper  Union;  Ruth  E.  is  now  studying  music  at  Oberlin; 
Sarah  attended  the  Ohio  University,  but  was  compelled  to  leave  before  gradu- 
ating ; George  is  now  a student  at  Chattanooga ; Ruth,  a professor  of  music, 
while  Bertha  and  Ernest  are  students  at  Oberlin  College.  Mrs.  Gill  was  a 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


573 


daughter  of  Lazarus  Young,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Milan  township,  com- 
ing from  Pennsylvania. 

Ging,  John  F.,  Sandusky,  dealer  in  groceries  and  provisions,  was  born  in 
Sandusky,  O.,  in  1859,  and  was  a son  of  Charles  and  Elizabeth  (Keller)  Ging, 
who  were  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  and  married  in  Sandusky.  Charles  en- 
listed and  was  discharged  at  Cleveland.  He  died  October  7,  1871,  leaving  a 
widow  and  five  children  : Albert,  John  F.,  Elizabeth,  Philip  and  Kate.  Three 
children,  Philip,  Caroline  and  Prank,  are  deceased.  John  F.  Ging  was  mar- 
ried in  1885  to  Lena  Faber.  They  have  had  two  children,  Earl  and  Elma. 
Mr.  Ging,  in  1872,  became  a clerk  in  the  grocery  business,  and  in  1855  be- 
came engaged  in  the  grocery  and  provision  business  for  himself,  and  is  now 
meeting  with  success. 

Gosser,  George,  Sandusky,  owner  and  proprietor  of  the  Gosser  Hotel,  saloon 
and  restaurant,  opposite  the  Lake  Shore  Railroad  depot,  was  born  in  Sandusky 
in  1828,  and  was  a son  of  Martin  and  Mary  E.  (Payne)  Gosser,  who  were  born 
in  Alsace  in  1819.  Martin  and  Mary  were  married  in  Sandusky,  where  Mary 
died  in  1863,  leaving  a family  of  six  children:  George,  Prank,  Edward,  Mary 
E.,  Emily  and  Martin  J.  George  learned  the  mason  trade  and  became  a con- 
tractor, a business  in  which  he  was  engaged  for  several  years.  In  1877 
purchased  his  land  and  erected  his  hotel  buildings  at  No.  307  Depot  street. 
He  has  served  two  years  in  the  board  of  aldermen.  He  was  married  in  Feb- 
ruary. 1868,  to  Maggie  Macke,  of  Sandusky,  a daughter  of  Thomas  Macke. 
They  have  had  a family  of  six  children  : James  E.,  Mary  L.,  Hattie,  Alice, 
Lucy  and  Bessie  M. 

Greene.  Jesse  T.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Perkins  township  in 
1836,  and  was  married  August  18,  1867,  to  Mary  M.  Stephens,  of  Erie  county. 
They  have  had  a family  of  five  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living:  Leon- 
ard F.,  John  E.,  Jesse  S.,  jr.,  and  Foster  C.  Mr.  Greene  vvas  a son  of  John 
and  Maria  (Taylor)  Greene.  Maria  was  born  in  Glastonbury,  Conn.,  March 
12,  1811,  and  was  a daughter  of  Jesse  and  Julia  (House)  Taylor,  who  settled 
in  Hartford  county.  Conn.,  in  1815.  John  Greene  was  born  in  Lycoming 
county.  Pa.,  October  4,  1805.  They  were  married  March  20,  1834;  John 
died  August  13,  1848.  They  had  a family  of  six  children,  five  of  whom  are 
now  living:  Jesse  T.,  Frank,  Esther,  J.  Pletcher  and  Dennis  J. 

Greene,  John  Fletcher,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  one  of  the  representative 
men  of  his  town,  was  born  in  Perkins  March  i i,  1844,  and  was  a son  of  John 
and  Maria  (Taylor)  Greene.  Maria  was  a daughter  of  Jesse  and  Julia  (House) 
Taylor.  She  was  born  in  Glastonbury,  Hartford  count)'.  Conn.,  in  1811,  and 
came  to  Erie  couni-y  in  1815  with  her  parents,  and  was  married  March  20, 
1834,  to  John  Greene,  who  was  born  in  Lycoming  county.  Pa.,  in  1805,  and 
died  in  Wauseon,  Fulton  county,  August  13,  1848.  They  had  a family  <T  si.x 
children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living:  Jesse  T,  Frank  A.,  Esther  A.,  J. 

73 


574 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Fletcher  and  Dennis  J.  John  Fletcher  was  a graduate  of  the  Sandusky  High 
School,  in  the  class  of  1863.  He  continued  his  studies  after  graduation  and 
taught  until  1877,  when  he  was  appointed  county  examiner  of  school  teachers 
by  the  probate  judge,  which  important  office  he  still  holds.  He  was  elected 
justice  and  assessor,  and  was  vice-president  and  secretary  of  the  county  agri- 
cultural society  for  seven  years,  and  is  prominent  in  town  and  county  affairs. 
He  chose  farming  for  his  permanent  occupation.  He  was  married  in  June, 
1878,  to  Ida  A.  Goucher,  who  was  born  September  21,  1859,  in  Pecatonia,  111. 
They  have  one  son.  Pearl  Hayes,  born  in  Perkins  October  9,  1879. 

Guenther,  August,  Sandusky,  wholesale  dealer  in  native  wines  and  grape 
brandies  at  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Westphalia,  Prussia,  in  1848,  and  was  a son 
of  John  and  Anna  (Prune)  Guenther.  August  received  a classical  education 
and  emigrated  to  America  in  1869,  when  he  settled  in  Galveston,  Tex.,  where 
he  was  employed  in  numerous  branches  of  trade.  He  settled  in  Sandusky  in 
1872.  when  he  embarked  in  the  wine  and  pure  grape  brandy  business,  and 
now  receives  a large  amount  of  trade  from  the  druggists.  He  was  married  in 
1873  to  Sophia  Kolbe,  who  was  born  in  Prussia.  They  have  a famil}'-  of  three 
sons,  August,  jr.,  Theodore  and  Bruno.  Mr.  Guenther  is  active  in  the  German 
educational  interests  of  the  city. 

Guenther,  George,  Perkins,  Bloomingville  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Richland 
county.  O.,  in  1836,  and  was  a son  of  Andrew  and  Dora  Guenther,  of  Wur- 
temburg,  Germany.  Andrew  was  born  in  1813,  and  was  a son  of  Jacob  Guen- 
ther, who  settled  in  Richland  county,  O.,  in  1834,  where  he  died  in  1835.  Mrs. 
Dora  Guenther  died,  leaving  a family  of  three  sons,  George,  Jacob  and  John. 
George  purchased  his  present  homestead  farm  of  fifty  acres  in  1867,  for  which 
he  paid  $60  per  acre.  He  was  married  in  1859  to  Frederica  Balduff.  They 
have  two  children  living,  Catharine  and  Jacob;  George  deceased.  Catharine 
married  Charles  F.  Kubach.  Frederica  was  a daughter  of  Jacob  and  Frederica 
(Rohrbacher)  Balduff. 

Gurley,  William  D.,  Perkins,  Bogart  p.  o.,  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of 
Perkins  township,  was  born  in  Connecticut  July  31,  18 ll,  and  was  a son  of 
Rev.  William  and  Susan  (Beatty)  Gurley,  who  came  from  Connecticut  to  Erie 
county  November  14,  18 ii,  with  a family  of  two  sons  and  three  daughters. 
Three  of  the  children  are  now  living,  William  D.,  John  and  Susan.  Rev.  Will- 
iam Gurley  was  born  in  Ireland  in  1757  and  died  in  Erie  county,  O.,  in  1848. 
He  was  an  M.  E.  clergyman,  and  licensed  to  preach  the  Gospel  by  the  Rev. 
John  Wesley.  His  wife,  Susan,  died  in  1848,  aged  seventy  years.  William 
D.  Gurley  was  educated  in  the  early  schools  of  Ohio.  Two  of  his  brothers 
were  M.  E.  clergymen.  William  D.  was  married  in  1838  to  Nancy  Jane 
Stevenson,  who  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1817.  She  died  in  1880.  They 
had  a family  of  six  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living  : Ann,  now  Mrs. 
Van  Natta  ; Lucinda;  Sarah,  Mrs.  Parker;  and  William  Fletcher.  Nancy  J. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


575 


was  a daughter  of  Rev.  Dr.  Matthew  Stevenson,  who  settled  in  Erie  county  in 
1830.  William  D.  Gurley  was  a wagonmaker  by  trade,  but  retired  from  this 
business  in  1882.  He  visited  Chicago  in  1832,  going  on  foot  from  Milan. 
He  found  but  five  stores,  a fort  and  six  log  dwellings  comprising  the  village  of 
Chicago.  His  present  stone  residence  was  erected  in  1822,  and  was  the  first 
in  the  town. 

Hahn,  Conrad,  Huron,  was  born  in  Hesse,  Germany,  in  1828,  and  was  a 
son  of  Christopher  and  Margaret  (Wagoner)  Hahn.  Conrad  was  married  in 
Germany  in  1856  to  Elizabeth  Ohrt.  They  had  a family  of  six  children  : 
Henry,  John,  William,  Theodore,  Anna  and  Adam.  Mrs.  Hahn  was  a daugh- 
ter of  Henry  and  Batbara  (Richer)  Ohrt.  Conrad  Hahn  came  to  America 
with  his  family  in  1873,  and  settled  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  where  he  purchased 
his  present  homestead  farm  of  112  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $100  per  acre. 

Halladay,  Clark  L.,  Huron,  was  born  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  in  1842,  and 
early  in  life  became  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  feeding.  He  was  married 
in  1865  to  Susan  Tyler,  of  Indiana.  They  have  had  four  children  : Charlotte, 
Fred,  Anna  and  Edith.  Susan  was  a daughter  of  Frederick  and  Eliza  (Wilbor) 
Tyler.  Mr.  Halladay  was  a son  of  Horace  and  Phebe  (Carpenter)  Halladay. 
Horace  was  born  in  Brattleboro,  Vt.,  in  1797,  and  died  in  1877.  His  wife, 
Phebe,  was  born  in  Westchester  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1804,  and  died  in  1868. 
They  were  married  in  Huron  county  in  1829  and  settled  in  Huron,  Erie  county, 
in  1834.  They  had  a family  of  six  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Henry  C.,  Mary  (Mrs.  Brundyge),  and  Clark  L.  The  grandparents  were  Ely 
and  Catharine  (Stevens)  Halladay,  who  settled  in  the  county  in  1816.  C.  L. 
Halladay  now  owns  245  acres,  and  has  served  as  trustee  of  the  town  for  five 
years. 

Halt,  Christian,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany, 
in  1824,  and  was  a son  of  Leonard  and  Mary  (Dobler)  Halt,  who  died  in  Ger- 
many, leaving  a family  of  two  sons  and  two  daughters  : Catharine,  Christian, 
Christina  and  John.  Christian  learned  the  brick  and  tile  business,  and  emi- 
grated to  America  in  1852,  and  settled  in  Sandusky,  where  he  became  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  brick.  He  was  married  in  Sandusky  in  1853  to  Mary 
Spathelf,  of  Germany.  They  have  had  a family  of  seven  children  : Christina, 
John,  Mary,  Libbie,  Fred,  Louisa  and  Charles.  Mr.  Halt  purchased  his  first 
farm  of  sixteen  and  one-half  acres  in  1856,  for  which  he  paid  $65  per  acre. 
He  now  owns  a farm  of  forty-five  acres.  In  1881  he  purchased  the  homestead 
of  nine  acres,  on  which  he  has  erected  a dwelling.  He  has  a fine  vineyard  of 
two  and  one-half  acres,  and  is  now  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  grape  wines. 
His  son  Fred  resides  on  the  farm  which  was  their  first  purchase. 

Hamilton,  Robert,  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  in  Tyrone,  Ireland,  in  1815, 
and  was  a son  of  Samuel  and  Eliza  (Mitchell)  Hamilton,  who  came  to  America 
and  settled  on  Kelley’s  Island  in  1851.  They  had  a family  of  ten  children: 


576 


History  of  Erie  County, 


John,  James,  Robert,  Mitchell,  William,  Jane,  Ann,  Eliza,  Margaret,  and  one 
who  died  in  infancy.  Samuel  died  in  1872,  aged  ninety-four  years,  and  his 
wife,  Eliza,  in  1868,  aged  eighty-six  years  Elizabeth  married  J.  Titus;  Ann 
married  John  Brown,  who  died  in  1856,  and  his  widow  now  resides  with  her 
bachelor  brother,  Robert,  at  the  old  homestead.  Four  of  the  children,  John, 
James,  Eliza  and  Samuel,  settled  on  the  island  before  the  parents  came. 

Harper,  William  and  Sanford,  Perkins,  Sandusk}'  p.  o.,  were  born  in  Ken- 
tucky, and  were  sons  of  Mrs.  Cynthia  Harper,  who  settled  in  Sandusky  in 
1856  with  her  family  of  two  sons  and  three  daughters,  Minerva,  Georgiana, 
Margaret,  Sanford  and  William.  They  settled  in  Perkins  township  in  1857, 
and  in  1862  purchased  their  present  farm,  which  was  known  as  the  Fish  place, 
consisting  of  sixty-three  acres,  for  which  they  paid  $5,000.  Sanford  enlisted 
in  Company  E,  Eighth  Ohio  Regiment,  on  the  three  months  call,  and  was  dis- 
charged at  Camp  Dennis;  re-enlisted  in  the  145th  in  1863,  in  the  lOO-day 
call,  and  was  finally  discharged  at  Camp  Chase.  William  enlisted  in  the  First 
Ohio  Heavy  Artillery,  Company  B,  in  1863,  and  served  to  the  close  of  the 
war.  He  served  in  General  Logan’s  brigade,  under  Colonel  Hawley  and  Gen- 
eral Thomas. 

Harris,  Gilbert  E.,  Sandusky,  a member  of  the  firm  of  Harris  & Schumacher, 
engaged  in  the  general  dry  goods  business,  which  firm  was  organized  in  1885, 
as  successors  to  Harris,  Schumacher  & Co.,  who  organized  in  1880  as  successors 
to  Cook  Brothers  and  G.  E.  Harris.  The  latter  firm  was  organized  in  1873. 
The  founders  of  the  business  were  C.  E.  and  G.  A.  Cook,  who  commenced  the 
business  in  1855.  Gilbert  E.  Harris  was  born  in  Sandusky  in  1847,  and  was 
a son  of  Gilbert  Harris,  one  of  the  early  settlers  who  came  to  this  county  in 
1840.  His  partner,  Henry  Schumacher,  was  born  in  Sandusky  in  August, 
1854,  and  was  a son  of  Jacob  Schumacher,  who  settled  here  in  1847. 

Hauser.  John  C.,  Sandusky,  a druggist  of  Sandusky,  was  born  in  1856, 
and  was  educated  at  the  High  School,  after  which  he  learned  the  drug  business 
and  became  engaged  in  that  business  on  West  Washington  street.  He  mar- 
ried Emily  Klotz.  They  have  one  daughter,  Elsie.  Emily  was  a daughter  of 
August  Klotz.  John  C.  was  a son  of  John  and  Margaret  (Smith)  Hauser. 
Margaret  was  born  in  Bavaria,  and  married  in  1854.  They  had  a family  of 
five  children  : John  C.,  William,  .Tdolphus,  Anna,  and  Emma.  John  sr.,  was 
born  in  the  kingdom  of  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  in  1826,  where  he  died.  His 
wife,  in  company  with  her  two  children,  John  and  Anna,  came  to  America 
in  1847,  and  settled  in  Sandusky,  where  John  went  to  work  as  a painter.  He 
enlisted  in  the  145th  Regiment,  and  was  discharged  at  Columbus  in  1864. 

Hawes,  Larkin  R.,  Sandusky,  a lumber  merchant  of  Sandusky,  was  born 
in  Barre,  Mass.,  in  1848,  and  was  a son  of  Jason  W.  and  Jane  (Washburn) 
Hawes,  who  settled  in  Fond  du  Lac,  Wis.,  in  1854.  Larkin  R.  enlisted  at 
P'ond  du  Lac  June  9,  1864,  in  Company  G,  39th  Wisconsin  Regiment.  He 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


577 


■was  taken  prisoner  in  Tennessee,  near  Memphis,  August  2i,  1864,  paroled 
March  2i,  1865,  and  was  discharged  at  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  July  27,  1865.  He 
■was  wounded  while  on  picket  duty.  He  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1867,  in  the 
employ  of  the  Cincinnati,  Sandusky  and  Cleveland  Railroad,  and  was  married 
in  1869  to  Emma  A.  Ladd.  In  1874  he  was  engaged  as  salesman  for  Ryan, 
Johnson  & Co.,  and  from  1879  to  1881  he  was  at  Toledo.  From  1881  to  1884 
he  was  in  Chicago,  engaged  in  the  lumber  business.  In  1884  he  returned  to 
Sandusky,  and  became  engaged  in  the  commission  business,  and  April  i,  1886, 
he  formed  a partnership  with  S.  M.  Williams.  The  firm  now  is  Hawes  & Wil- 
liams. They  are  engaged  in  the  lumber  business. 

Heimlich,  Charles,  Margaretta,  Venice  p.  o , one  of  the  leading  grape  grow- 
ers of  Margaretta  township,  having  a vineyard  of  twenty-three  acres  of  the 
finest  varieties,  was  born  in  Alsace,  Germany,  in  1823,  and  was  a son  of  Jacob 
and  Catharine  (Smith)  Heimlich,  who  emigrated  to  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  in  1827, 
where  they  died  ; Catharine  in  1844  and  Jacob  in  1863.  They  left  a family  of 
five  children,  of  whom  Charles  is  now  the  only  surviving  one.  He  was  mar- 
ried in  1844  to  Susan  Lambrick,  who  was  born  in  Bavaria  in  1823.  They 
have  had  a family  of  five  children  ; Charles  Henry,  Dora,  John,  Fred  and 
Daniel.  Mr.  Heimlich  settled  in  Margaretta  in  1867,  and  purchased  his  home- 
stead of  twenty  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $6,500.  He  now  owns  a farm  of 
fifty  acres. 

Heindorf,  Frederick,  Sandusky,  v as  born  in  Prussia  in  1852,  and  was  a 
son  of  Mr.  Heindorf,  who  emigrated  to  America  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in 
1872.  His  sister,  Dora,  came  to  Sandusky  in  1881.  P'rederick  was  married 
in  1875  to  Caroline  Walcher,  of  Sandusky.  They  have  had  a family  of  five 
children  : Bertha,  Fred,  Anna,  Mena  and  Carrie.  Mrs.  Caroline  was  a daugh- 
ter of  David  and  Anna  Walcher,  who  settled  here  in  1848.  David  died  in 
1880.  Mr.  Heindorf  first  became  engaged  in  business  as  a journeyman  tailor. 
In  1878  he  embarked  in  business,  and  in  1884  purchased  his  lot  and  erected 
his  present  residence. 

Herb,  Herbert,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Sandusky  in  1858,  and  was  a son  of 
Lewis  and  Margaret  (Gear)  Herb.  Margaret  was  born  in  Belgium,  and  Lewis  in 
Baden,  Germany.  They  were  married  in  Tiffin,  Seneca  county,  O.,  in  1854. 
Lewis  came  to  Sandusky  in  1840,  where  he  established  a livery  and  sales 
stable.  He  died  in  July,  1 885,  leaving  a widow  and  four  children  : John,  Her- 
bert, Julia  and  Tibbie.  Herbert  succeeded  his  father  in  the  livery  business. 

Herbert,  Anton,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Prussia,  Germany,  in  1848,  and 
emigrated  to  the  United  States  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1867,  where  he 
became  engaged  as  a laborer  in  the  wine  manufacturing  business.  In  1879  he 
became  engaged  in  the  grocery  and  provision  business.  He  was  married  to 
Caroline  Lechleitner,  who  was  born  in  Sandusky,  and  was  a daughter  of  Anton 
Lechleitner,  one  of  the  early  settlers.  They  have  had  two  children,  Fred  and 
Anna. 


578 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Hertlein,  George,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  a prominent  farmer  of  the  north- 
western part  of  Perkins,  on  the  Castalia  Pike,  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Ger- 
many, October  8,  1817,  and  was  a son  of  John  G.  and  Margaretta  Hertlein. 
George  Hertlein  learned  the  milling  business,  and  in  1849  came  to  America 
and  settled  in  Cincinnati,  where  he  became  engaged  in  farming.  He  was  mar- 
ried in  1850  to  Catharine  M.  Biegler,  who  was  born  in  Bavaria.  They  have  a 
family  of  six  children  : Catharine,  Mary,  George,  Frederica,  William,  and  John 
Frederick.  They  settled  in  Perkins  township  in  1851,  and  purchased  their 
homestead  of  six  acres  in  1853,  for  which  they  paid  forty-three  dollars  per  acre. 
He  now  owns  in  all  about  twenty  acres  of  fine  land.  His  wife  was  a daughter 
of  John  Biegler. 

Heyman  & Kreiss,  Huron  p.  o.  This  firm  was  organized  in  1880,  and  is 
now  dealing  largely  in  fresh  and  salt  fish,  and  the  shipment  of  the  same,  having 
three  warehouses,  one  at  Huron,  one  at  St.  Ignace,  and  one  at  Naubinway, 
Mich.  During  the  season  they  employ  a large  force  of  men.  They  own  their 
own  vessels.  William  Charles  Heyman  was  born  in  Nassau,  Germany,  in  1834, 
and  was  a son  of  William  Conrad  and  Mary  (Opperman)  Heyman,  who  emi- 
grated to  America  and  settled  in  Sherman,  Huron  county,  O.,  in  1852,  where 
Mary  died  in  1885.  They  had  a family  of  ten  children,  nine  of  whom  are  now 
living,  seven  sons  and  two  daughters.  William  C.  was  married  in  1854  to  Eliz- 
abeth Strack,  who  was  born  in  Germany  and  married  in  Huron.  They  have 
had  a family  of  twelve  children,  seven  of  whom  are  now  living  : Louisa,  Mary, 
Elizabeth,  Lydia,  Caroline,  Charles,  John.  Five  died  at  an  early  age.  Mr. 
Heyman  was  brought  up  to  farm  work  and  afterwards  became  a warehouse 
agent,  and  in  1870  became  engaged  in  the  fish  business,  and  in  1880  formed 
his  present  business  interest.  Louisa  married  William  Shepherd  ; Mary,  Al- 
bert Russel  ; and  Elizabeth,  Eugene  Yarick. 

Hill,  Cortland  L.,  Huron  p.  o.,  a representative  farmer  of  Huron,  was  born 
October  4,  1842,  and  was  a son  of  Hon.  Dr.  Benjamin  and  Joanna  (Greer) 
Hill.  Dr.  Hill  was  born  in  Elkland,  Tioga  county.  Pa.,  on  December  18,  1814, 
and  his  wife  was  born  in  Worthington,  Franklin  county,  O.,  where  they  were 
married.  She  died  January  10,  1879,  aged  60  years.  They  had  a family  of 
five  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living:  Cortland  L.,  Eugene  S.,  Mary  C. 
and  George  F.  Dr.  Hill  was  elected  a member  of  the  Legislature  for  two 
terms  in  Ohio,  and  before  for  one  term  in  Michigan.  He  settled  in  Erie 
county  in  1816  with  his  parents  Noah  and  Sukey  Hill.  They  were  natives  of 
Connecticut  Sukey  died  at  the  age  of  94  years.  Noah  died  aged  80.  Dr. 
Hill  was  appointed  consul  to  Central  America  under  the  administration  of 
President  Lincoln.  He  was  a graduate  of  the  Cincinnati  Eclectic  Medical 
College,  and  was  a prominent  and  leading  gentleman  in  his  State.  He  died  in 
California,  May  12,  1871.  Cortland  L.  Hill  was  married  in  July,  1868,  to 
Gertrude  S.  Reynolds.  They  have  had  a family  of  six  children  : Della  M.^ 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


579 


Joanna  C.,  I.  T.  Reynolds,  Walter  C.,  Cortland  L.  jr.,  and  Margaret  A.  Ger- 
trude was  a daughter  of  Isaac  T.,  and  Margaret  (Firman)  Reynolds,  who  were 
among  the  early  settlers  of  the  county. 

Himmelein,  John  A.,  Kelley’s  Island,  born  on  Kelley’s  Island  in  1868,  and 
was  a son  of  John  and  Joanna  (Raab)  Himmelein,  who  were  born  in  Bavaria 
and  married  in  Sandusky  in  1858.  Mr.  Himmelein  died  in  1879,  leaving  a 
widow  and  six  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living:  Jennie,  Charles,  Helen, 
Anna,  John  A.  and  Richard.  Mr.  Himmelein  settled  on  the  island  in  1859. 
He  came  to  Philadelphia  in  1854,  after  which  he  returned  to  Germany,  and  in 
1858  settled  in  Sandusky.  In  1859  he  purchased  their  present  residence  of 
four  acres,  and  became  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  grapes.  In  1861  he 
erected  his  hotel,  and  in  1875  enlarged  the  same,  and  his  widow  and  sons 
enlarged  and  remodeled  their  summer  resort  in  1882,  now  having  accommoda- 
tions for  one  hundred  guests.  This  pleasant  summer  resort  is  located  on  the 
shores  of  Lake  Erie,  at  Kelley’s  Island. 

Hinde,  William  J.,  Huron  p.  o.,  an  early  settler  in  Huron,  was  born  in  the 
county  of  Galway,  Ireland,  in  1810,  and  was  a son  of  Thomas  and  May  (Gal- 
way) Hinde.  Thomas  died  in  1824,  and  left  a family  of  ten  children  : Patrick, 
Bridget,  Joseph,  Edward,  Henry,  William  J.,  Monica,  James,  Maria  and  Robert. 
In  1827  three  of  the  brothers,  Patrick,  Joseph,  and  Edward  came  to  America, 
and  in  1829  Mrs.  Hinde  and  the  seven  other  children  came  and  settled  in 
Huron,  Erie  county,  where  she  purchased  a farm  on  which  she  resided  until 
the  time  of  her  death,  which  occurred  in  1858,  at  the  age  of  75  years.  Four 
of  her  children  are  now  living:  Patrick,  Monica,  William  and  James.  Joseph 
became  a seafaring  man,  and  was  commander  of  several  large  vessels  and 
steamers  on  the  lakes.  He  died  at  Rochester,  N.  Y.  William,  on  arrival  in 
this  country,  apprenticed  himself  to  a trade,  and  in  1833  came  to  Huron,  where 
he  has  resided  ever  since.  He  was  married  in  1840  to  Ellen  O’Beirne,  who 
was  born  in  Carlow,  Ireland,  in  1823.  They  have  had  a family  of  nine  chil- 
dren, six  of  whom  are  now  living  : Thomas  J.,  Mary,  James  J.,  Belle,  George 
F.  and  William  J.  Maria  married  Elias  Everitt  and  died  leaving  four  sons. 
Mrs!  Hinde  was  a daughter  of  James  and  Bridget  O’Beirne,  who  came  from 
Ireland  and  settled  in  Erie  county  in  1829.  Her  father  died  that  same  yean 
leaving  a widow  and  two  daughters.  Mrs.  O’Beirne  married  for  her  second 
husband  Patrick  O’Hagan.  They  died  in  Sandusky,  leaving  two  children: 
Henry,  who  served  two  terms  as  State  senator  from  his  own  district,  and 
Helen,  who  married  Attorney  Hague. 

Hine,  William  Henry,  Berlin,  Shinrock  p.  o.,  a farmer  and  banker  of  Ber- 
lin and  Huron,  was  born  in  what  is  now  Berlin  township,  in  August  12,  1821, 
and  was  a son  of  Jared  and  Betsey  (Minor)  Hine,  who  were  born  and  married 
in  Connecticut  and  settled  in  Berlin,  Erie'county,  in  July,  1816.  They  had 
but  one  son,  William  Henry  Hine.  Jared  Hine  died  in  1844,  and  his  widow 


580 


History  of  Erie  County. 


in  1870.  Mr.  Hine  now  owns  the  old  homestead  farm  of  100  acres,  which  was- 
purchased  by  liis  father  in  1816,  and  for  which  he  paid  $300.  He  now  owns 
in  all  about  240  acres.  He  was  married  in  1847  to  Fanny  Green,  who  was 
born  in  1822.  They  have  one  daughter,  Elizabeth  Elvora.  Mrs.  Hine  was  a 
daughter  of  David  and  Sarah  (Webster)  Green.  Mr.  Hine  had  but  limited 
advantages  for  an  early  education,  but  he  is  a man  of  naturally  refined  tastes 
and  quick  conception.  He  was  prominent  in  the  organization  of  the  bank  at 
Berlin,  and  also  the  one  at  Huron.  He  is  president  of  the  one  at  Berlin  and 

vice-president  of  the  Huron  bank.  He  was  largely  engaged  in  the  lumber 

business  in  Michigan,  for  several  years,  and  has  also  been  interested  in  several 
other  enterprises. 

Hinkey,  Frank  J.,  Sandusky,  a general  blacksmith  and  steamboat  jobber 
and  repairer,  was  born  in  Sandusky  in  1862,  and  was  a son  of  William  and 
Caroline  (Leherrer)  Hinkey.  Caroline  was  born  in  Germany,  in  1829.  They 
were  married  in  Sandusky  in  1847.  William  was  born  in  Germany  in  1819, 
and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1842,  and  died  in  1880.  His  wife,  Caroline,  died 
in  1885,  leaving  a family  of  five  children  : Mary,  Christopher,  Frank  J.,  Philo- 
pena  and  Philip.  Frank  J.  was  married  February  16,  1886,  to  Dora  Michel. 
They  have  had  one  son,  Edward.  Dora  was  born  in  Germany  and  came  to 
IG'ie  county  with  her  mother  and  stepfather,  Leopold.  Mr.  Hinkey  had  by 
his  first  wife,  Anna  Nison,  one  son,  Willie.  Anna  died  in  1885. 

Hoffman,  Daniel,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  in  1841,  and 
was  a son  of  Peter  and  Maggie  Hoffman.  Daniel  came  to  America  in  1866, 
and  settled  in  Sandusky.  His  sister  Catharine  came  with  him,  and  in  1867 
another  sister,  Elizabeth,  also  came.  Mr.  Hoffman  was  a stone  mason  and 
builder  by  trade,  and  soon  commenced  business  as  a contractor.  He  retired 
from  this  business  in  1883,  and  became  engaged  in  the  wood  business,  and  in 
1885  went  into  the  coal  business.  He  was  married  in  1867  to  Philopena 
Fuchs,  who  was  born  in  Bavaria,  and  came  to  Sandusky  with  Mr.  Hoffman’s 
sister,  Elizabeth,  in  1867.  They  have  had  a family  of  nine  children  : Charles, 
Frederick,  Mary,  Magdalena,  Mena,  Lizzie,  Daniel,  jr.,  William  and  John. 

Holland,  John  W.,  jr.,  Sandusky,  a dealer  in  paints,  chromos,  mirrors,  pic- 
tures, frames,  wall  papers,  oils  and  glass,  was  born  in  Montreal,  Canada,  in 
1824,  and  was  a son  of  J.  W.  and  Mary  A.  Holland,  who  were  born  in  Ireland. 
They  emigrated  to  Canada  in  1822,  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1832,  where 
J.  W.  died,  leaving  a widow  and  six  children,  in  1862.  Five  of  the  children 
are  now  living:  Mrs.  Ann  Quayle,  Mrs.  Maria  White,  Mrs.  Lucy  White,  Mrs. 
Amelia  Marshall  and  John  W.,  jr.  Samuel  died,  leaving  a family  of  four  child- 
ren. John  W.,  jr.,  was  married  in  1 849  to  Eliza  Guslin,  who  died  in  1863,  leav- 
ing a family  of  thred  children,  two  of  whom  are  now  living.  Jay  K.  and  Liz- 
zie. He  married  his  second  wife,  Susan  1.  Ainslie,  in  1873.  They  have  had 
three  children:  Harry  A.,  Mary  and  Mabel.  Mr.  Holland  began  his  painting 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


581 


and  artistic  business  in  1842,  and  organized  his  present  firm  in  1872.  The  firm 
are  now  doing  business  under  the  firm  name  of  Holland  & Tebbetts,  at  636 
Market  street. 

Holzaepfel,  Gottlieb,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Wittenberg,  Germany, 
in  1840,  and  was  a son  of  Michael  and  Rosa  (Jansen)  Holzaepfel,  who  came  to 
the  United  States  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1851.  They  had  a family  of 
four  sons  and  one  daughter.  Two  sons  are  now  living,  Gottlieb,  born  in  1840, 
and  Christian,  born  in  1842.  Gottlieb  was  married  in  1868,  to  Caroline  Rey- 
Rer,  who  was  born  in  Wittenberg,  Germany.  They  have  had  a family  of  two 
daughters,  Caroline  and  Emma.  Mr.  Holzaepfel  became  engaged  in  the  hotel 
and  saloon  business  in  1866,  and  in  1870  became  engaged  in  the  manufacture 
of  grape  wines.  Gottlieb  and  Christian  are  now  engaged  in  this  business  under 
the  firm  name  of  Holzaepfel  Brothers.  They  have  a vineyard  consisting  of 
nine  acres,  and  a fine  farm  of  32  acres,  which  is  now  under  a high  state  of  cul- 
tivation. 

Holzhauer,  John,  Huron  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Hesse  Cassel,  Germany,  in 
1810,  and  he  was  left  an  orphan  at  an  early  age,  and  came  to  America  in  1837, 
settling  in  Lorain  county,  O.  He  was  married  in  1838  to  Orta  Shaup,  who 
died  April  4,  1844,  leaving  two  children,  Caroline  and  Henry.  He  married 
his  second  wife,  Catharine  Heidenrich,  in  March,  1847.  She  died  December 
2,  1862.  They  had  a family  of  eight  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Adam,  Anna,  Catharine,  Libbie  and  John  C.  Two  of  his  sons,  Henry  and 
Charles  Frederick,  enlisted  and  served  during  the  late  war.  Henry  enlisted  in 
Company  E,  124th  Regiment  in  October,  1862,  under  Colonel  Paine,  and  was 
discharged  at  the  close  of  the  war  July  9,  1865.  Charles  F.  enlisted,  but  died 
in  the  hospital  in  1865,  aged  nineteen  years.  Mr.  Holzhauer  married  his  third 
wife,  Mrs.  Margaret  Krop  Smith,  who  was  born  in  Hesse  Cassel,  in  1818.  Mr. 
Holzhauer  settled  in  Erie  county  in  1863,  where  he  purchased  a farm  of  176 
acres,  for  which  he  paid  $50  per  acre.  He  spent  the  years  1870  and  1871  in 
Lorain,  and  returned  to  Huron,  settling  in  the  corporation  where  he  now  re- 
sides. He  has  retired  from  active  business  life. 

Homegardner,  John,  jr.,  Sandusky,  one  of  the  firm  of  Glideman  & Home- 
gardner,  extensive  boot  and  shoe  dealers  of  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Sandusky 
in  1854,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Mary  (Lablin)  Homegardner.  John,  jr., 
was  married  in  1872  to  Louisa  Stang,  who  was  born  in  Huron  county.  They 
have  one  daughter,  Norma  Louisa.  Louisa  was  a daughter  of  Peter  and 
Magdalena  Stang,  who  had  a family  of  five  children  : Frank,  Louisa,  Charles, 
Mary  and  John.  The  present  firm  was  formed  in  1878,  and  are  among  the 
enterprising  merchants  of  Erie  county. 

Homegardner,  John,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Switzerland,  December  20,  1 829, 
and  was  a son  of  John  and  Catharine  Homegardner,  who,  with  a family  of  six 
children,  emigrated  to  America  in  1833,  and  in  1834  settled  in  Richland 


582 


History  of  Erie  County. 


county,,  O.,  and  in  1837  came  to  Sandusky,  where  Mr.  Homegardner  became 
engaged  in  farming.  John  died  in  1847,  his  wife,  Catharine,  died  in  1865. 
h'our  of  their  children  are  now  living:  Barbara,  Catharine,  Elizabeth  and  John. 
John,  at  the  age  of  twenty  one  years,  became  a contractor,  engaged  in  dock 
building  and  the  timber  business,  and  followed  that  business  until  1870,  when 
he  became  engaged  in  the  selling  of  wood  builders’  and  moulders’  sands,  also- 
in  farming.  He  was  elected  county  commissioner  in  1881  and  in  1884,  and 
was  a councilman  of  the  corporation.  He  was  married  in  September,  1851,. 
to  Mary  Loebline,  who  was  born  in  Obersteine,  Germany,  December  10,  1833. 
They  have  had  a family  of  six  children:  Caroline,  Catharine,  John,  jr.,  Louise, 
Josephine  and  Fred.  Caroline  married  M.  Cecil,  who  died  in  1887,  leaving^ 
one  child,  Alfie. 

Hommel,  Michael,  Sandusky,  an  extensive  wine,  brandy  and  champagne 
manufacturer,  manufacturing  solely  from  grapes,  and  having  a capacity  of  100,- 
000  gallons  of  wine  and  200,000  bottles  of  champagne.  He  erected  his  storage 
buildings  and  cellars  in  1878,  and  his  residence  in  1872.  Mr.  Hommel  was- 
born  in  Luxenburg,  Germany,  in  1844,  and  came  to  Sandusky  in  1871.  He 
emigrated  from  Germany  to  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  in  1865.  He  was  married  ia 
1868  to  Mary  Daumont.  They  have  a family  of  four  children  : Blanche,. 
Amelia,  William  and  Victor.  Mr.  Hommel  has  served  as  councilman  two- 
terms  ; was  a member  of  the  board  of  education  for  one  term. 

Hornung,  August  William,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  the  kingdom  of  Wurt- 
emburg,  Germany,  in  1827,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Anna  A.  Hornung,, 
who  emigrated  to  America  in  1833,  with  a family  of  six  children,  and  settled 
in  Brownsville,  Pa.,  and  in  May,  1835,  settled  in  Sandusky.  John  died  with 
the  cholera  in  1849,  leaving  a widow  and  family  of  seven  children,  five  of 
whom  are  now  living:  John,  jr.,  Jacob,  Albert,  August  William  and  Chris- 
tina, now  Mrs.  Biglin.  Mary  and  I'rederica  died,  leaving  families.  Mrs. 
Anna  Hornung  died  in  1850.  August  learned  the  moulders  trade,  which  he 
followed  for  six  years,  and  then  became  superintendent  of  the  shops,  and  in 
1857  became  a partner  in  the  business,  the  firm  being  Hornung  & Co.,  George 
Barney  being  associated  with  him.  In  i860  he  sold  his  interest  and  went 
West,  and  erected  a furnace  at  McGregor,  on  the  Mississippi,  and  in  1870  re- 
turned to  Sandusky.  He  was^married  in  1852  to  Christine  Voos.  They  have 
a family  of  four  children,  now  living  : Caroline,  Amelia,  Christina  and  Fred- 
erick. Christine  was  a daughter  of  Matthias  Voos,  who  settled  in  Sandusky 
in  1833. 

House,  Charles  Loveland,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Perkins- 
township  in  1848,  and  was  a son  of  Selah  and  Hannah  (Loveland)  House,  who 
were  born  in  Hartford  county.  Conn.,  in  1805,  where  they  were  married  in 
1824,  and  settled  in  Perkins  county  in  1825.  Hannah  died  in  1868,  and  Selah 
in  1877.  They  left  a family  of  six  children:  Harriet,  George  Ira,  Henry, 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


583 


Charles  L.,  Truma  and  Alfred.  Alfred  enlisted  during  the  late  war  and  died 
in  the  hospital  at  Nashville.  Selah,  at  the  age  of  twelve  years,  drove  a yoke 
of  oxen  from  his  home  in  Connecticut  to  Ohio,  coming  with  his  father,  and 
here  became  engaged  in  farming.  Selah  returned  to  Hartford,  where  he  was 
married,  and  afterwards  returned  to  Ohio.  In  early  life  he  was  engaged  in 
the  stone  cutting  business,  but  later  purchased  his  homestead  farm  and  became 
■engaged  in  farming.  Charles  Loveland  now  owns  and  occupies  the  old  home- 
stead. The  residence  is  one  of  the  old  landmarks  of  the  town.  Charles  L. 
was  married  in  April,  1878,  to  Lizzie  Hawkins,  of  Sandusky.  They  have  two 
children  living,  Merrill  and  Mabel.  Lazarus  and  Hannah  House  were  Charles’s 
paternal  grandparents. 

Hower,  Joseph,  Sandusky,  owner  and  proprietor  of  Hower’s  restaurant, 
was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1843,  and  emigrated  to  the  United  States  of 
America  in  1858,  and  settled  in  Coxsackie,  N.  Y.,  where  he  remained  until 
1859,  when  he  came  to  Sandusky  as  a journeyman  cabinetmaker.  In  1861  he 
enlisted  on  the  first  call  of  President  Lincoln  for  men,  re-enlisted  in  the  23d 
Ohio,  and  served  under  General  Hayes.  He  was  discharged  July  9,  1864,  at 
Columbus,  O.,  after  serving  for  three  years.  In  1870  he  became  engaged  in 
the  restaurant  business  and  agent  for  Fisher  Hall.  In  March,  1885,  he  pur- 
•chased  his  present  place  on  Market  street,  and  built  his  present  restaurant, 
which  is  now  fitted  up  in  artistic  style.  He  was  married  in  1866  to  Barbara 
Ruppert,  of  Sandusky.  They  have  had  three  children  : Amelia  T.,  Charles 
T.  and  Philip  G.  Charles  T.  died  September  23,  1887.  Mr.  Hower’s  father 
died  in  Germany.  His  mother  came  to  America  in  1867,  and  in  1876  re- 
turned to  the  fatherland  on  a visit,  where  she  remained  until  1878,  when  she 
returned  to  America  alone.  She  was  born  in  1800. 

Hudson  Brothers,  Huron  p.  o.  Benjamin  A.  was  born  in  Steuben,  Oneida 
county,  N.  Y.,  in  1832,  and  his  brother,  Jason  Lester  Hudson,  was  born  in 
Chillicothe,  Ross  county,  O.,  in  1834.  They  were  the  only  sons  of  Robert 
and  Sarah  (McMillen)  Hudson,  who  were  born  in  Oneida  county,  N.  Y.,  and 
settled  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  O.,  in  1835,  where  Robert  died  in  1854,  of 
cholera.  His  wife  died  in  1886,  at  the  age  of  76  years  ; she  left  two  sons. 
Benjamin  A.  was  married  in  1856  to  Julia  A.  Williams,  of  Sault  de  St.  Marie, 
Mich.  They  have  one  daughter,  Sarah  Elizabeth  Hudson,  who  was  married 
to  John  G.  Matt.  They  have  two  children,  Albert  and  Lester  E.  Jason  L. 
Hudson  enlisted  in  Company  K,  6jd  Ohio  Regiment,  under  Colonel  Sprague, 
in  1862,  and  served  to  the  close  of  the  war,  being  discharged  in  August,  1865, 
with  his  regiment.  The  brothers  are  engaged  in  the  fish  business,  and  in  1877 
gave  employment  to  from  20  to  50  men.  Benjamin  was  appointed  collector 
and  inspector  of  the  port  in  1886,  and  has  also  held  other  minor  offices. 

Hudson,  John,  J.,  Margaretta,  Venice  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Sandusky,  Sep- 
tember 2,  1 852,  and  was  a son  of  William  and  Mary  (Lloyd)  Hudson.  Mary  was 


584 


History  of  Erie  County. 


born  in  South  Wales.  William  was  born  in  Epsom,  England,  January  31,  1823. 
They  emigrated  to  America  in  1852,  and  settled  in  Sandusky,  where  Mary  died; 
in  August,  1876,  and  William  January  25,  1879.  They  left  a family  of  four 
children:  William,  jr,,  Mary  A.,  John,  J.,  and  Alfred.  The  father,  William,  was 
elected  councilman  and  a member  of  the  board  of  education.  He  was  a tin 
and  coppersmith  by  trade,  a business  which  he  followed  for  several  years  after 
settling  here.  He  was  also  superintendent  of  the  Sandusky  Gas  Company  for 
over  twenty  years.  In  i860  he  purchased  a farm  of  40  acres  of  wild  land,  for 
which  he  paid  $65  per  acre.  His  son,  John  J.,  settled  on  this  farm  in  1874,. 
and  now  resides  here.  He  was  married  in  November  26,  1874,  to  Mary  Sei- 
ble,  who  was  born  in  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  October  5,  1852.  They  have  had  two 
children,  Mamie  and  John,  jr.  Mr.  Hudson  now  has  a farm  of  finely  cultivated, 
land.  He  also  has  a vineyard  consisting  of  eight  acres,  of  all  the  finest  varie- 
ties of  grapes.  His  father,  William,  improved  the  farm,  and  after  the  death  of 
his  wife  resided  with  his  son  until  his  death. 

Hull,  Henry,  Huron  p.  o.,  a general  merchant  of  Huron  township,  was  born 
in  Brownhelm  township,  Lorain  county,  O.,  in  1853,  and  was  a son  of  J.  A.  and 
Mary  (Nuhn)  Hull.  Mr.  Hull  received  a liberal  common  school  education,  and 
in  1874  commenced  his  business  life  as  a clerk.  He  settled  in  Huron  in  1880, 
and  became  a partner  in  the  business  of  Captain  Charles  Peterson.  In  1881  he 
purchased  his  business  interest,  and  formed  the  business  firm  of  Hull  & Rand, 
which  firm  still  exists.  They  deal  largely  in  dry  goods,  groceries,  crockery,, 
and  carry  a full  line  of  builders’  and  farmers’  supplies  and  hardware.  Mr. 
Hull  was  married  in  1880  to  Nina  Grover,  of  Erie  county.  They  have  twO' 
children,  Elsie  and  Grover.  Mr.  Hull  was  elected  treasurer  of  his  town  in 
1883-85  and  1887. 

Hull,  John  L.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  one  of  the  leading  and  influential 
men  of  this  town  was  born  in  Washington  county.  Pa.,  October  24,  1822,  and 
was  a son  of  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  Hull.  Elizabeth  was  born  in  Pennsylvania, 
and  Joseph  in  New  Jersey.  They  settled  in  Huron  township  in  1825,  and  in 
Perkins  in  1828,  where  they  died,  Joseph  in  1865,  and  his  wife  in  1881.  They 
had  a family  of  thirteen  children,  nine  of  whom  are  now  living:  Mrs.  Nancy 
Hughes,  Mrs.  Martha  Hindman,  John  L.,  Mrs.  Hannah  Buck,  Isaac,  Mrs.  Eliza 
Newman,  Mrs.  Sarah  Bigelow,  Mrs.  Lucinda  Snyder  and  Mrs.  Mary  Hughes. 
John  L.  was  married  in  1845  f®  Eliza  Harsh,  who  died  in  1852,  leaving  one- 
son,  John  H.  He  was  married  the  second  time  in  1854,  to  Angeline  Walker, 
who  was  born  in  New  York.  They  have  had  two  children,  Lynn  W.  and  Ida. 
M.  Angeline  was  a daughter  of  the  old  settler,  Mr.  Walker,  who  came  to  San- 
dusky in  1 8 1 8,  and  died  in  Perkins  township,  in  October,  1865.  He  and  his  wife 
were  prominent  in  the  organization  of  the  Congregational  Church  at  Sandusky. 
Mr.  Hull  chose  farming  as  an  occupation,  a calling  in  which  he  has  been  very 
successful.  He  is  one  of  the  largest  stock  dealers  and  breeders  in  the  county.. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


58s 


His  farm  consists  of  300  acres  of  fine  land.  He  was  elected  county  commis- 
sioner in  1886,  and  also  held  other  minor  offices.  His  son,  Henry,  is  a gradu- 
ate of  Oberlin  College  and  Theological  Seminary,  and  is  now  a clergyman  at 
Cleveland.  Lynn  W.  is  a graduate  of  Cincinnati  Law  School,  and  is  now  en- 
gaged in  the  practice  of  his  profession;  Ida  is  also  a graduate  of  Oberlin  Col- 
lege. 

Huntington,  Erastus,  Kelley’s  Island,  a representative  man  of  Erie  county^ 
was  born  in  Cleveland  in  1838,  and  is  a son  of  George  C.,  and  Emeline  (Kel- 
ley) Huntington.  Emeline  was  the  eldest  daughter  of  Datus  and  Sarah  (Dean) 
Kelley.  George  and  Emeline  were  married  in  1837,  ^^id  settled  on  Kelley’s  Isl- 
and in  1838,  and  became  engaged  in  farming  for  a time,  after  which  they  went 
to  Cleveland,  where  they  remained  until  1845,  when  they  again  returned  to  the 
island  where  they  permanently  settled.  George  C.  Huntington  was  born  in 
Norwich,  Conn.,  in  1808,  and  settled  in  Cleveland,  where  he  became  one  of  its 
earliest  merchants.  He  died  at  Wallace,  Kansas,  in  1876.  They  had  a family 
of  four  sons:  Erastus,  Simon,  born  in  1839;  Daniel  K.,  born  in  1845,  and  Jo- 
seph A.,  born  in  1850.  Simon  enlisted  in  Company  B,  loist  Regiment  VoL 
Infantry,  and  was  wounded  and  died  in  the  hospital  at  Nashville,  January  9,, 
1862.  Erastus  and  Daniel  K.  enlisted  in  Company  K,  130th  Regiment  in  May,^ 
1864,  in  the  lOO-day  call,  in  the  lOth  corps,  under  Colonel  Phillips  and  Gen- 
eral Butler.  Mr.  Huntington  was  educated  at  Oberlin,  and  became  engaged 
as  a clerk  in  the  Kelley’s  Island  general  mercantile  store  in  1854,  and  in  i866- 
purchased  a half  interest,  and  in  1871  purchased  the  entire  interest.  He  was 
appointed  postmaster  in  1866,  a position  which  he  held  until  1884;  was  treas- 
urer of  the  town  for  twenty  years,  notary  public  for  twenty-one  years,  deputy 
county  surveyor,  collector  of  State  taxes  for  the  island,  and  express  and  tele- 
graph manager.  He  was  married  in  1863  to  Alzina  Hamilton,  eldest  daugh- 
ter of  James  and  Zabra  (Titus)  Hamilton.  They  have  had  two  children  : Si- 
mon A.,  born  in  1866,  and  Stella,  born  in  1876. 

Huntington,  George  C.,  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  in  Norwich,  New  Lon- 
don county.  Conn.,  in  1808,  and  settled  in  Cleveland,  O.,  as  a merchant,  and 
was  married  in  1837  Emeline  Kelley.  They  had  a family  of  four  children: 
Erastus,  Simon,  Daniel  K.  and  Joseph  A.  Simon  enlisted  in  Company  B,. 
(Oist  Regiment  in  September,  1861,  and  died  at  the  Nashville  hospital  January 
19,  1862,  from  wounds  received  in  battle.  Emeline  was  born  in  Rockport, 
Cuyahoga  county,  O.,  in  1819,  and  was  a daughter  of  Datus  and  Sarah  (Dean) 
Kelley,  who  were  married  at  Martinsburg,  Lewis  county,  N.  Y.,  August  21, 
1811,  and  settled  in  Rockport  that  same  year,  and  in  1836  settled  on  Kelley’s 
Island.  They  had  a family  of  nine  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living:  Ad- 
dison, Alfred,  William,  Emeline,  Caroline  and  Betsey.  Julius  died  leaving  a 
family,  and  the  other  two  died  at  an  early  age.  Datus  Kelley  was  a son  of 
Daniel  and  Jemima  (Stowe)  Kelley,  who  settled  in  Cleveland  at  an  early  day 


S86 


History  of  Erie  County, 


where  they  died.  They  had  a family  of  six  sons:  Datus,  Alfred,  Irad,  Thomas, 
J.  Reynolds,  and  Daniel.  George  C.  Huntington  settled  on  Kelley’s  Island  in 
1838,  and  died  in  1876. 

Ilg,  Anthony,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  in  1820,  and 
was  a son  of  Casper  Ilg.  Anthony  was  married  in  Germany  in  1846  to  Charity 
Manz.  They  emigrated  to  America  in  1849,  settled  in  Cincinnati,  where 
Anthony  became  engaged  in  the  hotel  and  saloon  business.  They  had  a family 
of  eight  children,  but  three  of  whom  are  now  living:  Grace,  born  in  Germany, 
Gustave  and  Otto.  Charity  died  in  April,  1871.  Mr.  Ilg  was  married  again  in 
December,  1871,  to  Mary  Eble.  Mary  was  a daugliter  of  John  and  Barbara 
Eble,  who  resided  in  Indiana,  coming  to  this  country  from  Germany  in  1854. 
Mr.  Ilg  purchased  an  interest  in  the  old  Fox  brewery  in  1871,  the  firm  then 
being  Raible,  Stroble  & Ilg;  from  1874  to  1879  the  firm  was  Stroble  & Ilg,  and 
in  1879  Mr.  Ilg  became  sole  proprietor.  The  firm  now  is  A.  Ilg  & Co.  Mr.  Ilg 
settled  in  Sandusky  in  1874. 

Jackson,  Town,  Huron  p.  o.,  a pioneer  of  Erie  county,  was  born  in  Wood- 
stock,  Vt,,  in  1798,  and  was  a son  of  Morris  and  Lucina  (Sheldon)  Jackson, 
who  were  natives  of  Rhode  Island,  and  settled  in  Hudson,  N.  Y.,  in  1804,  and 
in  1819  emigrated  to  Norwalk,  Huron  county,  O.,  where  Town  Jackson  com- 
menced life  as  a clerk,  with  the  firm  of  Ralph  and  George  Lockwood.  He  was 
married  November  18,  1821,  to  Sarah  Clock,  at  Cleveland.  She  died  in  1854, 
leaving  one  daughter,  now  the  widow  of  James  S.  Griffith.  She  has  two  chil- 
dren. Mr.  Jackson  married  his  second  wife,  Lucy  M.  Button,  in  1856.  She 
was  born  in  Ohio,  in  1817.  Mr.  Jackson  settled  in  Huron  in  1824,  and  in  1826 
became  engaged  in  the  general  merchandise  business,  grain,  and  stock  ship- 
ping, and  boat  building.  He  was  one  of  the  ever  active  business  men  of  his 
township,  and  retired  from  an  active  business  life  at  the  age  of  seventy,  and 
now  at  the  age  of  ninety  is  hale  and  hearty. 

James,  Thomas,  (deceased),  Oxford,  Bloomingville  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Wex- 
ford, Ireland,  in  1805,  and  died  February  19,  1887.  He  came  to  America  with 
his  parents  in  1806,  and  settled  in  the  State  of  Maine,  where  he  remained  for 
some  time,  when  he  went  to  New  London,  Conn.  In  1810  his  father  purchased 
a large  tract  of  land  in  Oxford  township,  and  moved  his  family  to  Blooming- 
ingville,  in  July,  1810.  Thomas  was  the  last  surviving  one  of  the  family,  and 
was  one  of  the  most  prominent  men  of  the  county;  a man  well  read  in  history, 
as  well  as  all  of  the  leading  books  of  his  time.  The  Bible  was  his  constant 
companion,  and  he  was  able  to  quote  from  any  chapter  of  it.  He  was  a man 
of  uncommon  memory.  He  was  married  in  1834  to  Francis  Hill,  who  was  born 
in  Westmoreland  county.  Pa.,  in  1806.  They  had  a family  of  five  children: 
David  H.,  Jane  A.,  Thomas  M.,  Lucretia  D.  and  Viola  P.  His  widow  now  re- 
sides with  her  two  daughters,  Jane  and  Lucretia.  Viola  was  married  in  1870 
to  George  D.  Beatty.  David  H.  enlisted  in  the  72d  Regiment  O.  V.  I.  in  1862, 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


S8r 

serving  faithfully  as  orderly  sergeant  until  after  the  battle  of  Pittsburg  Landings 
where  he  became  disabled  by  fatigue  and  exposure,  and  was  discharged.  He 
recruited  a company  of  lOO-day  men,  and  served  as  captain  until  mustered 
out.  He  died  from  the  effects  of  the  war  .September  6,  1864.  Thomas  M. 
served  as  first  lieutenant  of  Company  B,  First  O.  H.  A.  until  the  close  of  the 
war.  He  is  now  one  of  the  leading  men  of  Topeka,  Kan.,  serving  several  terms- 
in  the  Legislature. 

Jeffery,  George,  Huron  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  in  1847, 
was  a son  of  John  and  Hannah  (Dale)  Jeffery.  Mr.  Jeffery  died  March  15,  leav- 
ing a widow  and  two  sons,  George,  and  John  born  in  1849.  Hannah  was  a 
daughter  of  Peter  and  Anna  Dale.  John  Jeffery  was  born  in  Cornwall,  Eng- 
land, and  was  a son  of  George  and  Elizabeth  (Garland)  Jeffery,  who  emigrated 
to  and  settled  in  Huron,  O.,  in  1840.  They  had  a family  of  ten  children,  but 
five  of  whom  are  now  living:  Richard,  William  Samuel,  Henry  and  Mary,, 
now  Mrs.  Rosekelly.  George  Jeffery  was  married  July  5,  1869,  to  Mary  E. 
Garrett.  They  have  had  one  son,  John,  born  November  23,  1875.  Mr.  Jeffery 
was  brought  up  on  a farm,  and  by  his  own  exertions  fitted  himself  for  a 
teacher,  and  taught  school  for  several  years.  He  is  now  engaged  in  farming,, 
and  is  an  active  member  of  the  board  of  education  of  the  Huron  corporation. 
Mrs.  Jeffery  was  a daughter  of  Daniel  and  Margaret  (Hethrick)  Garrett,  who- 
came  to  Huron  from  Pennsylvania  in  1865. 

Jucker,  Rudolph,  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  in  the  east  of  Switzerland  in 
1828,  and  was  a son  of  Jacob  and  Hannah  Jucker.  Rudolph  came  to  America 
in  1859,  and  settled  in  Wayne  county  south  of  Detroit,  where  he  became  en- 
gaged in  cutting  stone.  He  came  to  Kelley’s  Island  in  1862,  and  w'orked  with 
Mr.  Carpenter  for  seven  years.  He  served  under  the  loo-day  call  for  men  un- 
der Captain  Webb.  In  1869  he  became  engaged  in  farming  and  grape-grow- 
ing on  shares,  and  in  1879  purchased  his  present  homestead  of  7^  acres,  for 
which  he  paid  $4,500  cash.  Four  acres  of  this  land  he  converted  into  a vine- 
yard, which  has  proved  a great  success.  He  was  married  in  1869  to  Barbara 
Raab,  who  was  born  in  Bavaria.  They  have  had  two  daughters,  Elise  and 
Bertha.  His  parents  had  a family  of  five  children:  Henry,  Rudolph,  Jacob, 
Barbara  and  Anna. 

Keeney,  Obed,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Glastonbury,  Hartford 
county,  Conn.,  August  16,  1800,  and  married  May  16,  1823,  to  Doshe  Hall, 
who  was  born  in  Manchester,  Hartford  county.  Conn.,  December  20,  1802. 
They  had  a family  of  seven  children,  but  two  of  whom  are  now  living;  Eliza- 
beth, born  in  1829,  and  Edwin  Leroy,  born  in  1832.  They  settled  in  Perkins 
township  in  1843,  where  Mr.  Keeney  died  December  28,  1858. 

Kelley,  Addison,  Kelley’s  Island,  a pioneer  of  the  island,  was  born  in  Rock- 
port,  Cuyahoga  county,  June  ii,  1812,  and  was  a son  of  Datus  and  Sarah 
(Dean)  Kelley,  who  was  born  in  Westfield,  Mass.,  April  5,  1789.  Datus  was- 


588 


History  of  Erie  County. 


■born  in  Middletown,  Conn.,  in  1788.  They  were  married  at  Martinsburg,  N. 
Y.,  August  21,  1811,  and  settled  in  Cuyahoga  county  the  same  year.  Datus 
and  his  brother,  Irad  Kelley,  purchased  Kelley’s  Island  in  1833,  and  Datus 
settled  on  the  land  in  1836.  The  island  consisted  of  2,800  acres,  part  of  which 
they  cleared  and  sold.  Sarah  died  in  1864.  and  her  husband,  Datus,  in  1866. 
They  had  a family  of  nine  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living:  Addison,  born 
in  1812;  Alfred,  born  in  1826;  William  D.,  born  in  1828;  Mrs.  Emeline  Hunt- 
ington, born  in  1819;  Mrs.  Caroline  Carpenter,  born  in  1821;  and  Mrs.  Betsey 
Webb,  born  in  1823.  Datus  was  a son  of  Daniel  and  Jemima  (Stow)  Kelley, 
who  were  born  in  Connecticut,  and  settled  in  Cuyahoga  county,  and  after- 
wards died  in  Cleveland.  They  had  a family  of  six  sons,  all  born  in  Connec- 
ticut, but  afterwards  settled  in  Ohio.  Addison  Kelley  was  married  October 
12,  1837,  to  Ann  Marilla  Millard,  who  was  born  January  21,  1818.  They  were 
married  at  Rockport,  O.,  and  had  a family  of  five  sons,  only  one  of  whom  is 
now  living,  Francis  M.,  born  August  15,  1844.  He  was  married  November 
2,  1882,  to  Mary  D.  Boake.  Mr.  Kelley  has  held  all  of  the  town  offices,  and 
has  been  active  in  the  interests  of  his  county.  He  received  a liberal  education 
and  commenced  business  life  as  a clerk.  In  1835  he  came  to  the  island  to  take 
charge  of  his  father’s  and  uncle’s  interest  in  the  same,  and  turned  his  attention 
to  farming  and  horticulture.  He  has  now  retired  from  active  business.  His 
wife  was  a daughter  of  Royal  Millard. 

Kelley,  Alfred,  Kelley’s  Island,  one  of  the  representative  men  of  the  island, 
was  born  in  Rockport,  Cuyahoga  county  in  1826,  and  was  a son  of  Datus  and 
Sarah  Kelley.  She  was  born  in  Westfield,  Mass.,  April  5,  1789,  and  Datus  at 
Middletown,  Conn.,  in  1788.  They  were  married  at  Martinsburg,  N.  Y.,  Au- 
gust 21,  1811,  and  settled  in  Cuyahoga  county,  O.,  that  same  year.  They 
have  had  a family  of  nine  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living;  Addison,  born 
in  1812;  Alfred,  born  in  1 826 ; William  D.,  born  in  1828;  Mrs.  Emeline  Hunt- 
ington, born  in  1819;  Mrs.  Caroline  Carpenter,  born  in  1821  ; and  Mrs.  Betsey 
Webb,  born  in  1823.  Datus  was  a son  of  Daniel  and  Jemima  (Stow)  Kelley, 
who  were  born  and  married  in  Connecticut,  and  with  a family  of  six  sons  settled 
in  Lewis  county,  N.  Y.,  where  they  remained  until  i8ii,  when  they  came  to 
Cuyahoga  county.  Their  sons  were,  Datus,  Alfred,  Irad,  Thomas,  J.  Rey- 
nolds and  Daniel.  Alfred  became  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Cleveland;  was 
a member  of  the  Legislature,  and  prominent  in  the  construction  of  the  Cleve- 
land and  Ohio  canal,  and  the  Cleveland  and  Columbus  Railroad.  Irad  was 
postmaster  at  Cleveland  for  several  years.  Datus  and  his  brother  Irad  pur- 
chased Cunningham’s  Island  in  1833,  which  contained  2,8oo  acres,  after  which 
it  received  the  name  Kelley’s  Island,  and  here  Datus  and  his  family  settled  in 
1836.  They  erected  the  present  town  hall,  a stone  edifice,  in  1861,  and 
donated  it  to  the  town.  Six  of  the  children  of  Datus  and  Sarah  now  reside  in 
this  township.  Alfred  was  married  in  1857  to  Hannah  Farr,  of  Rockport. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


589 


They  have  had  one  son,  Herman,  born  in  1859.  He  was  graduated  from 
Buchtel  College  in  1879,  and  from  the  Harvard  law  school  in  1880,  and  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  at  Cleveland  in  1883.  He  is  now  engaged  in  the  practice 
of  his  profession  in  Cleveland,  a member  of  the  firm  of  Kelley  & Stearns.  Mr. 
Kelley  was  a justice  of  the  peace  for  nine  years,  and  held  many  other  of  the 
town  and  county  offices.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Kelley’s  Island 
Wine  Company,  with  a capital  of  $100,000  in  1866.  In  1870  the  capital  had 
had  increased  to  $200,000,  and  the  company  has  a storage  capacity  for  500,000 
gallons  of  wine.  Mr.  Kelley  is  treasurer  of  this  company. 

Kelley,  Emmet,  Huron,  was  born  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  O.,  in  1848,  and 
was  a son  of  Mark  and  Margaret  (Crozier)  Kelley,  who  settled  in  Erie  county 
about  1836.  Mr.  Kelley  died  in  1866,  leaving  a widow  and  three  children: 
Charles,  Emmet  and  Mary,  now  Mrs.  Beecher.  One  son,  Arah,  enlisted  in  the 
63d  Ohio  Regiment,  and  died  in  the  hospital  in  Georgia.  Emmet  Kelley  was 
married  in  1878  to  Emma  Dauch,  of  Huron.  They  have  had  two  children: 
Mary  and  Mark.  Mrs.  Kelley  was  a daughter  of  Philip  and  Mary  Dauch. 

Kelley,  George,  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  in  Cleveland,  September  i,  1822, 
and  was  a son  of  Irad  and  Harriet  (Pease)  Kelley,  who  had  a family  of  ten 
children,  eight  of  whom  grew  to  manhood  and  womanhood  : George,  Edwin, 
Charles,  Franklin,  Martha,  Norman,  Laura  and  William  H.  Three  of  the  sons 
enlisted  on  the  one  hundred-day  call.  Irad  and  his  brother  Datus  purchased 
Cunningham’s  Island  in  February,  1833,  on  which  Datus  came  to  reside  in 
1838.  Irad  was  a prominent  man  of  Cleveland,  O.,  and  was  one  of  its  first 
postmasters.  He  was  born  in  Connecticut  in  1791,  and  settled  in  Cleveland  in 
18 1 1 with  his  parents,  Daniel  and  Jemima  (Stow)  Kelley  Irad  died  in  New 
York  city  in  1875.  George  Kelley  was  married  in  1847  Martha  J.  Eastland, 
of  Tennessee.  She  was  a daughter  of  Colonel  Thomas  Eastland.  They  have 
a family  of  five  children  now  living:  Mary  H.,  Henry  C.,  Charles  W.,  Laura, 
Gustavus  A.  Mr.  Kelley  settled  on  the  island  in  1848,  and  became  engaged 
in  farming  and  the  cultivation  of  grapes. 

Kelley,  Norman,  Kelley’s  Island,  one  of  the  prominent  business  men  of  the 
island,  was  born  in  Cleveland,  O.,  in  1836,  and  is  a son  of  Irad  and  Harriet 
(Pease)  Kelley.  Norman  settled  on  Kelley’s  Island  in  1857,  became  en- 
gaged in  the  stone  business  in  company  with  his  brother,  Franklin  A.,  who 
withdrew  from  the  firm  in  1868,  and  died  in  1870.  Mr.  Kelley  was  married 
in  1872  to  Mattie  M.  Hanna,  of  Detroit.  Mr.  Kelley  is  still  extensively  en- 
gaged in  quarrying  and  shipping  stone.  In  1858  he  became  interested  in  the 
culture  of  grapes,  and  is  now  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Kelley  Island  Wine 
Company,  and  also  of  the  Third  National  Bank  of  Sandusky.  He  is  also  in- 
terested in  several  large  freight  steamers  on  the  lakes,  and  various  otiiei"  busi- 
ness enterprises.  His  father,  Irad,  was  a son  of  Daniel  and  Jemima  (Stow) 
Kelley,  who  were  natives  of  Hartford  county.  Conn.,  and  settled  in  Cleveland 


75 


590 


History  of  Erie  County. 


in  i8ii.  They  had  a family  of  .‘^ix  sons:  Datus,  Alfred,  Irad,  J.  Reynolds, 
Thomas,  and  Daniel,  who  was  born  in  1802.  Irad  was  born  in  1791,  and  died 
in  1875  in  New  York  city  while  on  his  way  to  South  America  on  a pleasure 
trip.  He  was  a leading  and  influential  man  of  Cleveland,  one  of  its  earliest 
settlers,  and  one  of  its  first  postmasters.  It  was  he  who  planned  the  purchase 
of  Kelley’s  Island  in  1830,  at  the  time  called  Cunningham’s  Island,  and  on 
which  Datus  and  his  family  settled  in  1836,  the  two  brothers  each  owning  one- 
half  of  the  island.  Irad  was  horn  in  Connecticut,  and  married  at  Cleveland. 
His  wife  was  born  in  Connecticut  in  1800.  They  had  a family  of  ten  chil- 
dren, two  of  whom  died  in  infancy,  and  eight  are  now  living:  George,  Edwin, 
Charles,  Franklin,  Martha,  Norman,  Laura  and  William  Henry,  who  attained  the 
age  of  man  and  womanhood.  Three  of  the  sons,  Norman,  Charles  and  Frank- 
lin enlisted  in  the  130th  Regiment,  O.  V.  I.,  under  the  tender  of  the  State 
militia  by  Governor  Brough  to  President  Lincoln  in  1864,  known  as  the  one 
hundred-day  call,  they  being  members  of  a company  of  State  troops  formed 
on  the  island,  and  belonging  to- the  1 3th  Battalion,' O.  V.  I.  Guards.  The  130th 
Regiment  did  efficient  duty  on  the  Appomatto.x  and  James  Rivers  between 
Petersburgh  and  Richmond,  relieving  veteran  troops  and  doing  guard  and 
picket  duty,  besides  assisting  in  the  erection  of  earthworks. 

Kelley,  William,  Sandusky,  the  chief  engineer  of  the  Sandusky  Water  Com- 
pany, was  born  in  Sandusky  in  1855  ; learned  the  boiler  making  trade  at  the 
B.  and  O.  Railroad  company’s  shops,  and  in  1880  became  fireman  for  the  water 
company;  in  1882  was  promoted  to  assistant  engineer,  and  in  1885  was  made 
chief  engineer.  He  was  a son  of  Michael  and  Catharine  Kelley,  who  was  born 
in  Roscommon,  Ireland,  and  settled  in  Sandusky  about  1847,  where  Michael 
died  in  1874,  leaving  a widow  and  ten  children,  five  sons  and  five  daughters. 

Keyes,  Squire  Jarad,  Sandusky,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Sandusky,  was 
born  in  East  Bloomfield,  Ontario  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1815,  and  was  a son  of  Julius 
and  Mary  (Munson)  Keyes,  of  Goshen,  Conn.  Julius  was  born  in  Springfield, 
Mass.  Jared  B..  in  1828,  went  to  Buffalo  and  became  engaged  in  a seafaring 
life  as  a hand  on  the  schooner  Franklin,  owned  by  parties  at  Huron,  Erie 
county,  O.,  and  in  1833  he  became  master  of  the  schooner  Thomas  Morris,  and 
in  1837  built  the  Josephine,  a craft  of  fifty- seven  tons.  He  retired  from  the 
sailing  business  in  1854.  He  first  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1830,  and  was  mar- 
ried December  24,  1833,  to  Mrs.  Arvilla  Knapp  Wolcott,  of  Marblehead,  Ot- 
tawa county,  O.  They  have  had  a family  of  four  children  : Charles  M.,  Elvira, 
Thomas  J.  and  Jennie  V.  Mrs.  Wolcott  had  two  children  by  her  first  husband, 
one  is  now  living,  Harrison  Wolcott.  Arvilla  was  born  in  Stockbridge,  Wind- 
sor county,  Vt.,  in  1810,  and  came  to  Ohio  in  1819.  She  settled  in  Michigan 
in  1820. 

Kirby,  Captain  Austin  A.,  Huron,  a retired  seafaring  man,  was  born  in 
Genoa,  Cayuga  county,  N.  Y.,  September  15,  1817,  and  was  the  son  of  Silas 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


591 


and  Rhoba  Kirby,  who  were  natives  of  New  Bedford,  Mass.,  and  who  settled 
in  New  York  State  in  1812.  When  Austin  was  but  a }'outh  they  went  to 
Sackett’s  Harbor.  In  the  year  1829  he  first  commenced  his  life  as  a sailor 
on  Lake  Ontario.  In  1835  he  became  master  of  the  schooner  Commodore  De- 
catur. In  the  winter  of  1835-36  his  parents  moved  to  Oswego,  and  Austin 
sailed  from  Oswego  to  Lake  Erie  ports  for  three  years  as  mate  of  the 
schooner  Congress,  with  Captain  W.  Throop.  and  in  the  spring  of  1839  went 
to  Ingham  county,  Mich.,  with  his  parents.  In  1840  he  was  master  of  the 
schooner  Independence  of  Oswego,  and  the  following  year  was  master  of  the 
schooner  0.  P.  Starkey.  In  1843  became  master  of  the  schooner  Franklin^ 
and  in  1844  was  mate  of  the  propeller  New  York.  He  retired  from  sailing  at 
the  close  of  the  season  and  moved  to  Michigan.  In  1847-48  he  was  master  of 
the  schooner  Forest,  and  in  1849-50  was  master  of  the  same  schooner.  He  was 
also  master  of  the  schooner  Plymouth  of  Huron,  which  was  lost  in  the  spring  of 
1853.  He  took  charge  of  the  schooner  Ithaca  in  1853-54,  and  in  1855  was 
master  of  the  propeller  Mt.  Vernon,  retiring  from  sailing  at  the  close  of  the 
season.  In  1857  he  sailed  the  schooner  J.  P Kirtland,  and  retired  from  sail- 
ing until  the  fall  of  1863,  when  he  moved  to  Huron,  O.,  and  the  following  year 
sailed  the  bark  Aloise  of  Detroit,  sailing  between  Buffalo  and  Chicago.  He 
was  master  of  the  schooner  Union  four  years,  and  then  he  purchased  the  H.  C. 
Post,  which  he  sold  in  1870.  In  1871  he  had  charge  of  the  tug  Odd  Fellow, 
and  in  the  year  1872  became  master  of  the  propeller  A.  B.  lVard,jr.  In 
1873  he  was  made  commodore  of  the  great  shipping  interest  of  E.  B.  Ward. 
On  January  2,  1875,  Mr.  E.  B.  Ward  died,  and  in  the  following  May  Captain 
Kirby  became  master  of  the  propeller  Minneapolis,  running  between  Grand 
Haven  and  Milwaukee,  running  the  entire  year,  winter  and  summer.  He  re- 
tired from  sailing  in  1880  and  purchased  a farm  in  Ionia  county,  Mich.,  which 
he  sold  and  returned  to  Huron,  where  he  now  resides.  Mr.  Kirby  was  married 
in  December,  1842,  to  Elizabeth  Ann  Robinson,  of  Syracuse,  N.  Y.  She  died 
in  April,  1847,  Raving  two  children:  Rhoba  C.  and  Elizabeth  A.  Mr.  Kirby 
then  married  Mary  Maria  Robinson,  a sister  of  his  first  wife.  They  have  three 
children  living:  Isabella,  now  Mrs.  Wright;  Austin  A.,  jr.,  and  Eliza  I.,  now 
Mrs.  Murphy.  Mr.  Kirby  first  visited  Huron  in  1836,  and  while  residing  here 
has  held  the  offices  of  justice  of  the  peace  and  mayor,  and  also  held  several 
offices  while  residing  in  Michigan. 

Kister,  Philip,  O.xford,  Prout  p.  o.,  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  his  town- 
ship, was  born  in  Nassau,  Germany,  June  21,  1824,  and  emigrated  to  America 
May  3,  1853.  married  in  June,  1853,  to  Nettie  Hiser,  who  was  born 

in  Nassau  and  came  to  America  on  the  same  ship  with  her  husband.  They 
have  had  one  daughter,  Catharine,  born  in  1854,  and  married  in  1872  to  H. 
Ohle.  They  have  six  sons  and  two  daughters.  Mr.  Kister  commenced  life 
comparatively  poor.  In  1864  he  purchased  his  present  homestead  of  forty^- 


592 


History  of  Erie  County. 


four  acres  by  paying  a small  amount  down.  He  has  prospered,  and  now  has 
a farm  of  i I2  acres,  with  fine  buildings.  His  farm  is  well  stocked,  his  being 
one  of  the  homes  a man  has  a right  to  take  pride  in. 

Knauer,  George,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Saxe  Coburg,  Ger- 
many, in  1822,  and  was  a son  of  George  Knauer.  He  came  to  America  in 
1847,  and  remained  in  New  York  city  one  year,  when,  in  1848,  he  settled  in 
Sandusky,  where  he  became  engaged  in  the  butchering  business.  In  i860  he 
opened  a market,  and  in  1863  became  engaged  in  general  farming.  He  was 
married  in  1853  to  Eva  Wittner.  They  have  two  children:  William  Fred- 
erick and  Carrie.  Eva  was  a daughter  of  Philip  and  Eva  Wittner,  of  Baden, 
who  settled  in  Perkins  township  in  1848,  where  Philip  died  in  1875,  aged 
sixty- five  years.  They  had  a family  of  seven  children,  only  one  of  whom  is 
now  living,  Eva  Knauer. 

Knight,  Simon,  Huron,  was  born  in  Devonshire,  England,  in  1818,  and 
was  a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Knight.  Simon  was  married  in  1845  Ann 
Wheaton,  who  was  born  in  1823.  They  came  to  America  in  April,  1849, 
with  one  son,  Richard  W.,  and  in  1852  purchased  his  present  homestead 
farm  of  seventy-nine  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $25  per  acre.  To  this  first 
purchase  he  has  since  added  six  acres,  and  now  has  a fine  farm  of  eighty- 
five  acres.  He  also  owns  a farm  of  300  acres  in  Berlin  township.  They  have 
had  a family  of  four  children,  two  of  whom  are  now  living:  Richard  and 
Emma  Jane. 

Knopf,  George,  jr.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  in  1838,  and 
was  a son  of  George  and  Margaret  Knopf,  who  emigrated  to  New  York  city  in 
1847,  in  1848  settled  in  Sandusky  city,  where  they  now  reside.  George 
was  born  December  8,  1816,  and  his  wife,  Margaret,  in  1817.  They  were 
married  in  December,  1837,  and  have  a family  of  four  children  living,  two  sons 
and  two  daughters.  George,  on  settlement  here,  became  engaged  as  a jour- 
neyman tailor.  George,  jr.,  was  married  in  Sandusky  in  1863  to  Elizabeth 
Klei,  who  was  born  in  Sa.xony.  They  have  a family  of  five  children:  Edward 
G.,  born  in  1864;  Elizabeth,  Rosa,  Mary  and' George.  G.  Knopf,  jr.,  learned 
the  printer’s  trade,  which  he  followed  up  to  1881,  when  he  became  engaged 
in  his  present  business,  that  of  dealing  in  hats,  caps  and  gents’  furnishing  goods. 
He  is  now  a member  of  the  firm  of  Knopf  & Son. 

Koegle,  Charles  W.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Sandusky  in  1855,  and  was  a 
son  of  John  and  Susan  (Gobleuz)  Koegle,  who  were  born  in  Baden,  Germany, 
and  married  in  Sandusky.  The}''  settled  here  in  1835,  and  have  had  a family 
of  ten  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living:  George  J.,  August  M.,  Charles 
W.,  Lena  and  William  R.  John  was  born  in  1813,  and  his  wife,  Susan,  in 
1823.  Charles  W.  Koegle  and  Charles  T.  Doerflinger  were  the  organizers  of 
the  Germania  Basket  Manufactory  at  Sandusky,  which  was  organized  in  1881, 
and  now  gives  employment  to  thirty-  five  men.  The  firm  is  now  Koegle  & 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


593 


Doerflinger  Brothers.  The  home  production  of  peaches  and  grapes  uses  most 
of  tlieir  baskets,  as  about  three-quarters  of  a million  are  used  annually. 

Koster,  Herman,  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  in  Hanover,  Germany,  in  1830, 
and  came  to  America  in  1854  and  settled  on  Kelley’s  Island,  where  he  found 
employment.  He  returned  to  Hanover  in  1859,  where  he  was  married  to 
Katie  Brinckman,  who  was  born  in  Hanover  in  1835.  After  this  he  again 
returned  to  America,  and  they  settled  on  Kelley’s  Island,  where  they  pur- 
chased a homestead  of  twenty  acres,  for  which  they  paid  $75  per  acre.  Four 
acres  of  this  land  they  converted  into  a vineyard.  At  the  time  of  the  death  of 
Mr.  Koster,  in  1887,  their  vineyard  consisted  of  twenty  acres.  He  died  leav- 
ing a widow  and  seven  children  : Minnie,  Christina,  Amelia,  Herman,  John, 
Katie  and  Sarah.  Mrs.  Koster  was  a daughter  of  Henry  and  Sophia  (Rohrs) 
Brinckman.  Henry  died  in  Germany,  leaving  a widow  and  three  daughters: 
Mary,  Elizabeth  and  Katie.  The  mother,  Sophia,  came  to  Kelley’s  Island  in 
i860,  and  died  in  September,  1887,  aged  91  years.  Herman  Koster  was  a 
son  of  Frederick  and  Mary  Koster.  Two  sons  and  three  daughters  emigrated 
to  America,  three  of  whom  are  now  living,  Mary,  Sophia  and  Katie. 

Kranz,  Fred,  Sandusky,  a dealer  and  jobber  in  tin,  copper,  and  sheet  iron, 
also  engaged  in  plumbing  and  steam-fitting,  which  business  was  established  in 
1848  by  Joseph  Flood.  Mr.  Kranz  became  owner  in  1884.  H.e  was  born  in 
Nassau,  Germany,  in  1841,  and  was  a son  of  Baltis  and  Elizabeth  Kranz,  who 
emigrated  to  America  and  settled  in  Perkins  in  1848,  and  became  engaged  in 
farming,  where  they  died.  Seven  of  their  children  are  now  living:  Dora,  now 
Mrs.  Dr.  Graefe,  Caroline,  Susan,  Catharine,  Mary,  Helen  and  Fred.  P'rod 
was  reared  on  the  farm,  and  at  the  age  of  fifteen  learned  the  tinner’s  trade  ; in 
1867  he  became  a partner  in  the  business,  and  in  1884  sole  proprietor.  He 
makes  a specialty  of  lime  kiln  contract  work.  He  was  one  of  the  first  to  re- 
spond to  the  call  of  President  Lincoln  for  soldiers.  He  was  married  in  1881 
to  Caroline  Traub,  who  was  born  in  Sandusky,  and  a daughter  of  Captain 
Lewis  Traub.  They  have  a family  of  three  children,  Norma,  Carl  and  Fritz. 

Kronthal,  Joseph,  Sandusky,  a general  clothing  and  gents’  furnishing  goods 
dealer  of  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  in  1826,  and  emigrated  to 
America  in  1850.  After  spending  a short  time  in  New  York,  he  visited  Cin- 
cinnati, and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1852,  where  he  embarked  in  the  clothing 
business.  In  1863  he  went  to  Cincinnati,  where  he  became  engaged  in  the 
clothing  business,  and  in  1866  he  returned  to  Sandusky,  where  he  continued 
his  early  established  business.  He  was  married  in  i860  to  Theresa  Panberger, 
of  Cincinnati.  She  was  born  in  Bavaria.  They  have  a family  of  five  children  : 
Rachel,  Minnie,  Tillie,  Bella  and  Louis. 

Kromer,  Charles,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  one  of  the  most  influential  and 
successful  farmers  of  Perkins  township,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  Septem- 
ber 28,  1825  ; came  to  America  in  1844,  and  settled  in  Perkins  township. 


594 


History  of  Erie  County. 


He  was  married  in  1850  to  Apolonia  Herb,  who  was  born  in  Baden,  Ger- 
many, in  1833.  They  have  had  a family  of  seven  children  : Carolina,  born  in 
1852;  Albert,  born  in  1853  ; Victoria,  born  in  1855  ; Amelia,  born  in  1858; 
Frederick,  born  i860;  Emma,  born  1863;  Charles  jr.,  born  in  1865.  Caro- 
lina married  Charles  Stoll,  September  9,  1873  ; Victoria  married  Joseph  Cecil, 
September  28,  1875  ; Amelia  married  William  Hart,  May  17,  1881,  and  Al- 
bert was  married  May  ii,  1880,  to  Rosa  Mainzer.  Apolonia  was  a daugh- 
ter of  Herbert  and  Zicilia  (Anselm)  Herb,  who  were  born  in  Baden  and  settled 
in  Perkins  township  in  1843,  where  they  died  leaving  a family  of  seven  chil- 
dren, five  of  whom  are  now  living;  Wilhelmina,  Anthony,  Apolonia,  Amelia 
and  Herbert  jr.  Mr.  Kromer  became  engaged  in  farming,  and  now  owns  forty- 
five  acres  of  the  old  homestead,  which  was  purchased  in  1844.  To  this  he 
has  added  80  acres,  and  now  has  a fine  farm  of  125  acres.  The  original  cost 
of  the  45  acres  was  $666;  the  last  purchase,  55  acres  in  1879,  amounted  to 
$6,000.  Mr.  Kromer  was  a son  of  Andrew  and  Margaret  (Werner)  Kromer, 
who  came  to  Perkins,  O.,  in  1844,  from  Baden,  Germany,  with  a family  of 
seven  children:  Ferdinand,  Charles,  Joseph,  Andrew  jr.,  Catharine,  Rosa  and 
Victoria.  Andrew  died  in  1859,  aged  73  years,  and  his  wife,  Margaret,  who 
was  born  in  1797,  died  in  1855. 

Kromer,  Ferdinand,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of 
Perkins  township,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  October  18,  1818,  and  was  a 
son  of  Andrew  and  Margaret  (Werner)  Kromer,  who  were  married  in  Ger- 
many and  came  to  Perkins  township  in  1844,  with  a family  of  four  sons  and 
three  daughters:  Ferdinand,  Charles,  Joseph,  Andrew  jr.,  Catharine,  Rosa 
and  Victoria.  Andrew  died  in  April,  1859,  aged  73  years,  and  Margaret,  who 
was  born  in  1797,  died  in  1855.  Andrew  purchased  a farm  of  135  acres,  for 
which  he  paid  $2,000  on  settlement  here.  At  his  death  the  sons  purchased 
the  old  homestead  and  divided  it  into  three  farms,  each  receiving  forty-five 
acres.  Ferdinand  now  owns  227  acres,  for  which  he  paid  from  $95  to  $130 
per  acre.  He  was  married  in  1849  to  Elizabeth  Bastian,  who  was  born  in  the 
kingdom  of  Bayern,  Germany,  in  1827.  They  have  had  a family  of  eight 
children:  Adolph,  Gustav,  John,  Andrew,  Sophia,  Bertha,  Amelia  and  Julia. 

Kromer,  Joseph,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Per- 
kins township,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  January  8,  1832.  Mr  Kromer 
was  brought  up  on  a farm  and  came  to  America  with  his  parents,  Andrew  and 
Margaret  (Werner)  Kromer,  who  settled  in  Perkins  township  in  1844,  with  a 
family  of  four  sons  and  three  daughters  : Ferdinand,  Charles,  Joseph,  Andrew 
jr.,  Catharine,  Rosa  and  Victoria.  Andrew  was  born  in  1786,  and  died  in 
April,  1859.  Mr.  Kromer  purchased  a farm  of  135  acres  on  settlement,  for 
which  he  paid  $2,000.  At  his  death  his  three  sons,  Ferdinand,  Charles  and 
Joseph,  purchased  the  old  homestead  farm,  and  divided  it  into  three  farms- 
Joseph  now  has  a farm  of  228  acres.  Mr.  Kromer  was  engaged  in  the  saloon 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


595 


business  in  Sandusky  for  several  years.  He  was  married  in  1854  to  Cecelia 
Harp,  who  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany.  They  had  a family  of  nine  children  : 
Henry,  Joseph  jr.,  Otto,  Rosa,  Josephine,  Apolonia,  Cecelia,  Helen  and  Vic- 
tora.  Mr.  Kromer  married  his  second  wife,  Mary  Ochs,  on  January  27,  1882. 

Krysinger,  John,  Perkins,  Sandusky,  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Perkins  township  in 
1835,  a son  of  Christian  and  Catharine  (Hedwig)  Krysinger,  who 

were  married  in  Germany  and  came  to  America  and  settled  in  Perkins  in 
1832,  where  they  died  ; Catharine  in  1852,  and  Christian  in  1872.  They  had 
a family  of  seven  children  : Christian,  Catharine,  Elizabeth,  Magdalene,  John, 
Christina  and  Henry.  John  now  owns  the  old  homestead  of  54  acres,  which 
was  purchased  in  1832,  and  for  which  they  paid  $12  per  acre.  John  was  mar- 
ried in  1854  to  Elizabeth  Kratz,  who  was  born  in  Hesse  Darmstadt,  in  1835. 
They  have  had  a family  of  eight  children  : Henry,  Sarah,  John,  jr.,  Lydia, 
Emma,  Mary,  William  and  Lizzie. 

Kuebeler,  Jacob,  Sandusky,  one  of  the  most  prominent  men  of  Sandusky, 
was  born  in  Nassau,  Germany,  in  1838,  and  was  a son  of  George  Philip  and 
Anna  Maria  Kuebeler.  Jacob  came  to  America  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in 
i860.  In  1867  he  became  engaged  in  the  brewing  business,  and  has  been  in- 
creasing his  facilities  from  year  to  year,  until  now  he  has  one  of  the  most  ex- 
tensive breweries  in  the  State,  producing  over  24,000  barrels,  and  giving  em- 
ployment to  a large  force  of  men.  He  was  married  in  1864  to  Christina  Zim- 
merman, who  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany.  They  have  had  a family  of  two 
children,  Minnie  and  Anna.  Mr.  Kuebeler  has  a vineyard  consisting  of  five 
acres,  and  is  yearly  increasing  the  same. 

Kugel,  Messrs.,  Sandusky.  Herman  and  Benjamin  were  born  in  Hungary 
and  came  to  America;  Herman  in  1865,  and  his  brother  Benjamin  in  1867. 
They  became  their  brother  Joseph’s  successors  in  the  general  dry  goods  trade, 
which  was  established  in  Sandusky  in  1859,  which  firm  is  now  conducted  on  a 
successful  basis  by  the  firm  of  Kugel  Brothers.  Benjamin  was  married  in  1878 
to  Bertha  Crane,  who  was  bern  in  Rochester,  N.  Y.  They  have  had  a family 
of  three  children;  Daisy  A.,  Linnie  E.  and  Leo  C.  They  were  sons  of  Leo- 
pold Kugel,  who  died,  leaving  a widow  and  thirteen  children.  Five  sons  came 
to  America:  Joseph,  Samuel,  Adolph,  Herman,  born  in  1851,  and  Benjamin, 
born  in  I 853. 

Kubach,  August,  Perkins,  Sandusky,  one  of  the  substantial  business  men 
of  Perkins  township,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1829,  and  was  a son  of 
George  and  Catharine  Hemberly  Kubach,  who  were  married  in  Baden  and 
came  to  America  and  settled  in  Perkins  in  1835,  with  a family  of  five  sons; 
three  sons  born  to  them  after  settling  here.  Six  of  the  children  are  now  liv- 
ing: Charles  L.,  August,  Henry,  Albany,  Adam  and  Godfrey.  Albany  was 
born  on  the  ocean  and  named  after  the  vessel  in  which  they  had  taken  passage 
for  this  country.  The  parents  died  in  Perkins  township,  Erie  county.  George, 


596 


History  of  Erie  County. 


who  was  born  in  1788,  died  in  1851,  and  his  wife,  Catharine,  born  in  1799,. 
died  in  1878.  George  purchased  a farm  of  25  acres  in  1835,  paying  $12  per 
acre  for  it.  August  now  owns  and  occupies  this  old  homestead,  to  which  he 
has  added  an  additional  20  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $150  per  acre.  August: 
was  married  in  1855  to  Catharine  Baum,  a daughter  of  George  and  Susan 
Ernst  Baum,  who  had  seven  children  : William,  Sally,  Charles  Erederic,  Cath- 
arine, August,  John,  Sophia.  John  and  Sophia  were  born  in  Perkins  town- 
ship ; Catharine  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1829.  They  have  had  a 
family  of  seven  children  : Charles  L.,  Sophia,  Catharine  S.,  Caroline  P.,  George 
J..  Augusta  A.  and  Henry  A.  Mr.  Kubach,  in  early  life,  was  engaged  in  rail- 
roading, but  gave  this  up  and  became  engaged  in  farming.  In  1857  he  began 
threshing  with  the  old-style  horse  power,  and  continued  for  sixteen  seasons. 

Kunzmann,  August  C.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1853, 
and  was  a son  of  Christian  and  Louisa  (Dumberth)  Kunzmann.  August  came 
to  America  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1879,  as  a journeyman  carriagemaker. 
He  was  married  in  1883  to  Katie  Link,  a daughter  of  Erhart  Link.  They 
have  had  two  children,  Otto  and  Wilma.  Mr.  Kunzmann  became  engaged  in 
the  hotel,  saloon  and  boarding-house  business  in  1887,  at  Nos.  125  and  127 
Jackson  street. 

Lange,  Henry  P.,  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  on  Kelley’s  Island,  May  9,. 
1861,  and  was  a son  of  Henry  and  Balbina  (Riedy)  Lange,  who  were  married 
in  Erie  county  and  had  a family  of  five  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Caroline,  now  Mrs.  Lred.  Westerhold  ; Josephine,  now  Mrs.  Andrews;  Henry 
and  Prances.  Balbina  was  born  in  Baden,  and  her  husband  in  Germany,  on 
March  25,  1830.  He  came  to  America  in  1838,  and  died  at  Sandusky  in 
December,  1885,  leaving  a widow  and  four  children.  He  was  prominent  in 
organizing  Company  K,  of  the  130th  Regiment  of  the  1 00-day  call,  and  served 
as  second  lieutenant,  always  being  found  at  his  post  of  duty.  He  became  en- 
gaged in  growing  grapes,  and  was  one  of  the  first  to  begin  the  manufacture  of 
wine,  a business  in  which  his  son,  Henry  is  now  engaged,  having  a capacity  for 
making  40,000  gallons.  Mr.  Lange  erected  his  saloon  and  hotel  in  1880. 
Henry  P.  Lange  was  married  October  24,  1882,  to  Emma  Hauser,  who  was 
born  on  Kelley’s  Island,  January  28,  1862.  They  have  a family  of  three  child- 
ren : Albert  Happy,  Prank  and  Charles.  Mr.  Lange  has  held  the  office  of 
clerk  of  the  island,  and  also  trustee. 

Latham,  William  V.,  Sandusky,  a retired  merchant  tailor  of  Sandusky,  was- 
born  in  Windsor,  Hartford  county.  Conn.,  in  1827.  In  1848  he  became  en- 
gaged in  the  merchant  tailoring  business  in  Springfield,  Mass.,  and  in  1850  set- 
tled in  Sandusky,  in  the  same  branch  of  trade.  He  has  also  taken  a large  in- 
terest in  the  horticultural  business,  and  is  now  one  of  the  largest  producers  of 
peaches,  grapes  and  other  fruits,  having  i lO  acres  under  cultivation.  His 
market  is  principally  south  and  west.  He  was  married  in  1855  to  Mary  Bou- 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


597 


ton,  who  was  born  in  Fairfield,  Conn.  They  have  had  two  children,  Frank 
and  Louisa. 

Lavin,  Bartley,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Roscommon  countjT 
Ireland,  in  1835,  and  was  a son  of  Bartley  and  Bridget  Lavin,  who  died  in  Ire- 
land, leaving  two  sons  and  five  daughters:  John,  Bartley,  Sarah,  Margaret, 
Mary,  Ellen  and  Bridget.  Bridget  married  in  Ireland  and  died,  leaving  a fam- 
ily of  four  children.  The  remainder  all  came  to  America  in  1855.  Mary  and 
Ellen  settled  in  Ontario  county,  N.  Y.  The  other  members  of  the  family  set- 
tled in  Erie  county,  O.,  in  1858.  In  1868  Bartley  Lavin  purchased  his  pres- 
ent homestead  of  40  acres.  He  was  married  in  1872  to  Mary  Dailey,  who  was 
born  in  Canada  in  1842.  Mary  Dailey  was  a daughter  of  Patrick  and  Mary 
(Morrissey)  Dailey,  of  County  Cork,  Ireland.  His  wife  died  in  Canada,  and 
Patrick  settled  in  Erie  county  in  1868,  where  he  died  in  1882,  leaving  three 
daughters  and  two  sons  : Daniel  and  Patrick,  Bridget,  Mary  and  Ellen.  Bart- 
ley Lavin  enlisted  in  Company  B,  3d  Ohio  Cavalry,  in  1864,  and  served  to 
the  close  of  the  war,  when  he  was  discharged,  August  4,  1865,  at  Columbus. 
He  now  receives  a pension  of  $24  per  month. 

Lay,  Jacob,  jr. , Sandusky,  was  born  in  Sandusky,  Ohio,  in  1847,  ^‘”*^1  was  a 
son  of  Jacob  and  Mary  (Balsmaier)  Lay.  Jacob,  sr  , was  born  in  Bavaria,  Ger- 
many, in  1804,  and  died  in  1849,  widow  in  1883.  They  were  married 

in  Sandusky,  and  had  a family  of  three  sons  : Henry,  Jacob  and  John.  Jacob, 
sr.,  was  an  early  settler  and  a brewer  by  trade.  Jacob,  jr.  was  married  in  1883 
to  Mary  Yeckley,  of  Erie  county.  The  two  brothers,  Jacob  and  John,  became 
engaged  in  the  freezing  and  shipping  of  fish  in  1881,  giving  employment  to  a 
large  force  of  men  during  their  busy  season.  They  own  their  own  tugs  and 
twine.  They  also  do  a general  towing  and  wrecking  business. 

Lay,  John,  Sandusky,  of  the  firm  of  Lay  Brothers,  wholesale  dealers  in 
fresh  and  salted  fish,  and  engaged  in  the  freezing  and  shipping  of  the  same, 
also  a general  towing  and  wrecking  business,  was  born  in  1849,  just  after  the 
death  of  his  father.  He  became  engaged  in  the  fish  business  at  an  early  age, 
and  in  1881  embarked  in  the  general  business  with  his  brother,  Jacob,  forming 
the  firm  ot  Lay  Brothers,  which  is  now  classed  among  the  most  successful  in 
trade.  He  was  married  in  1882  to  Mary  Mader,  who  was  born  in  Erie  county. 
He  was  a son  of  Jacob  and  Mary  (Balsmaier)  Lay.  Jacob,  sr.  died  in  1849, 
and  his  widow  in  1883.  They  left  a family  of  three  sons,  John,  Jacob  and 
Henry. 

Lebensburger,  Moses,  Sandusky,  a retired  clothing  merchant  and  dealer  in 
gents’  furnishing  goods,  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  December  10,  1813,  and 
came  to  America  in  1840.  He  visited  several  States,  and  at  last  decided  to 
settle  in  Sandusky,  whence  he  came  in  1857,  when  he  became  engaged  in  the 
clothing  business  in  company  with  Mr.  Monott,  which  firm  continued  until  1875, 
when  Mr.  Lebensburger  took  the  business,  and  in  1878  his  son  became  his  part- 
76 


598 


History  of  Erie  County. 


ner,  and  in  i88o  Moses  retired  and  his  son  became  his  successor.  Mr.  Lebens- 
burger  was  married  in  1852  to  Caroline  Monott,  at  Dayton,  O.  They  have 
had  a family  of  seven  children;  Jennie,  Meyer,  Abraham,  Fannie,  Bertha,  Ella 
and  Joseph. 

Leber,  Charles,  Oxford,  Prout  p.  o.,  a general  farmer  of  Oxford  township, 
was  born  in  Nassau,  Germany,  in  1834,  and  was  a son  of  Philip  and  Mary 
Leber,  who  had  a family  of  one  son  and  five  daughters.  The  parents  and  one- 
daughter  died  in  Germany.  The  other  five  children  came  to  America : 
Charles,  Philopena,  Caroline,  Johanna  and  Louisa.  Charles  came  to  America 
in  1852  and  settled  in  Oxford  township,  Ohio,  where  he  became  engaged  in 
farming.  He  was  married  in  1852  to  Mary  Buderus,  who  died  leaving  one 
son,  Charles,  jr.  His  second  wife  was  Magdalena  Buderus,  to  whom  he  was 
married  in  1855.  They  have  had  a family  of  nine  children  : Amelia,  Julius,. 
Magdalena,  Philip,  William,  John,  Lewis,  Jacob  and  Pldward.  Mrs.  Leber 
was  a daughter  of  Philip  Buderus.  Mr.  Leber  purchased  his  present  home- 
stead in  1866.  It  then  consisted  of  141  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $35  per  acre. 
He  now  has  321  acres  of  finely  cultivated  ground  and  fine  farm  buildings.. 
He  has  been  trustee  of  the  town  and  also  held  other  minor  town  and  district 
offices. 

Lehrer,  Charles  A.,  Sandusky,  a druggist  and  prescriptionist,  and  dealer  in. 
fancy  goods,  was  born  in  Sandusky  in  1859,  and  was  a son  of  Rev.  John 
George  and  Susan  (Knab  Crouenwett)  Lehrer.  They  were  married  at  Monroe,. 
Mich  , and  had  a family  of  eight  children.  Rev.  John  settled  in  Sandusky 
about  1856,  as  a clergyman,  and  became  pastor  of  the  German  Lutheran 
Church,  pastor  and  teacher  of  their  school,  as  on  his  first  settling  here  they 
had  their  own  school.  He  was  born  in  1828,  and  died  in  1879.  His  widow 
had  by  her  first  husband  one  son,  Nathaniel  Crouenwett.  jr.,  and  the  children 
of  her  second  marriage  are  ; Caroline,  Charles  A.,  Sophia,  George,  Emma, 
Susan,  Willie  and  Minnie.  George  and  Charles  are  druggists,  and  Willie  is- 
engaged  in  the  railroad  interest.  Charles  A.  was  a graduate  of  pharmacy  in  the 
class  of  1879  at  Cincinnati,  and  commenced  the  drug  business  in  1882. 

Link,  Morris,  Sandusky,  a manufacturer  of  grape  wine,  was  born  in  Baden, 
Germany,  in  1832,  and  came  to  the  United  States  in  1851,  visited  Chicago 
and  settled  in  Sandusky  the  same  year.  Here  he  found  employment  in  a 
grocery  store,  and  in  1853  became  foreman  in  the  Mad  River  Railroad  ware- 
house, where  he  continued  for  twenty- nine  and  a half  years,  when  he  resigned 
to  attend  to  his  real  estate  business.  In  1862  he  became  engaged  in  the  cul- 
ture of  grapes,  and  in  1864  became  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  wine.  He 
now  has  capacity  for  producing  50,000  gallons,  and  a vineyard  of  sixteen 
acres.  In  1870  he  erected  the  Link  Block,  and  became  engaged  in  the  dry 
goods  business.  He  was  married  in  1855  to  Theresa  Kramer,  of  Baden.  She 
died  in  1857,  leaving  one  daughter,  Mary.  He  was  married  the  second  time,. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


599 


in  1859,  to  Mary  N.  Willi,  who  was  born  in  Switzerland.  They  have  a family 
•of  six  children  now  living:  Frank,  Charles,  Josephine,  Theresa,  Morris,  jr.  and 
Caroline.  Morris  Link  was  a son  of  John  Link  of  Bavaria.  Three  of  his  chil- 
dren came  to  America,  Erhard,  Paulina  and  Morris. 

Loos,  William,  Oxford,  Milan  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Nassau,  Germany,  in  1823, 
and  was  a son  of  John  and  Dora  (Billenbauck)  Loos.  William  emigrated  to 
America  in  1849,  and  settled  in  Erie  county,  where  he  found  employment  on 
a farm.  He  was  married  in  1853  to  Ellen  Fisher,  who  was  born  in  Northum- 
berland county.  Pa.  She  died  December  18,  1885,  leaving  a family  of  five 
children  : James  and  Jane,  (twins)  Mary,  William,  jr.  and  Anna.  They  settled 
in  Oxford,  Erie  county,  O.,  in  1853.  Mr.  Loos  purchased  his  homestead 
farm  of  ninety- one  acres  in  1855,  for  which  he  paid  $100  per  acre.  Jane  was 
married  in  1875,  Philip  Deitz ; Mary  in  1880,  to  Charles  Prank,  and  Anna 
in  1887,  to  John  Hooffmann. 

Love,  Dr.  Maro  J.,  O.xford,  Bloomingville,  p.  o.,  physician  and  surgeon, 
was  born  in  Coshocton,  O.,  1848.  He  received  his  education  at  the  Baldwin 
University,  and  graduated  from  the  pharmacy  department  in  1868,  and  read 
medicine  with  Dr.  Johnson,  ofRoscoe.  He  attended  lectures  at  the  College  of 
Physicians  and  Surgeons,  New  York,  and  also  attended  the  Long  Island  col- 
lege hospital,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  He  was  graduated  in  1871,  and  located  at 
Keene,  Coshocton  county.  In  1879  he  came  to  Bloomingville,  where  he  has 
an  extensive  practice.  He  was  appointed  a member  of  the  board  of  pension 
surgeons  of  Sandusky,  0.,and  secretary  of  the  same,  being  appointed  by  Pres- 
ident Arthur,  which  position  he  retained  through  the  Cleveland  administra- 
tion. He  was  married  in  1874  to  Carrie  E.  De  Lamatre,  of  North  Monroeville, 
a daughter  of  Belding  and  Elizabeth  De  Lamatre.  They  have  two  sons: 
Clayton  and  Clifford. 

Lucal,  William,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Ellershausen,  Dreis 
Frankenberg,  Kuhressen,  Germany,  November  ii,  1805.  He  emigrated  to 
America  and  settled  in  Juniata  county.  Pa.,  in  1840.  He  was  married  in  1845 
to  Katherine  Leis,  who  was  born  in  Germany.  He  then  settled  in  Perkins,  Erie 
county,  O.,  in  1846,  where  he  purchased  his  present  home,  consisting  of  twen- 
ty-five acres  of  land,  for  which  he  paid  $500.  It  being  all  forest  and  brush,  he, 
by  industry  and  close  economy,  had  it  soon  cleared  and  ready  for  cultivation. 
In  those  days  they  had  no  horses  or  farming  implements,  but  oxen  instead, 
to  do  the  work.  Portune  favored  him  and  he  soon  had  a comfortable  home. 
They  have  a family  of  seven  children.  Mary,  the  oldest,  was  married  Decem- 
ber 20,  1866,  to  John  Bier,  who  is  of  German  birth.  He  served  in  the  civil 
-war,  and  at  its  close  received  an  honorable  discharge.  After  the  close  of  the 
“war  he  became  engaged  in  business  as  a contractor  and  builder.  They  have 
a family  of  nine  children  : Lula,  Katie,  Dora,  George,  Clara,  Edith,  Lizzie, 
Edna  and  Irma.  Henry,  the  second,  a farmer,  was  married  in  1874  to  Sophia 


6oo 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Knight.  They  have  six  children  : Charles,  Lydia,  George,  Henry,  jr.,  Martha, 
and  Alta.  Louisa,  the  third,  was  married  in  1870  to  Henry  Py,  a mason  by 
trade.  They  have  four  children  : Mary,  Lizzie,  Lena  and  Willie.  Conrad,  the 
fourth,  a farmer,  was  married  in  1885  to  Mary  Minor.  They  have  one  child,. 
Warren  Lynn.  George,  the  fifth,  a farmer,  was  married  in  1885  to  Emma 
Miles.  They  have  two  children:  Willie  and  Henry.  Israel,  the  sixth,  who  is 
still  single,  makes  his  home  with  his  brother  George.  In  the  year  1871  he  was 
so  unfortunate  as  to  have  his  foot  caught  in  the  reaper,  nearly  severing  that 
member,  but  by  the  aid  of  Dr.  Silvia,  a skillful  physician,  he  soon  became  able 
to  use  it  again.  Maggie,  the  seventh,  was  married  in  1883  to  Albert  Wiedle, 
a farmer.  They  have  three  children  : Edith,  Walter  and  Edgar. 

Lyman,  Lloyd  A.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Worcester,  Mass.,  in  1823,  andl 
was  a son  of  Luther  and  Sarah  (Monroe)  Lyman.  Lloyd  A.  received  a com- 
mon school  education,  and  afterwards  worked  with  his  father,  learning  the 
blacksmith  trade.  He  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1853,  where  he  became  superin- 
tendent of  the  Lulton  Car  Works  in  1857.  He  then  became  engaged  in  the 
mercantile  business,  but  later  sold  out  and  became  engaged  in  general  furni- 
ture trade,  doing  business  under  the  firm  name  of  Lyman  & Hubbard.  In  1873 
he  became  sole  proprietor,  and  in  1878  retired  from  that  business.  He  was 
elected  city  commissioner  in  1879  and  1880.  He  became  engaged  in  the  ice 
business  in  1880.  He  was  married  in  January,  1850,  to  Helen  A.  Lees,  of 
Massachusetts,  They  have  had  a family  of  four  children  : Cora,  now  Mrs. 
Marshall;  Alice  H.,  now  Mr.  Barker;  Lloyd  E.,  and  Mary  L.,  a graduate  of 
the  High  School,  and  now  engaged  as  a teacher  there.  Mr.  Lyman  was  made 
captain  of  Company  A,  formed  in  1863,  which,  in  August,  1863,  was  organ- 
ized in  a battalion,  and  afterwards  consolidated  with  the  145th  Regiment.  Mr. 
Lyman  was  made  lieutenant-colonel.  They  served  on  the  one  hundred-day 
call,  and  were  mustered  out  at  Camp  Chase. 

McCartney,  Henry,  Margaretta,  Venice  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Margaretta  Sep- 
tember 28,  1832,  and  was  a sqn  of  William  and  Eliza  (Cooper)  McCartney,, 
who  were  married  in  Knox  county.  Eliza  was  born  in  Trenton,  N.  J.,  and 
William  in  Kentucky,  and  settled  in  Margaretta  before  the  year  1812.  He 
served  in  the  War  of  1812,  and  soon  after  its  close,  about  1815,  purchased  by 
article  700  acres,  and  also  purchased  the  first  flouring  custom  mill  erected  at 
Venice.  He  was  born  in  1791,  and  died  in  January,  1877.  They  had  a family 
of  six  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living:  Mrs.  Catharine  Dwelley,  Mrs. 
Gertrude  Chapman,  Henry  and  Harvey  C.  At  the  time  of  his  death  William 
C.  owned  over  1,300  acres.  Henry  was  reared  to  farm  work  and  is  now  en- 
gaged in  that  business.  He  was  married  in  1863  to  Anna  Neill,  who  was  born 
in  Margaretta  in  1845.  They  have  had  a family  of  four  children:  Charles,  born 
May  3,  1864;  William,  born  Lebruary  23,  1866;  Thomas,  born  August  19,. 
1868;  and  Catharine,  born  April  23,  1875.  Ann  was  a daughter  of  Thomas. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


6oi 


and  Rebecca  Neill,  who  came  from  Maryland  to  Margaretta  in  1832.  Thomas 
was  educated  at  Ada,  O.,  and  Catharine  is  now  a student  at  Toledo.  Mr.  Mc- 
Cartney now  owns  a farm  of  100  acres,  of  the  purchase  made  by  his  father,  and 
300  acres  purchased  since. 

McEwen,  Thomas  L.,  Sandusky,  the  wholesale  and  retail  dealer  in  flour 
and  feed  at  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  in  1841.  He  was  a 
son  of  T.  C.  and  Huldah  (Stevens)  McEwen.  Huldah  was  born  in  Milan,  Erie 
county,  and  her  husband,  T.  C.,  was  born  at  Bellefonte,  Centre  county.  Pa., 
and  settled  in  Erie  county,  O , in  1835.  He  was  married  in  1837,  had  a 
family  of  three  children  : C.  L.,  Thomas  L.  and  a sister,  S.  E.  T.  C.  was  en- 
gaged in  the  hardware  business,  and  in  1853  became  a conductor  on  the  S.  M. 
and  N.  Railroad.  He  was  postmaster  at  Sandusky  from  1861  to  1869.  Thomas 
L.  McEwen  was  married  in  1870  to  Kate  Ball,  of  Newark.  They  have  one  son: 
Fred  C,  Thomas  L.  enlisted  in  Company  E,  3d  Ohio  Regiment,  in  1861,  and 
served  to  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  discharged  in  August,  1865,  at  Co- 
lumbus. He  has  been  engaged  in  the  flour  and  feed  business  since  1882. 

McKelvey,  John,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Plymouth,  Huron  county,  O., 
February  8,  1835.  He  received  his  education  at  Oberlin  College,  and  settled 
in  Sandusky  in  1852,  where  he  became  engaged  in  clerking.  He  taught  the 
district  school  for  several  terms,  and  in  1857  became  engaged  in  the  produce 
and  commission  business,  after  which  he  went  into  the  insurance  and  real  estate 
business.  He  became  engaged  in  the  wholesale  ice  business  in  1876.  He  was 
prominent  in  the  organization  of  the  Sandusky  Tool  Company.  He  was  mar- 
ried June  26,  1861,  to  Jennie  R.  Huntington.  They  have  had  six  children, 
four  of  whom  are  now  living  : Janet  H.,  John  J.,  Alice  R,,  Ralph  H.  Janet 
and  John  H.  are  graduates  of  Oberlin  College,  Janet  of  the  class  of  1883,  and 
John  J.  of  the  class  of  1884.  He  also  graduated  from  Harvard  College  law 
school,  receiving  the  degrees  A.M.  and  L.L.  D.  Janet  H.  married  Rev.  C. 
F.  Swift.  Mrs.  McKelvey  was  a daughter  of  A.  A.  and  Deborah  Huntington. 

McKesson,  James  C.,  Groton,  Sand  Hill  p.  o.,  a pioneer  of  Erie  county,  and 
a close  observer  of  the  many  changes,  was  born  in  Lycoming  county.  Pa.,  in 
1814,  and  settled  with  his  parents  in  Perkins  township  in  1826.  He  was  a son 
of  Isaac  and  Betsey  (Colwell)  McKesson.  Isaac  was  a millwright,  carpenter 
and  contract  builder.  They  had  a family  of  six  children,  three  of  whom  are 
now  living:  James  C.,  Isaac,  jr.,  and  one  daughter.  Isaac  died  in  1856,  aged 
seventy-three  years.  James  C.  was  married  in  1840  to  Marietta  Prout,  who 
was  born  in  1825.  They  have  a family  of  four  children:  Andrew  D.,  Sarah 
E.,  Selina  R.  and  Elmer  Elsworth.  Mrs.  McKesson  was  a daughter  of  Daniel 
and  Sarah  (Holt)  Prout,  who  settled  in  Erie  eounty  at  an  early  date,  coming^ 
there  from  Oneida  county,  N.  Y.  They  had  a family  of  ten  children;  three 
sons  and  three  daughters  are  now  living.  Andrew  D.  McKesson  was  a student 
at  Cleveland,  and  in  1861  he  enlisted  in  the  8th  Ohio  Regiment,  re-enlisted  in 


6o2 


History  of  Erie  County. 


the  loist  O.  V.  I.,  serving  to  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  prominent  in  the 
construction  of  the  Mad  River  Railroad.  His  grandfather,  John  C.  McKes- 
son, was  the  contractor.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  army,  and 
one  of  the  wagon  masters.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  settled  in  Pennsylvania. 

McMahon.  Thomas,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Ireland  in  1812, 
and  settled  in  Erie  county,  coming  here  from  New  York  State  in  1846.  He 
was  married  in  1850  to  Margaret  Norton.  They  had  a family  of  five  children: 
Katie,  Anna,  John,  Thomas  and  George.  Thomas  died  in  1873.  His  wife, 
Margaret,  was  born  in  Limerick,  Ireland,  in  1822,  and  was  a daughter  of 
Michael  and  Katie  Fitzgerald,  who  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1840,  where  Katie 
died  in  1847,  leaving  a family  of  eight  children.  Katie,  daughter  of  Thomas 
McMahon,  is  now  the  wife  of  John  Mulaney.  John  married  Agnes  McGorey. 

Mainzer,  Peter,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Prussia  in  1828,  and 
was  a son  of  Charles  and  Barbara  Mainzer,  who  emigrated  to  America  in  1844, 
and  settled  in  Sandusky  with  two  sons  and  one  daughter.  Charles  died  in  1864, 
and  his  wife,  Barbara,  in  1865.  Peter  learned  the  carpenter  trade  and  became 
an  extensive  builder  and  jobber,  a business  in  which  he  was  engaged  until  1885, 
when  he  became  engaged  in  farming,  and  now  has  a fine  farm  of  160  acres. 
He  was  married  in  1855  to  Christina  Smith,  of  Perkins.  They  have  had  a 
family  of  eleven  children  : Mary  C.,  Joseph  Peter,  Rosa,  Barbara  C.,  Frances 
E.,  Johanna  D.,  John  A.,  Christina,  Sarah  K.,  Anthona  F.  and  William  C. 
Mr.  Mainzer  has  served  several  years  as  town  treasurer,  and  also  held  other 
minor  offices. 

Mantey,  Edward,  Margaretta,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Russia  in  1852, 
and  was  a son  of  Frederick  A.  and  Dorothy  (Pulaski)  Mantey.  He  came  from 
Comientz,  Russia,  to  America  and  settled  in  Seneca  county,  O.,  in  1854,  and 
in  i860  came  to  Erie  county  and  settled  in  Margaretta  township,  where  he 
purchased  a farm  of  twenty  acres,  which  he  converted  into  a vineyard.  He 
has  a family  of  four  children  : Edward,  Charles,  Albert  and  Sarah.  Edward 
was  married  in  Sandusky  in  1882  to  Rosila  M.  Schonhardt,  who  was  born  in 
Tiffin.  They  have  had  two  children  : Dorothy  and  Josephine.  Edward  Man- 
tey purchased  a farm  of  thirty-two  acres  in  1880,  ten  acres  of  which  he  planted 
with  Concord,  Delaware,  Catawba  and  a number  of  other  varieties  of  grapes. 
He  is  now  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  grape  wines. 

Mantey,  Frederick,  jr.,  Margaretta,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Poland, 
Russia,  in  1825,  and  was  a son  of  Frederick  and  Wilhelmina  Mantey.  Fred- 
erick learned  the  machinist  and  metal  working  business.  He  was  married  in 
1848  to  Dorothy  Pulaski,  and  emigrated  to  America  in  1854,  settled  in  Green 
Springs,  O.,  and  in  i860  settled  on  Kelley’s  Island,  where  he  became  engaged 
in  the  grape  business.  He  purchased  five  acres  of  land,  which  he  converted 
into  a vineyard.  He  purchased  the  land  for  $600,  and  in  1864  sold  it  for 
$3,000.  This  same  spring  he  settled  in  Margaretta,  where  he  purchased 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


605, 


twenty  acres  at  $100  per  acre.  He  now  has  twenty-five  acres,  fifteen  of  which 
he  has  converted  into  a vineyard.  He  was  drafted,  but  furnished  a substitute. 
He  had  a family  of  six  children.  His  wife,  Dorothy,  died  September  15,  1880,. 
leaving  a family  of  four  children  : Edward,  Charles,  Albert,  and  Sarah,  who 
married  John  Schonhardt.  Charles  read  medicine  and  was  graduated  from  the 
Cleveland  Medical  College  in  1885,  and  settled  in  Stark  county  in  the  practice 
of  his  profession. 

Mayer,  John  P.,  jr.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  in  1814, 
and  settled  in  Tiffin,  O.,  in  1840,  and  in  1846  settled  in  Sandusky.  In  1848 
he  became  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  furniture,  in  which  business  he  is  still 
engaged.  He  was  married  in  1852  to  Elizabeth  Doerflinger,  who  was  born  in 
Germany.  They  have  had  a family  of  eleven  children,  seven  of  whom  are  now 
living:  Frederica,  Amelia,  Julia,  Lottie,  Esther,  Clara  and  Cora.  Mr.  Mayer 
has  been  successful  in  his  real  estate  purchases  as  well  as  in  his  business. 

Meeker,  Aaron  Wright,  Huron,  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  Huron,  was- 
born  in  Berlin  township  January  14,  1816,  and  was  a son  of  Stephen  and  Polly 
(Platt)  Meeker,  who  came  from  Connecticut  Stephen  was  born  in  1780,  and 
Polly  in  1778.  They  settled  in  Ohio  in  1810  with  their  children.  They  had 
seven  children  in  all:  Barney,  born  in  1800;  Hezekiah,  born  in  1803;  Han- 
ford, born  in  1808;  Edward,  born  in  1804;  Maria,  born  in  1811  ; Aaron  W.,. 
born  in  1816;  and  George  T.,  born  in  1819.  Two  of  the  children  are  now  liv- 
ing, Maria  and  Aaron  W.  Stephen  was  a blacksmith  by  trade,  and  built  the 
steamers  Eclipse  and  Lady  of  the  Lake.  He  was  born  in  Hartford,  Conn.,  and 
died  in  Huron,  O.  His  wife  died  in  October,  1849.  Aaron  W.  Meeker  was 
married  in  1838  to  Hannah  Cuddeback,  who  was  born  in  Vermillion  in  1815. 
She  died  July  7,  1854,  leaving  five  sons  and  one  daughter:  Warren  W.,  Polly 
M.,  Oscar,  Barney,  Frank  and  Ernest.  Mr.  Meeker  married  his  second  wife, 
Cynthia  Turner,  January  23,  1855.  She  was  born  November  7,  1831,  in  Vic- 
tor, Ontario  county,  N.  Y.  They  have  had  two  daughters,  Hannah  H.  and 
Martha.  Stephen  Meeker  was  judge  of  the  county,  and  postmaster  for  a num- 
ber of  years. 

Meeker,  Frank,  Berlin,  Ceylon  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Huron  in  1853,  and  was 
a son  of  Aaron  W.  and  Hannah  (Cuddeback)  Meeker,  who  were  married  in 
Vermillion  in  1838.  Hannah  was  born  in  1815,  and  died  July  7,  1854,  leav- 
ing a family  of  six  children:  Warren  W.,  Polly  M.,  Oscar,  Barney,  Frank  and 
Ernest.  Aaron  was  born  January  14,  1816,  in  Berlin  township,  and  was  a son 
of  Stephen  and  Polly  (Platt)  Meeker,  who  came  from  Connecticut  and  settled 
here  in  1810.  Frank  Meeker  was  married  January  12,  1876,  to  Viola  Griffin, 
a daughter  of  William  and  Lucy  (Church)  flriffin.  William  Griffin  was  born 
in  Connecticut  in  1817.  They  were  married  in  1848  and  had  two  children: 
Viola,  and  Eliza,  who  married  George  Barnes  and  died  in  1874,  leaving  two 
children,  Charles  and  Lucy  Barnes.  Mr.  Griffin  settled  in  Erie  county  with. 


6o4 


History  of  Erie  County. 


his  parents,  his  father,  Nathaniel  Griffin,  being  one  of  the  earliest  settlers. 
William  died  in  1876.  His  widow,  Lucy,  was  a daughter  of  Theophilus  and 
Temperance  D.  Church,  who  came  to  this  county  from  Connecticut  in  1820. 
They  had  a family  of  four  children,  of  whom  Mrs.  Griffin  is  now  the  only  one 
surviving.  Slie  now  resides  on  the  old  homestead,  which  was  purchased  in 
1855,  and  which  consists  of  123  acres.  At  the  time  of  purchasing  they  paid 
$35  per  acre. 

Meyer,  John,  Sandusky,  a grocery  and  provision  merchant  of  Sandusky, 
was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1834,  and  was  a son  of  Joseph  and  Bridget 
(Mellenn)  Meyer,  who  were  born  and  married  in  Germany,  where  Joseph  died, 
leaving  a widow  and  three  sons,  John,  Andrew  and  Leo.  Bridget  was  born 
in  1814,  and  in  1852  came  to  America  with  her  three  sons  and  settled  in  San- 
dusky. John  and  Andrew  enlisted  in  the  army  on  the  call  for  three  months 
men,  in  the  107th  Regiment,  and  were  discharged  at  Camp  Taylor,  Cleveland. 
John,  after  settling  here,  became  engaged  in  the  brewing  business,  and  in  1868 
purchased  a lot  on  which  he  erected  his  store  and  dwelling,  and  became  en- 
gaged in  the  grocery  business.  He  has  been  a member  of  the  board  of  edu- 
cation four  years.  He  was  married  in  Sandusky  in  1857  to  Elizabeth  Denes, 
who  was  born  in  Germany.  They  have  had  a family  of  five  children  : Emma, 
Andrew,  Frank,  Anna,  and  John,  jr.  Elizabeth  was  a daughter  of  John 
Denes. 

Michel,  August,  Sandusky,  a member  of  the  firm  of  August  and  Robert 
Michel,  coopers  of  Sandusky.  August  was  born  in  Monroeville,  Huron  county, 
in  1856,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Margaret  (Smith)  Michel.  John  was  born 
in  Baden  in  1822,  and  died  in  1871  ; Margaret  was  born  in  Bavaria,  and  died 
in  1884,  leaving  six  children  : August,  Robert,  Henry,  Lena,  Mary  and  Paulina. 
August  was  married  in  1879  to  Margaret  Connors,  of  Sandusky.  They  have 
had  a family  of  five  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living  : George,  born  in 
1881  ; Maggie,  born  in  1883;  Thomas,  born  in  1885;  and  Walter,  born  in  1887. 
Margaret  was  a daughter  of  Thomas  Connors.  August  learned  the  cooper’s 
trade  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1879,  as  a journeyman  cooper,  and  in  1882 
became  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  tanks,  wine  barrels,  beer  casks,  etc. 
The  firm  now  employs  fifteen  men. 

Miller,  Charles,  .Sandusky,  the  merchant  tailor  of  Sandusky,  was  born  in 
Nassau,  kingdom  of  Prussia,  Germany,  in  1829,  and  was  a son  of  William  and 
Elizabeth  Miller,  who  emigrated  to  America  in  1852,  andsettled  in  Sandusky, 
where  they  died,  leaving  a family  of  six  children  ; Charles,  William,  Elizabeth, 
Philapera,  Wilhelmina  and  Anton.  Charles  Miller  came  to  America,  in  1848, 
and  worked  in  New  York  and  Ashland  county,  O.,  as  a journeyman  tailor^ 
and  in  1852  settled  in  Sandusky.  In  1856  he  commenced  his  merchant  tailor- 
ing business,  and  in  1857  formed  a partnership  with  Julius  Robrhan,  which 
partnership  continued  until  1881,  when  they  dissolved  it,  and  Mr.  Miller  became 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


605 


proprietor.  Mr.  Miller  was  married  in  1855  to  Angeline  Doerflinger.  She 
was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  and  married  at  Sandusky,  in  1855.  They  have 
six  children  now  living.  Mr.  Miller  enlisted  and  served  in  the  128th  Regi- 
ment Company  D,  on  the  short  call,  and  also  furnished  a substitute  for  the 
three  years  service.  He  has  been  a member  of  the  council,  school  board  and 
infirmary  director. 

Miller,  Daniel,  jr.,  Groton,  North  Monroeville  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Nassau, 
Germany,  in  1834,  and  was  a son  of  Daniel  and  Philopena  Miller,  who  died  in 
Germany.  They  had  a family  of  ten  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Charles,  Christina,  Daniel  and  Philopena.  Daniel  came  to  America  in  1854, 
and  settled  in  Monroeville,  Huron  county,  in  1856,  and  worked  at  farming  by 
the  month,  until  1859,  when  he  rented  a farm.  He  was  married  in  1861  to 
Anna  Scheit,  who  was  born  in  Nassau, Germany,  in  1839.  They  have  had  a 
family  of  seven  sons  and  two  daughters  : Carl  Albert,  Emma  Caroline,  William 
Adolph,  Gustave  C.,  William  Louis,  Amelia  Kathrena,  Edward  Henry,  George 
Carl  and  Otto  Levi.  Mr.  Miller  purchased  a farm  in  1865,  which  consisted 
of  1 1 5 acres,  and  for  which  he  paid  $6,000.  He  purchased  his  present  home- 
stead of  g2j  acres  in  1875,  for  which  he  paid  $7,000.  He  now  owns  207^ 
acres.  He  learned  the  carpenter’s  trade  in  Germany,  and  followed  the  same 
in  Sandusky,  for  two  years,  after  which  he  became  engaged  in  farming.  He 
now  is  trustee  of  the  township,  and  has  held  that  office  for  five  years. 

Miller,  William,  jr.,  Groton,  North  Monroeville  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Dietz,. 
Nassau,  Germany,  in  1831,  and  was  a son  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Detrich) 
Miller,  who  emigated  to  America  in  1851,  and  settled  in  Sandusky.  He  was 
born  in  1801.  They  had  a family  of  seven  children,  one  of  whom  died  in  Ger- 
many ; the  other  six  came  to  America  : Charles,  William,  jr.,  Elizabeth,  El- 
mena,  Philopena  and  Anthony.  William,  jr.  was  married  in  1857  to  Philopena 
Ohlemacher,  who  was  born  in  Bachsculbach,  Germany.  She  died  in  1861,. 
leaving  three  sons  : William,  Henry  and  Charles.  Mr.  Miller  married  his  sec- 
ond wife,  Jane  Gross,  in  May,  1862.  She  was  born  in  Pennsylvania.  They 
have  had  a family  of  eleven  children,  nine  of  whom  are  now  living:  Clara,, 
Emma,  Rosa,  Rudolph,  Elora,  Lydia,  Lawrence,  P'rank,  Cynthia,  and  twins, 
who  died.  Mr.  Miller  learned  the  carpenter’s  trade,  but  in  1857  became  en- 
gaged in  farming,  and  in  1863  purchased  a farm  of  115  acres,  for  which  he 
paid  $5,750.  He  now  owns  a farm  of  457  acres  of  well  improved  land.  He 
lost  all  of  his  barns,  sheds  and  grain  by  fire,  in  1887.  He  is  now  engaged  in 
the  raising  and  shipping  of  stock. 

Milner,  Henry,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  a prominent  farmer  of  Perkins 
township,  was  born  in  Yorkshire,  England,  in  1820,  and  was  a son  of  Thomas 
and  Ann  (Bowser)  Milner,  who  came  to  Canada  in  1829,  after  which  they  set- 
tled in  Niagara  county,  N.  Y.,  and  in  1836  settled  in  Huron  county,  O.,  where 
they  remained  for  a short  time,  when  they  came  to  Perkins  township.  Thomas 
77 


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History  of  Erie  County. 


died  in  1876,  and  his  wife,  Ann,  in  1870.  They  had  a family  of  nine  children, 
five  of  whom  are  now  living  : Henry,  Thomas  D.,  John,  Mary  A.,  Sarah  Jane. 
Henry  was  married  in  1847,  Huldah  Westfall,  a daughter  of  Abraham 
Westfall,  of  Chemung  county,  N.  Y.  They  settled  in  Perkins  township  in 
1853,  where  they  purchased  their  homestead.  They  have  one  adopted  daugh- 
ter, Sarah  Lodine,  who  married  C.  F.  Steen. ' They  have  two  daughters, 
twins.  Mr.  Milner  is  very  active  in  the  affairs  of  the  town  and  county,  and 
was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  county  mutual  insurance  company,  in  1877, 
and  served  as  president  of  the  company  for  eight  years. 

Moore,  Henry,  Margaretta,  Venice  p.  o.,  a merchant  and  grape  producer, 
was  born  in  Hesse  Darmstadt,  Germany,  in  1826,  and  in  1846  emigrated  with 
his  mother  and  stepfather,  Paul  Leidorf  His  mother’s  maiden  name  was 
Elizabeth  Ohlenbacher.  The  parents  died  in  Venice.  Mrs.  Leidorf  left  a 
family  of  five  children,  two,  Henry  and  Ann,  by  her  first  marriage  ; and  Cath- 
arine, Elizabeth  and  John,  by  her  second  marriage.  Henry  is  now  the  only 
surviving  one.  Henry  was  married  in  1849  to  Mary  J.  Bourke,  who  was  born 
at  Black  Rock,  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  They  have  had  a family  of  five  children  ; 
Elizabeth,  Mary  J.,  Henry  J.,  Catharine  L.,  and  George  A.  Mr.  Moore 
learned  the  miller’s  trade,  and  had  charge  of  the  Venice  mill  for  twenty- six 
years,  a position  which  he  resigned  in  1872,  and  became  engaged  in  the  man- 
ufacture of  staves  and  heading,  at  Perrysburg,  Wood  county.  He  became  en- 
gaged in  the  mercantile  business  in  Venice,  in  1874,  being  a member  of  the 
firm  of  Gookey  & Moore,  and  in  1887  he  became  sole  owner  and  proprietor  of 
the  business.  He  has  a farm  of  15  acres  and  a vineyard  of  10  acres.  He  has 
been  township  treasurer  for  nine  years,  and  served  in  the  145th  Regiment, 
under  the  1 00-day  call,  and  was  discharged  at  Camp  Chase. 

Moos,  Edward  R , Sandusky,  was  born  in  Sandusky,  O.,  in  1855,  and  mar- 
ried in  1879  to  Antoinette  Schnaitter,  who  was  born  in  Sandusky.  They 
have  had  four  children  : Anna  E.,  Edna  C.,  Edward  L.  and  Cora.  Edward  R. 
was  a son  of  Adam  Moos,  who  was  born  in  Rhine  province  of  Bavaria,  Ger- 
many, in  1819,  and  came  to  America  in  1841,  settling  in  New  York,  whei'e  he 
remained  until  1849,  when  he  came  to  Sandusky,  O.,  where  he  married  Mary 
A Klueber,  who  was  born  in  Bruckenow,  Bavaria,  Germany,  in  1817.  They 
have  one  son,  Edward  R.,  born  in  1855.  His  first  wife  was  Frances  Stark,  to 
whom  he  was  married  in  New  York,  in  1841.  She  died,  leaving  two  child- 
ren ; Adam,  jr.  and  Rosa.  Adam  is  a retired  boot  and  shoe  dealer.  He  has 
heild  several  of  the  city  offices;  was  assessor  for  several  years,  and  also  aider- 
man.  His  son,  Edward  R.,  became  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  grape  wine 
in  1876,  and  erected  his  present  wine  cellars  in  1882,  with  a capacity  for  35,- 
000  gallons. 

Mootz,  William  Edward,  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  in 
1850,  and  was  a son  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Young)  Mootz,  who  were  born 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


607 

in  Germany,  and  married  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  in  1848.  They  settled  on  Kelley’s 
Island,  in  1865.  They  had  a family  of  ten  children,  all  of  whom  grew  to  man- 
hood and  womanhood,  when  nine  died  within  four  years  time.  The  mother  died 
in  Januar}’,  1886,  leaving  but  one  son,  William  E.,  who  was  married  in  1885  to 
Mrs.  Sarah  Y'oodford  Mootz.  They  have  one  daughter,  Grace.  Mrs.  Mootz 
had  two  children  by  a previous  marriage,  Irene,  and  Earl,  who  died  in  1888. 
Mr.  Mootz  received  a liberal  education.  He  learned  telegraphy  and  located  at 
Marblehead,  where  he  was  appointed  postmaster.  He  is  now  engaged  in  the 
cultivation  of  grapes  on  the  island. 

Morey.  D.  B.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Jewett  City,  New  London  county,. 
Conn.,  in  1823.  He  emigrated  with  his  parents,  E.  B.  Morey  and  family,, 
from  Connecticut,  in  1831,  and  settled  in  Lyme,  Huron  county,  O.  He  was 
married  in  1847  to  Catharine  Packwood,  who  was  born  in  Huron  county.  O., 
in  1828,  and  was  a daughter  of  Thomas  W.  Packwood,  of  Connecticut.  In 
1852  he  purchased  a homestead  of  the  Edwards  Brothers,  consisting  of  134 
acres.  Mr.  Edwards  laid  the  foundation  for  the  first  steam  saw-mill  in  the 
county,  in  1848.  In  1849  v^'ork  on  this  mill  was  checked  on  account  of  the 
prevalence  of  the  cholera.  In  1852  the  saw- mill  was  finished  by  Mr.  Morey. 
He  carried  on  a large  business  in  lumber,  and  made  ship  timber  and  black  wal- 
nut lumber  a specialty.  At  one  time  the  demand  for  lumber  was  so  great 
that  he  employed  two  sets  of  men,  thereby  running  the  mill  night  and  day. 
He  was  an  early  justice  and  trustee  of  the  town,  always  taking  an  active  inter- 
est inanv'  project  that  promised  prosperity  to  the  town  and  county.  Mr. 
Morey  made  it  his  aim  in  life  to  give  his  children  a liberal  education.  Rob- 
ert S.  attended  Oberlin  College;  Julia  R.  attended  the  schools  at  Milan, 
and  studied  music  ; William  O.  graduated  from  a commercial  college  ; Thomas 
E.  graduated  from  the  Sandusky  High  School,  attended  Oberlin  College,  and 
studied  one  year  at  the  Ann  Arbor  Law  Uni'.’ersity  ; Georgiana  L.  graduated 
from  the  Sandusky  High  School,  and  studied  medicine.  Mr.  Morey  died 
March  12,  1885.  In  his  death  the  town  lost  a valuable  and  upright  citizen. 
He  was  esteemed  by  all  with  whom  he  had  any  dealings,  and  with  those  who 
knew  him  socially. 

Morgan,  George  H.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p o.,  one  of  the  successful  farmers 
of  Perkins  township,  was  born  in  Groton,  in  1831.  He  was  a son  of  Chester 
Hamilton,  of  Milan,  but  was  adopted  in  1833  by  Thomas  Morgan  of  Perkins. 
Thomas  Morgan  and  his  wife  were  from  Ipswitch,  England.  They  settled  in 
Groton  in  1832.  George  received  a common  school  education.  He  was 
brought  up  to  farming,  and  purchased  a farm  of  137  acres,  which  was  mostly 
timberland,  and  cleared  a large  portion  of  it  which  he  sold,  and  purchased  his 
present  fine  farm  of  lOO  acres.  He  furnished  a substitute  on  the  100  day  call. 
He  was  married  at  Macedon,  N.  Y.,  in  1854,  to  Mary  Jane  Montfort,  who  was 
born  in  Pleasant  Valley,  Dutchess  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1830.  They  have  had  two 


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History  of  Erie  County. 


children,  Mary  Julia,  and  Theron  T.,  married  in  March,  1885,  to  Miss  Maude 
Ben-choten,  ot  Berlin  township. 

Morley,  Doctor  Frank  W.,  Huron  p.  o.,  a physician  and  surgeon  of  Huron, 
was  born  in  Syracuse,  Onondaga  county,  N.  Y.,  in  i860,  and  was  a son  of  Rev. 
B.  and  Mary  A.  (Leet)  Morley.  Rev.  Mr.  Morley  was  born  in  Cayuga  county, 
N.  V.,  and  his  wife,  Mary,  in  Oakland,  Mich.  Elder  Morley,  though  over  sev- 
enty years  of  age.  is  still  an  active  man  in  his  profession,  that  of  a Baptist  cler- 
gyman, now  living  at  Bay  City,  Mich.  Dr.  Frank  W.,  received  a high  school 
education,  read  medicine  and  graduated  from  the  Cleveland  Homeopathic 
Medical  College  in  1884,  and  settled  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  O.,  where  he  be- 
came engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession,  and  now  has  an  extensive  prac- 
tice. He  was  married  to  Elouisa  E.  Durkee,  of  Birmingham,  Oakland  county, 
Mich.,  in  October,  1884.  They  have  had  two  children,  Frank  W.,  jr.,  and 
Elouisa  D. 

Motry,  Alexander,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  is  the  present  superintendent  of 
Erie  County  Infirmary,  being  appointed  March  4,  1884.  He  filled  the  office 
with  great  credit  to  himself,  and  satisfaction  to  the  county  during  the  construc- 
tion of  the  finest  county  infirmary  building  in  the  State.  The  infirmary  has 
a capacity  for  300  inmates,  and  now  has  about  106.  Mr.  Motry  was  born  in 
Sandusky  in  1846,  and  was  a son  of  Joseph  and  Theresa  (Lenhart)  Motry,  who 
were  born  in  Germany,  and  married  in  Sandusky,  in  1843,  where  Joseph  had 
settled  in  1833.  He  died  in  1869,  aged  56  years.  He  left  a family  of  five  chil- 
dren ; Elizabeth,  Joseph,  jr,  Alexander,  Charles  and  John.  Joseph  had  three 
sons  by  his  first  wife:  Theodore,  Frederick  and  Henry.  Alexander  was  mar- 
ried in  1873  to  Regina  Josephine  Eby,  who  was  born  in  1849.  She  was  a daugh- 
ter of  Joseph  and  Regina  (Karber)  Eby.  Mr.  Eby  settled  in  Sandusky,  in  1849, 
where  his  wife  died  in  1855,  leaving  three  daughters,  Regina  J.,  Louisa  and  So- 
phia. He  had  one  daughter,  Elizabeth,  by  his  second  wife.  Three  of  his  sons 
enlisted:  Frederick  served  in  the  23d  Ohio  Volunteers,  under  Colonel  Hayes; 
Henry  served  in  the  Hoffman  Battalion  on  Johnston’s  Island,  and  Alexander 
enlisted  in  1862,  in  the  1st  Ohio  Heavy  Artillery,  under  Captain  Blye,  and 
served  to  the  close  of  the  war,  when  he  was  discharged  at  Knoxville,  Tenn., 
July  25,  1865.  Mr.  Motry  was  a member  of  the  city  council  in  1876.  He  be- 
eame  engaged  in  the  wholesale  ice  business  in  1883. 

Moysey,  Robert  Rosling,  Kelley’s  Island,  one  of  the  leading  grape,  peach, 
■apple,  quince  and  small  fruit  growers  on  the  island,  was  born  in  Lincolnshire, 
England,  in  October,  1826,  and  was  a son  of  William  and  Mary  (Rosling)  Moy- 
:se\',  who  had  a family  of  three  children  : Robert  Rosling,  Harriet  and  David. 
Robert  came  to  America  in  1852.  He  was  married  in  England  May  18,  1848, 
to  Sallie  Dennison.  They  settled  in  Mansfied,  Richland  county,  O.,  July  27, 
1852.  Mrs,  Moysey  died  in  1865.  They  had  a family  of  eight  children,  three 
of  whom  are  now  living:  William  A.,  born  in  1854;  John  T.,  born  in  1856; 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


609 


David  R.,  born  in  1858,  and  Alfred  C.,  born  in  1861,  died  July  12,  1881,  from 
consumption  contracted  while  at  Oberlin  College.  Mr.  Moysey  was  married 
the  second  time  in  1868,  to  Susan  Snyder,  of  Pennsylvania.  They  have  had  one 
daughter,  Sally  S.,  now  at  the  Oberlin  Conservatory  of  Music.  Mr.  Moysey 
has  by  industry  and  frugal  habits  acquired  a fine  property,  and  now  owns  70 
acres  on  the  island,  60  acres  of  which  consists  of  a vineyard.  He  was  one  of  the 
founders  of  the  Sweet  Valley  Wine  Company,  and  is  now  its  treasurer.  This 
company  was  organized  in  1887,  with  a capital  of  $50,000.  Robert’s  parents 
settled  in  Mansfield,  O.,  in  1858,  where  his  father’s  William  died  1865.  His 
wife  then  came  to  the  island  to  reside  with  her  son,  Robert,  and  while  on  a visit 
at  Mansfield  in  1882,  died  at  the  age  of  76,  and  was  buried  there. 

Moysey,  William  R.,  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  in  Richland  county,  O.,  Feb- 
ruary 4,  1854,  and  was  a son  of  Robert  R.,  and  Sally  (Dennison)  Mosey,  who 
had  a family  of  eight  children,  four  sons  are  now  living:  William  R.,  John  T., 
David  R.  and  Alfred  C.  The  mother  died  March  16,  1865,  and  Mr.  Moysey 
was  married  the  second  time  in  March,  1868,  to  Susan  Snyder.  They  have  had 
one  daughter,  Sally.  William  R.  Moysey  was  educated  at  Oberlin  College. 
He  is  now  engaged  in  farming  and  the  culture  of  grapes,  having  a vineyard  of 
ten  acres.  He  purchased  19  acres  of  land  in  1881.  He  served  as  secretary  of 
the  Sweet  Valley  Wine  Company.  His  parents  were  born  and  married  in  Lin- 
colnshire, England,  and  settled  in  Richland  county,  O.,  in  1852,  and  in  1868 
came  to  Kelley’s  Island. 

Muenscher,  Charles  H.,  Sandusky,  proprietor  of  the  pioneer  hat  and  cap 
and  fur  store,  of  Sandusky,  was  born  at  Gambier,  Knox  county,  in  1837.  He 
received  a classical  education,  and  was  graduated  from  the  Union  College  at 
Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  in  the  class  of  1857.  He  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1858  as 
successor  to  Austin  Ferry.  The  founders  of  the  business  were  Peck  and  Staple- 
ton,  of  the  hat  and  fur  trade.  C.  H.  Muenscher,  was  a son  of  Rev.  Joseph  and 
Ruth  (Washburn)  Muenscher.  Joseph  was  born  in  Rhode  Island,  and  Ruth  in 
Massachusetts.  They  settled  in  Ohio  in  1834.  Joseph  was  an  M.  E.  clergy- 
man. They  died  in  Knox  county.  Charles  H.  was  married  in  1864,  to  Susie 
C.  Burgess.  They  have  a family  of  three  children  : Charles  H.,  jr.,  Bessie  W. 
and  Percy.  Susie  was  a daughter  of  Rev.  Oliver  Burgess,  now  of  Cleveland. 
Mr.  Muenscher  is  a large  purchaser  and  shipper  of  wool  and  furs,  and  a dealer 
in  hats,  caps  and  gents’  furnishing  goods,  trunks  and  robes. 

Murschel,  Jacob,  Sandusky  p.  o , was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  Jan- 
uary I,  1824,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Barbara  Merschel.  Jacob  and  his 
brother  Michael  came  to  America  in  1852,  when  Jacob  settled  in  Norwalk, 
Huron  county,  and  became  engaged  in  the  baking  business.  He  was  married 
in  1854  to  Mary  Yingling,  who  was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany.  They 
have  a family  of  five  sons  now  living:  William,  Charles,  Jacob,  jr.,  Ered  and 
Albert.  Mr.  Murschel  settled  in  Bellevue,  in  1859,  and  in  1866  settled  in  San- 


6io 


History  of  Erie  County. 


dusky  as  proprietor  of  the  Bing  Hotel,  and  engaged  in  the  general  grocery  and 
provision  business  on  Mark  street  in  1869,  and  in  1875  purchased  his  lot  and 
erected  his  present  dwelling.  In  1876  he  built  his  hotel  at  the  Lake  Shore 
Railroad  Depot,  and  conducted  the  same  until  1884,  when  he  was  succeeded  by 
his  son  William.  In  1881  he  became  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  carbon- 
ate drinks,  and  in  the  bottling  business.  The  firm  is  now  J.  Murschel  & Son. 

Neill,  Lewis,  Margaretta,  Venice  p.  o.,  an  enterprising  farmer  of  Marga- 
retta  township,  was  born  in  Lrederick  county,  Md.,  in  1829,  and  settled  in 
Margaretta  in  1832,  with  his  parents,  Thomas  and  Rebecca  Neill.  He  v\ as- 
married  July  20,  1856,  to  Geneserat  Gaw,  who  was  born  in  Sandusky,  October 
15,  1838.  They  have  had  a family  of  si.x  children:  Isabel,  Rebecca,  Anna, 
Lewis,  Charles,  Scott  B.  His  wife  was  a daughter  of  Carlton  B.  and  Maria 
(Martin)  Gaw,  of  New  York.  They  were  married  in  Sandusky,. and  died  in 
Erie  county.  Charles  received  his  education  in  Ada,  O.,  and  is  now  engaged 
in  teaching.  Lewis  now  owns  lOO  acres  of  his  father’s  first  purchase,  which 
was  made  in  1832.  His  farm  in  all  consists  of  about  303  acres.  He  devotes 
his  entire  time  and  attention  to  farming  and  stock  raising. 

Neill,  William  H.,  Margaretta,  Venice  p.  o.,  a representative  citizen  and 
pioneer  of  Erie  county,  was  born  in  Lrederick  county,  Md.,  in  1827,  and  w'as  a 
son  of  Thomas  and  Rebecca  Neill.  Rebecca  was  born  in  Hagerstown,  Md., 
in  1805,  and  Thomas  was  born  in  1804,  in  Philadelphia.  They  were  married 
in  Maryland  in  1824,  and  settled  in  Margaretta  in  1832,  and  had  a family  of 
fourteen  children,  four  of  whom  died  at  an  early  age.  Ten  lived  to  maturity. 
Thomas,  jr.,  and  Poster  enlisted  and  served  during  the  late  war.  Thomas  was 
taken  prisoner,  and  died  at  the  rebel  prison  at  Andersonville,  in  1864.  Poster 
was  taken  prisoner,  but  was  exchanged.  Those  now  living  are:  William  H., 
Lewis,  George,  Ale.xander,  Gibson,  Poster  P.  and  Mrs.  Ann  McCartney. 
Thomas  visited  Sandusky  in  1831,  where  he  became  engaged  in  the  real  estate 
and  steamboat  interest,  and  purchased  i,000  acres  in  Margaretta,  west  of  Ven- 
ice. He  was  much  interested  in  the  improvement  of  the  city,  spending  much 
of  his  time  at  Columbus,  in  the  welfare  of  the  city.  His  wife,  Rebecca,  died 
March  i i,  1863,  and  Thomas  died  April  30,  1885.  He  was  a man  admired  by 
everybody  for  his  many  good  qualities.  William  H.  Neill  received  a liberal 
education  and  commenced  farming  at  an  early  age,  a business  in  which  he  is 
still  engaged,  superintending  a farm  of  400  acres.  He  now  owns  about  200 
acres  of  the  land  first  purchased  by  his  father  in  1831.  He  was  married  in  Oc- 
tober, 1858,  to  Catharine  Sheldon,  who  was  born  in  Urbana,  in  1841.  They 
have  had  a family  of  four  children  : William  Sheldon,  Sally,  John  James  and 
Thomas.  Sally  married  Albert  Ransom.  Mrs.  Catharine  was  a daughter  of 
Erastus  Sheldon. 

Neuscheler,  Gottlieb,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  in 
1812,  and  was  married  in  1857  to  Mary  A.  Bauer.  Their  two  oldest  children,,. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


6i  I 


August  F.  and  Christina  L.,  were  born  in  Germany.  In  1853  Mr.  Neuscheler, 
in  company  with  his  family,  came  to  this  country  and  settled  in  Sandusky, 
where  Mr.  Neuscheler  found  employment  in  a foundry.  In  1859  he  rented  a 
farm  in  Margaretta,  and  in  1868  he  purchased  his  present  homestead  of  forty 
acres  for  which  he  paid  $3,500.  In  1880  he  purchased  an  additional  thirteen 
and  a half  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $1,600.  He  now  has  a family  of  four  chil- 
dren : August  F.,  Christina  L.,  William  G.  and  John  H. 

Neumeyer,  John  B.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  the  kingdom  of  Wurtemburg, 
Germany,  in  1822,  and  emigrated  to  America  in  1845,  settled  in  Cleve- 
land, and  in  1847  settled  in  Sandusky,  when  he  became  engaged  in  the  bak- 
ing business.  He  was  married  in  1852  to  Catharine  Loubster,  of  Sandusky. 
She  was  a daughter  of  Henry  Loubster,  who  settled  in  Sandusky  about  1830, 
coming  from  Baden,  Germany.  John  and  Catharine  have  a family  of  ten  chil- 
dren now  living:  Leonard,  Henry,  Ida,  Harrison,  Bernard,  Thomas,  Joseph, 
Barbara,  Caroline,  John  jr.  John  B.  had  one  brother,  Michael,  who  settled  in 
Cleveland. 

Nielson,  Carl  G.,  Sandusky,  a member  of  the  firm  of  Fruechtnicht  & Niel- 
son, wholesale  dealers  in  smoked  fish,  sturgeon  and  herring,  caviar,  isinglass 
and  fish  oil,  was  born  at  Schleiswig,  Germany,  in  1858,  and  came  to  Sandusky 
in  1874,  and  became  bookkeeper  for  his  present  partner,  and  in  1880  became 
a partner.  They  now  give  employment  to  about  thirty  hands,  and  have  two 
branch  stores  in  Michigan.  Mr.  Neilson  was  elected  councilman  in  1887.  He 
was  married  in  1885  to  Lena  Molitor.  Carl  G.  was  a son  of  Neilsen  Neilson, 
of  Germany. 

Nims.  Worthington,  Groton,  Bellevue  p.  o.,  a pioneer  settler  of  Groton, 
was  born  in  Shelburne,  Franklin  county.  Mass.,  in  1801,  and  in  company  with 
his  two  brothers,  Samuel  and  Elihu,  and  a nephew,  a young  man  of  twenty 
years,  came  to  Groton,  O.,  in  1826,  where  they  purchased  a tract  of  land  con- 
sisting of  479  acres,  and  the  parents  with  the  other  children,  came  in  the  fall 
of  1826.  They  had  a family  of  seven  children,  of  whom  Worthington  is  the 
only  surviving  one.  He  was  a son  of  Asa  and  Mollie  Nims.  Asa  was  a sol- 
dier during  the  Revolutionary  War.  Worthington  Nims  was  married  in  1827 
to  Betsey  Barnard,  who  was  born  in  Massachusetts.  They  had  a family  of 
three  children,  William  W.,  Helen  L.  and  David  B.  Helen  L.  married  Melvin 
Wood.  Betsey  Nims  was  born  in  1807,  and  died  in  April,  1880.  Mr.  Nims 
has  a farm  of  165  acres,  which  he  purchased  on  settlement  here  in  1826. 

Norton,  Henry  C.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Washington 
county,  N.  Y.,  in  1832,  and  settled  in  Huron  county,  O.,  in  1835,  with  his 
parents  James  and  Chloe  (Savage)  Norton.  She  was  born  in  Connecticut,  and 
her  husband  in  Poultney,  Vt.  Five  of  their  children  are  now  living,  Mrs. 
Louisa  Hill,  Mrs.  Charlotte  Rowlson,  James,  DeWitt  and  Henry  C.  James 
Norton  died  in  1873,  aged  82  years,  and  his  wife  in  1879,  aged  83  years. 


6i2 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Henry  was  married  in  i860  to  Charlotte  Henderson.  They  have  one  son^ 
Jerome  Norton.  Charlotte  was  a daughter  of  the  early  settler,  Joseph  Hen- 
derson and  wife  Mary  (Abbey)  Henderson.  Mary  was  born  in  Chatham,  Ct., 
in  1795,  and  Joseph  was  born  in  New  London,  Ct.,  in  1793.  They  were  mar- 
ried in  1821.  Joseph  in  early  life  was  a seafaring  man  and  commander  of  a 
merchant  vessel,  which  position  he  resigned  in  1839.  He  became  engaged  in 
farming  and  settled  in  Perkins  township,  where  he  purchased  a farm  of  one 
hundred  acres.  He  held  several  of  the  town  offices,  and  died  in  1863.  He  had 
a family  of  eight  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living:  Janet,  Mrs.  Coveil; 
Joseph,  Jerome,  Charlotte,  and  Henry.  Henry  C.  Norton  now  owns  and 
occupies  the  old  homestead. 

Ohlemacher,  Frederick,  Sandusky,  a manufacturer  and  shipper  of  lime,  hav- 
ing his  quarries  at  Marblehead,  was  born  in  Nassau- on-the-Rhine,  Germany, 
in  1840,  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1854,  with  his  parents  Henry  and  Catha- 
rine Ohlemacher.  Henry  was  born  in  1797,  and  died  in  1873;  Catharine  was 
born  in  1803.  Frederick  enlisted  in  Company  C,  7th  Illinois  Regiment,  in 
1861,  on  three  months  call  ; he  re- enlisted  and  served  as  first  lieutenant  Com- 
pany F,  in  the  first  cavalry  regiment  of  Arkansas,  and  resigned  in  1863  on 
account  of  disability.  He  served  as  corporal  in  the  7th  Illinois  Regiment. 
He  was  married  January  i,  1862,  to  Clementina  Croch,  of  Aurora,  111.  She 
was  born  in  Prussia,  Germany.  Mr.  Ohlemacher  became  engaged  in  the  lime 
business  in  1867  and  purchased  his  quarries  in  1872,  and  now  employs  about 
sixty  men. 

Ohlemacher,  Philip,  Sandusky,  was  born  at  Nassau-on-the-Rhine,  Ger- 
many, in  1 830,  and  left  home  to  avoid  a soldier’s  tax  of  three  years  service.  He 
came  to  America  in  185  i and  settled  in  Sandusky.  In  1853  he  went  to  Nyack- 
on-the-Hudson,  where  he  married  Miss  Lizzie  Smith.  They  settled  in  Cin- 
cinnati in  1854,  and  had  a family  ot  five  children  : Henry,  John,  Lizzie,  Katie 
and  Annie.  Philip  enlisted  in  the  three  month’s  call  in  the  9th  Ohio  Volun- 
teers and  was  discharged.  In  1870  he  returned  to  Sandusky,  where  his  wife 
died  that  same  year.  In  1871  he  was  married  to  Margaret  Zerbe,  of  San- 
dusky. She  was  born  in  Germany.  They  have  had  two  children  : Philip  Z. 
and  Clara.  Philip  was  a son  of  Henry  and  Catharine  Ohlemacher.  Henry 
was  born  in  1797,  and  died  in  1873;  Catharine  was  born  in  1805,  died  1888. 
They  had  a family  of  ten  children,  nine  of  whom  are  now  living:  Doro- 
thy, Lizzie,  Henry  jr.,  Philip,  Minnie,  Fred,  Binnie,  Christopher  and  Willie. 
Charles  is  deceased.  The  parents  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1864,  where  seven 
of  their  children  now  reside. 

Osborn,  John,  Sandusky,  an  early  settler  of  Huron,  Erie  county,  was  born 
in  Amherst,  Erie  county,  N.  Y.,  November  18,  1816,  and  was  a son  of  Arah 
and  Elizabeth  (Tinkler)  Osborn.  Elizabeth  was  born  in  Aschem,  England, 
and  Arah  in  Bennington,  Vt.  They  were  married  in  Erie  county,  N.  Y.,  in 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


613 


1815,  and  settled  in  Huron,  O.,  in  1836,  where  they  died,  Arab  in  1843, 
his  wife  in  April,  1854.  They  had  a family  of  six  children,  four  of  whom  are 
now  living:  John,  Jane,  now  Mrs.  Foster;  Sally,  now  Mrs.  Goodwin;  and 
Elizabeth,  now  Mrs.  Dildine.  Arah  served  during  the  War  of  1812,  and  re- 
ceived a land  warrant  of  a tract  of  land  consisting  of  160  acres  in  Indiana. 
John  Osborn  located  in  his  present  homestead  farm  in  1836,  and  for  which  he 
paid  $12.50  per  acre.  He  now  owns  in  all  165  acres  of  fine  land.  Mr.  Osborn 
was  married  in  1839  to  Elizabeth  Dale.  They  have  had  one  son,  Myron  D. 
Osborn.  Mrs.  Osborn  was  a daughter  of  Peter  Dale,  who  settled  here  about 
1826. 

Palmerton,  Joshua  E.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  one  of  the  representative 
business  men  of  Erie  county,  was  born  in  Erie  county,  N.  Y.,  December  ii, 
1820,  and  was  a son  of  Joshua  and  Hannah  (Nichols)  Palmerton,  who  were 
natives  of  Dauby,  Vt.  J.  E.  Palmerton  commenced  an  active  business  life  at 
the  early  age  of  eighteen  years  as  a stock  dealer  and  shipper,  a business  which 
he  has  followed  of  late  years,  dealing  largely  in  the  finest  stock.  He  was  mar- 
ried in  1851  to  Sarah  Halliday,  who  was  born  at  Palmyra,  Ontario  county, 
N.  Y.,  in  1831,  and  was  a daughter  of  Cornelius  Halliday.  Mr.  Palmerton 
settled  in  Groton  township  in  1854,  and  purchased  a homestead  of  sixty  acres, 
on  which  he  now  resides.  He  now  owns  in  all  a fine  farm  of  seventy-eight 
acres.  He  has  a family  of  three  children:  Charles,  Anna,  Ida. 

Parker,  James  C.,  Groton,  Sand  Hill  p.  o.,  a merchant  and  farmer  of  Gro- 
ton, was  born  in  Margaretta,  February  14,  1841,  and  was  a son  of  Elihu  and 
Eliza  (Walker)  Parker,  who  were  married  in  March,  1820.  Mr.  Parker  was 
born  in  Genesee  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1794,  and  died  January  22,  1887.  His 
wife,  Eliza,  died  in  1853,  leaving  a family  of  ten  children,  five  of  whom  are 
now  living:  Henry,  Ira,  Phoebe,  James  C.  and  Elihu,  jr.  Elihu  Parker  mar- 
ried a second  and  third  time  ; both  wives  died,  leaving  no  children.  Mr. 
Parker  settled  in  Margaretta  township  after  the  close  of  the  War  of  1812,  in 
which  he  served,  on  a farm  of  200  acres,  which  he  purchased  on  settlement 
here.  James  C.  Parker  was  married  December  30,  1867,  to  Mary  Puckrin. 
They  have  two  children  now  living:  George  W.,  born  in  1871,  and  Lucretia 
Estella,  born  in  1881.  Mary  was  a daughter  of  Thomas  and  Martha  Puck- 
rin, and  sister  of  Hon.  Joseph  Puckrin.  James  C.  Parker  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany I,  145th  O.  V.  I.,  in  1864,  and  was  discharged  at  Columbus,  O.  He  now 
owns  a farm  of  140  acres.  He  erected  his  present  store  and  dwelling,  and  be- 
came engaged  in  the  mercantile  business. 

Parker,  James  D.,  Perkins,  Bogart  p.  o.,  merchant  and  postmaster  at 
Bogart,  Erie  county,  was  born  in  Huron  county,  and  was  a son  of  Joshua  and 
Jane  (Francis)  Porter,  who  were  born  in  England,  and  married  in  Huron 
county,  O.,  in  1849.  James  D.  received  his  education  at  the  graded  schools, 
and  was  a graduate  of  the  Sandusky  Commercial  College.  He  taught  for  sey- 
78 


6i4 


History  of  Erie  County. 


eral  terms,  after  which  he  became  proprietor  of  the  institution  in  i 870,  and  in 
1876  purchased  a farm  in  Perkins,  and  in  1881  sold  the  farm  and  became  en- 
gaged in  the  mercantile  business.  He  was  appointed  postmaster  in  1882.  He 
has  been  justice  of  the  peace  for  three  years,  assessor  six  years,  town  clerk 
three  years.  He  was  married  in  1869  to  Sarah  S.  Gurley,  a daughter  of  Will- 
iam D.  Gurley.  They  have  a family  of  four  children  ; Eva  J.,  James  D.,  Jesse 
A.  and  Lela  M. 

Payne,  John,  jr..  Margaretta,  Venice  p.  o.,  was  born  in  England,  February 
5,  1828,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Hannah  (Collins)  Payne,  who  emigrated 
to  America  from  near  London,  to  Sandusky,  in  1828.  Mr.  Payne  was  a shoe- 
maker by  trade,  and  followed  his  trade  in  Sandusky  until  1832,  when  he  pur- 
chased a farm  of  eighty  acres,  and  in  1834  moved  his  family  to  Margaretta, 
where  he  erected  a little  log  hut  covered  with  bark,  and  here  settled  his  little 
family  of  wife  and  three  children  : William,  John  and  Caroline.  It  was  not 
long  before  trouble  arose  in  the  camp  between  the  new  comers  and  the  old 
settlers — the  mosquitoes;  but  after  several  serious  combats,  Mr.  Payne  came 
out  victorious.  He  is  now  the  only  surviving  member  of  the  family.  His 
mother  died  in  September,  1851,  and  his  father  November  20,  1855,  aged 
72  years.  John,  jr.,  now  owns  the  old  homestead,  which,  in  all,  consists  of  a 
farm  of  202  acres  of  finely  cultivated  land.  He  enlisted  in  the  Home  Guards, 
in  the  100  days  service,  in  the  145th  Regiment,  and  was  discharged  at  Camp 
Chase.  John,  jr.  was  married  in  1850  to  Mary  McNutt,  who  died  in  1854, 
leaving  one  son,  George.  He  married  his  second  wife,  Hannah  Ready,  in 
1854.  She  died  November  29,  1875,  leaving  nine  children:  James,  Mary, 
Sophia,  John,  jr.,  Caroline,  Ann,  Jay  Albert,  Delphos  and  Dora.  He  married 
his  third  wife,  Caroline  Wahl,  in  1881.  They  have  had  two  children,  Sophia 
and  Francis. 

Paxton,  James  S.,  Huron  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Rockbridge  county,  Va.,  in 
1809,  and  was  a son  of  Jonathan  and  Agnes  (Gillmore)  Paxton,  who  had  a 
family  of  seventeen  children,  all  of  whom  became  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  partook  of  the  sacrament  with  their  parents.  The  parents  emi- 
grated and  settled  in  Preble  county,  O.,  where  they  died.  James  came  to 
Huron  county  in  1832,  and  settled  in  1836,  and  was  married  in  1837  to  Ann 
Benschoter.  She  was  born  in  1819,  and  was  a daughter  of  Jeremiah  and 
Sally  Paxton,  who  were  pioneers  in  Erie  county.  They  have  had  a fam- 
ily of  three  children  : Agnes,  Delia  and  Jeremiah.  They  settled  on  their 
homestead  farm  in  1842.  James  received  an  academic  education,  and  gradu- 
ated from  the  Washington  Institute  at  Lexington,  Va.,  in  1829.  He  taught 
school  for  three  years  and  read  medicine,  but  chose  farming  as  his  life  occu- 
pation. 

Pfeil,  Henry,  jr.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Hesse  Cassel,  Germany,  in  1847, 
and  was  a son  of  Henry  and  Elizabeth  (Eckler)  Pfeil,  who  emigrated  to  San- 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


615 


dusky  in  1866.  They  have  a family  of  three  children  : Henry,  jr.,  Anna  and 
Martha.  Henry,  jr.  came  to  Sandusky  in  1864,  where  he  became  engaged  in 
various  occupations.  He  was  in  the  employ  of  the  Lake  Shore  Railroad  for 
three  years,  as  baggage  master,  and  in  March,  1875,  purchased  his  present 
business  stand  and  became  engaged  in  the  grocery,  provision  and  saloon  busi- 
ness. He  was  married  in  October,  1874,  to  Elizabeth  Frey,  of  Sandusky. 
They  have  had  a family  of  four  children  : Clara,  Harry,  Charles  and  Elmer. 
Mr.  Pfeil  was  elected  member  of  the  board  of  education  two  terms. 

Philby,  Frederick  John,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  superintendent  of  the 
Oakland  Cemetery,  being  appointed  in  1883.  He  was  born  in  Amberly,  Sus- 
sex, England,  in  1845,  was  a son  of  John  and  Caroline  Philby,  who  died 
in  England.  They  had  a family  of  fourteen  children,  four  of  whom  are  now 
living:  Caroline,  born  in  1823  ; Harriet,  born  in  1825  ; Alfred,  born  in  1827, 
and  P'rederick  J.  F.  J.  came  to  Utica,  Oneida  county,  N.  Y.,  in  December, 
1866.  He  was  married  in  Brighton,  Sussex,  England,  in  1864.  They  have 
had  a family  of  four  children  : Frederick,  John,  jr.,  Fannie  Amelia  and  Alfred 
VVilliam.  The  first  John  Philby  died  at  Utica  in  1886  ; the  others  were  born 
in  Sandusky  city,  O.  Mr.  Philby  settled  in  Sandusky,  in  1867,  when  he  became 
engaged  in  various  occupations,  and  in  1869  accepted  a position  with  the  gas 
company,  where  he  remained  until  1883,  when  he  accepted  his  present  charge. 

Platt,  Clayton,  W.,  Sandusky,  owner  and  proprietor  of  the  Sandusky  Art 
and  Photograph  Gallery,  was  born  at  Oberlin,  O.,  in  1862,  and  was  a son  of  A. 
C.  and  Hattie  (Paige)  Platt.  Hattie  was  born  in  Ohio,  and  A.  C.  was  born  in 
Milford,  Conn.,  in  1828.  His  wife  died  in  1864,  leaving  three  children  : Eva 
C.,  Ella  M.  and  Clayton  VV.  A.  C.  died  in  1884,  leaving  five  children,  two  by 
a second  marriage:  Jennie  M.  and  Fred.  D.  A.  C.  Plattsettled  in  Sandusky, 
in  1865,  and  became  engaged  in  the  present  business  of  his  son.  Clayton  VV. 
acquired  the  profession,  and  in  1883  became  the  proprietor  and  successor  to 
his  father’s  well-established  trade.  He  was  married  in  1883  to  Flora  G.  Pal- 
mer, a daughter  of  Rev.  C.  VV.  Palmer.  They  have  had  one  child,  Winifred  H. 

Powers,  D.  C , Sandusky,  one  of  the  leading  merchants  of  Sandusky,  was 
born  in  Watertown,  Jefferson  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1844,  and  was  a son  of  Amasa 
and  Rebecca  Powers.  D.  C.  came  to  Sandusky  in  1865,  and  became  engaged 
as  a clerk  with  Messrs.  C.  E.  and  G.  A.  Cook,  and  in  1873  became  engaged  in 
the  mercantile  business,  being  a member  of  the  firm  of  Wagoner,  Powers  St 
Bredbeck,  which  in  1877  was  changed  to  Wagoner  & Powers,  and  in  1880  he 
formed  the  partnership  of  Powers  & Zollinger,  and  later  formed  the  present  firm 
of  D.  C.  Powers  & Co.,  located  at  Nos.  142  Columbus  avenue,  and  629  Mar- 
ket street.  He  was  married  in  1876  to  Mary  Alvord,  of  Sandusky.  They 
have  had  two  children  : Nellie  and  Royal.  His  wife,  Mary,  was  a daughter  of 
Mr.  E.  Alvord,  who  settled  here  in  1837. 

Pritchard,  Frank,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Loraine  county,  O., 


6i6 


History  of  Erie  County. 


in  1847,  and  was  a son  of  Erastus  Pritchard  and  Eidelia  (Eox)  Pritchard,  of 
Connecticut.  Erastus  was  born  May  ii,  1800,  and  died  May  6,  1863.  They 
were  married  in  Sandusky  about  1840,  and  had  a family  of  two  children: 
Erank  A.  and  Eidelia.  His  wife  died  in  1881.  He  left  three  children  by  a 
previous  marriage  : Elizabeth,  Jane  and  Marsh.  Erastus  was  a ship  carpen- 
ter and  dealer  in  ship  timber,  and  first  settled  in  Sandusky  about  1838.  Erank 
was  married  in  1881  to  Mary  Holden,  of  Eulton  county.  They  have  two 
children:  Alice  E.  and  Bessie  P.  Mary  was  a daughter  of  James  and  Harriet 
(White)  Holden,  who  were  born  in  England  on  the  estate  of  Lord  De  La  Zouch. 
They  settled  in  Huron  township  in  1859,  with  a family  of  eight  children,  two 
of  whom  are  now  living:  Jane  and  Harriet  Janet. 

Pringnitz,  Henry,  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  in  Prussia  January  19,  1837, 
and  was  a son  of  Frederick  and  Elizabeth  Pringnitz.  Frederick  died  in  Prus- 
sia, leaving  a widow  and  seven  children.  Mrs.  Pringnitz,  in  company  with  her 
children:  Henry,  Elizabeth  and  Anna,  came  to  America  in  1859,  and  settled 
in  Napoleon  in  1859,  Caroline  in  1852,  and  Sophia  came  in  1873,  and  two, 
Dorothy  and  John,  now  reside  in  Germany.  Mr.  Henry  Pringnitz  came  to 
Kelley’s  Island  in  i860,  and  worked  four  years  with  Mr.  Becker,  and  in  1864 
purchased  the  homestead  of  thirteen  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $3,000.  He  was 
married  in  1865  to  Mary  Elleng,  who  was  born  in  Hanover  in  1843.  They 
have  had  a family  of  six  children  : Naomi,  Lizzie,  Sarah,  Albert,  Harry  and 
Herbert.  His  mother  was  born  December  12,  1799,  and  came  to  the  island  to 
to  reside  with  her  son,  Henry, 

Prout,  Albert  H.,  Oxford,  Prout  p.  o.,  was  born  in^Oxford  in  1852,  and  was 
a son  of  Andrew  and  Mary  E.  (Carpender)  Prout.  He  received  a liberal  educa- 
tion at  the  High  School  in  Sandusky,  and  was  graduated  from  the  business  col- 
lege at  Detroit  in  1875.  He  commenced  farming  in  1876,  and  was  married 
that  year  to  Emma  Hoover,  a daughter  of  John  Hoover,  of  Bushnell,  111.  They 
have  a family  of  four  children  : Clara,  Elsie,  Albert  H.  and  Andrew  Washing- 
ton. Mr.  Prout  was  appointed  postmaster  of  Prout,  April  19,  1869.  He  is 
now  engaged  in  farming  and  in  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  the  J.  W.  Hoover 
potato  digger  at  Avery,  O.  This  article  is  fast  gaining  a reputation.  Mr. 
Prout  is  general  sale  agent  and  a partner  in  the  manufacturing  interest.  They 
have  large  shops  at  Avery. 

Prout,  Simeon  C.,  Oxford,  Prout  p.  o.,  one  of  the  representative  farmers  of 
Oxford,  was  born  in  this  township  in  1848,  and  was  a son  of  Andrew  W.  and 
Mary  PI.  (Carpender)  Prout.  Mary  was  born  in  Huron  county  February  9, 
1818,  and  was  married  October  3,  1833.  Andrew  W.  was  born  March  31, 
1811,  in  Barry,  Orleans  county,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Prout  learned  the  shoemaker 
trade,  and  afterwards  became  engaged  in  the  sale  of  clocks.  In  1832  he  set- 
tled in  Bloomingville,  and  in  1833  was  married,  after  which  he  became  en- 
gaged in  the  shoe  business  altogether.  In  1834  he  purchased  a lOO-acre  farm,. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


617 


for  which  he  paid  four  dollars  per  acre,  on  which  he  erected  a log  cabin,  in 
which  he  resided  until  his  death,  March  i,  1881,  leaving  a widow  and  four 
children:  Sarah  B.,  born  1835;  Andrew  W.  jr.,  born  1837;  Simeon  C.,  born 
1848;  and  Albert  H.,  born  1852.  Andrew  W.  Front  cleared  his  farm,  on  which 
he  erected  a fine  dwelling  and  other  farm  buildings.  Simeon  C.  was  married  in 
1882  to  Kittie  M.  Meredith,  a daughter  of  Thomas  Meredith,  of  Sandusky. 
They  have  two  children  : Frank  J.  and  Andrew  W.  Mr.  Front  has  held  sev- 
eral of  the  town  offices;  has  been  town  clerk  and  assessor.  He  is  now  agent 
for  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad,  upon  whose  farm  the  station  and  build- 
ings are  erected.  He  now  owns  and  occupies  the  old  homestead.  Andrew 
was  a son  of  Daniel  and  Sally  (Holt)  Front,  who  settled  in  Oxford  township  in 
1839,  when  they  purchased  the  adjoining  farm  of  sixty  acres.  They  had  ten 
children,  six  now  living  : Fhebe,  William  W.,  Louisa,  Cyrus,  Maryetta  and 
Avery.  Mary  Front  was  a daughter  of  Samuel  B.  and  Clarrissa  (Doane)  Car- 
penter. They  were  married  in  Canada  in  1809,  and  settled  in  Erie  county  in 
1810.  Three  of  their  children  are  now  living:  Mary,  Samuel  B.  and  Ange- 
line. 

Fuckrin,  Joseph,  Ferkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  one  of  the  representative  men  of 
Erie  county,  was  born  in  Sandusky,  March  23,  1843.  He  received  his  educa- 
tion in  the  Sandusky  schools,  and  graduated  from  the  Commercial  College  at 
Detroit,  Mich.  He  taught  school  for  several  terms,  after  which  he  became 
engaged  as  a clerk  in  the  treasurer’s  office  of  the  S.  and  C.  Railroad,  and  in 
1864  became  engaged  in  farming.  He  was  married  in  1867  Lydia  Colver, 
who  was  born  April  15,  1842,  in  Brockport,  N.  Y.  They  have  had  two  chil- 
dren: Martha  Frances,  born  January  20,  1870;  Andrew  E.,  born  June  18,  1873. 
Lydia  was  a daughter  of  Darius  S.  and  Mary  (Bennett)  Colver.  Darius  was 
born  October  22,  1809,  and  died  April  3,  1871  ; Martha  was  born  August  lO, 
1814,  and  died  June  26,  1874.  Joseph  was  a son  of  Thomas  and  Martha  Fuck- 
rin, who  were  born  and  married  in  Yorkshire,  England.  They  emigrated  to 
Ohio  in  1838  and  settled  in  Sandusky  about  1841,  where  they  died,  leaving  a 
family  of  five  children:  George,  Joseph,  Mary,  Matthew  and  Edward.  Joseph 
is  at  present  justice,  having  held  that  office  for  twelve  years.  He  was  elected 
member  of  the  State  Assembly  in  1882  and  1884,  and  is  now  one  of  the  lead- 
ing farmers  of  his  county. 

Radcliff,  Edwin  W.,  Oxford,  North  Monroeville  p.  o , one  of  the  represen- 
tative men  of  his  town,  was  born  in  Oxford,  Erie  county,  in  1844,  and  was  a 
son  of  William  K.  and  Chloe  (Stone)  Radcliff.  William  was  born  in  Litchfield 
county.  Conn.,  in  1806,  and  his  wife  in  Rutland,  Vt,  in  1807.  They  were 
married  at  Cook’s  Corners  in  1830.  William  died  in  1884,  leaving  a widow  and 
three  children  : Ada,  now  Mrs.  F.  C.  Fish,  William  H.  and  Edwin  W.  Chloe 
settled  here  in  1818  with  her  parents.  Lewis  Stone,  and  his  family  of  three 
children,  are  now  living:  Chloe,  Mrs.  Hannah  Smith  and  William  B.  Will- 


6i8 


History  of  Erie  County. 


iam  Radcliff  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1828,  and  erected  his  tannery,  where  he 
also  began  to  deal  in  boots  and  shoes.  Soon  after  his  marriage,  in  1830,  he 
settled  in  North  Monroeville,  where  he  became  engaged  in  farming,  and  was 
one  of  the  active  men  in  the  founding  of  the  Congregational  Church  of  North 
Monroeville.  He  was  engaged  in  farming  until  1867,  when  he  became  en- 
gaged in  mining,  and  visited  the  Colorado  mines,  where  he  had  much  experi- 
ence in  mining  and  prospecting.  He  returned  to  Ohio,  and  took  charge  of  the 
farm,  and  soon  after  was  married  to  Lovina  R.  La  Salle,  a daughter  of  Jane  La 
Salle.  They  have  a family  of  two  children  : Maud  A.  and  William  K.  E.  W. 
Radcliff  now  owns  the  old  homestead,  which  was  purchased  by  his  grandfather 
Stone  in  1818.  It  then  consisted  of  sixty  acres.  They  now  own  fifty-five 
acres  in  addition  to  the  original  tract.  Mr.  Radcliff  has  been  town  treasurer 
for  five  years,  and  also  held  other  minor  offices. 

Ramsdell,  Horace,  Oxford,  Bloomingville  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Massachusetts 
in  1793,  and  was  a son  of  Joseph  and  Sarah  Ramsdell,  who  came  from  Massa- 
chusetts in  1812  and  settled  in  Erie  county.  The  father  and  two  sons  served 
during  the  War  of  1812-14.  Horace  was  the  last  surviving  one  of  the  family 
of  si.x  children,  and  he  died  January  28,  1872.  Horace  Ramsdell  was  married 
in  1825  to  Sally  Bullard,  who  was  born  in  Onondaga  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1807, 
and  came  to  Erie  county,  O.  They  had  a family  of  twelve  children,  seven  of 
whom  are  now  living:  John,  born  in  1826;  Sarah,  born  in  1830;  Selima,  born 
in  1832;  Addie,  born  in  1836;  James  H.,  born  in  1840;  Horace  V.,  born  in 
1842;  and  Lydia,  born  in  1844.  Horace  V.  enlisted  in  the  loist  Regiment 
in  1862,  was  wounded  at  Stone  River,  for  which  injuiy  he  now  receives  a much 
merited  pension  of  $24  per  month.  He  was  a brave  soldier  and  the  last  man 
to  leave  his  post.  John  visited  California  in  1849,  where  he  remained  until 
March  9,  1865,  when  he  returned  to  Oxford.  Since  1876  he  has  visited  the 
Black  Hills  in  company  with  his  brother  James.  Mr.  Ramsdell’s  life  as  a 
farmer  was  a successful  one,  and  he  left  a competency  for  his  family  and  a 
name  long  to  be  remembered  in  his  town. 

Rand,  Horace  W.,  Huron,  a banker  of  Huron  township,  was  born  in  Port- 
land, Me.,  in  1852,  and  was  a son  of  William  S.  and  Adaline  (Philbrick)  Rand. 
Adaline  died  in  Bangor  in  1855,  leaving  one  son,  Horace  W.,  who  settled  in 
Huron,  O.,  in  1875,  and  was  employed  by  the  Lake  Shore  Railroad.  In  1885 
he  organized  the  Huron  Banking  Company,  with  a chartered  capital  of  $50,000, 
which  now  has  a surplus  of  $8,000.  Mr.  Rand  was  married  in  1878  to  Minnie 
S.  Squier,  a daughter  of  John  Squier.  Mr.  Rand  is  also  engaged  in  the  dry 
goods,  grocery  and  hardware  business,  being  one  of  the  firm  of  Hull  & Rand. 

Ransom,  Charles  H.,  Margaretta,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  one  of  the  representative 
men  of  Margaretta,  was  born  in  Lyme,  New  London  county.  Conn.,  October 
24,  1821,  and  was  a son  of  Judah  W.  and  Nancy  Maria  (Colt)  Ransom,  who 
were  married  October  10,  1813.  Nancy  M.  was  born  in  1790  and  died  in 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


619 


1868;  Judah  was  born  in  1784  and  died  November  3,  1840.  He  was  com- 
mander of  the  Helen  Marx,  which  was  wrecked  twenty  miles  out  from  Buffalo 
and  all  hands  perished.  Mr.  Ransom  left  a widow  and  three  children  : Eliza- 
beth Dennison,  John  C.  and  Charles  H.  Mr.  Ransom  purchased  a farm  of 
1 14  acres  in  Margaretta  in  1828,  which  his  son,  Charles  H.,  now  owns  and 
occupies.  Mr.  Ransom  retired  in  1836,  but  in  1840  he  was  induced  to  take 
command  of  his  vessel,  and  lost  his  life.  Charles  H.  was  educated  at  Sandusky, 
and  afterwards  became  engaged  in  farming.  He  now  owns  a farm  of  200 
acres — his  home  farm — and  564  acres  elsewhere  in  the  county.  From  1861 
to  1865  he  was  largely  engaged  in  dealing  in  stock.  He  was  married  in  1847 
to  Susan  S.  Slaughter,  who  was  born  in  Yates  county,  N.  Y.  They  have  had 
a family  of  six  children,  four  sons  and  two  daughters:  Albert  H.,  M.  Alice, 
Annie  A.,  Jay  W.,  K.  J.  and  Ross  L.  Annie  A.  married  John  H.  Atwater. 
Mr.  Ransom  is  now  a stockholder  in  the  Put-in-Bay  Grape  Wine  Manufactur- 
ing Company,  and  also  in  the  Sandusky  Savings  Bank.  He  is  now  a retired 
farmer  and  capitalist.  Mr.  Ransom  settled  on  his  farm  in  1842. 

Ransom,  Isaac  W.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  one  of  the  leading  and  influen- 
tial men  of  Perkins  township,  was  born  in  Tolland  county.  Conn.,  April  2,  1814, 
and  was  a son  of  Russell  and  Lucretia  (Wickham)  Ransom,  who  were  born  and 
married  in  Connecticut,  and  in  1818  came  with  four  children  to  Berlin  town- 
ship, in  company  with  a brother,  Oliver,  wife  and  child,  and  several  other 
families,  making  the  long  journey  in  six  weeks  with  ox  teams,  via  Albany  and 
Buffalo.  Isaac  W.  was  one  of  ten  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  (December,. 
1888)  living:  Isaac  W.,  Harriet,  who  married  Mr.  Cary;  Louisa,  now  Mrs. 
Skinner;  and  Asa.  Russell  died  in  1863,  and  his  wife,  Lucretia,  in  1856. 
Isaac  W.  was  married  in  Berlin,  November  15,  1838,  to  Mary  Wright,  who 
was  born  in  Dutchess  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1818.  They  have  two  sons:  Delos 
Colvin  and  George  Augustus.  Mrs.  Ransom  was  a daughter  of  Rev.  Benja- 
min and  Mary  (Baker)  Wright,  who  were  early  settlers  in  Erie  county.  Mr.. 
Ransom  purchased  a farm  of  one  hundred  acres  in  1840,  for  which  he  paid  $15 
per  acre.  He  now  owns  a farm  of  163  acres.  His  son,  Delos,  enlisted  in  the 
123d  Regiment,  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  in  which  he  served  for  three  years, 
when  he  was  discharged  at  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  wounded,  and  now 
receives  a pension.  He  was  detailed  as  chief  clerk  at  First  Brigade  headquar- 
ters, Twenty- fourth  Army  Corps,  after  receiving  his  injury,  serving  very  ac- 
ceptably. He  was  married  in  1869  to  Caroline  E.  Taylor;  George  A.  was 
married  in  1882  to  Mary  J.  Ross,  of  Ontario,  Canada.  They  have  two  sons, 
Ross  D.  and  Webster  H.  Mr.  Russell  Ransom  produced  the  first  peaches- 
grown  in  the  county.  He  and  his  wife  died  in  Berlin  township.  Isaac  settled 
in  Perkins  township  in  1840,  and  erected  his  present  fine  residence  in  1853. 
He  claimed  that  he  felled  200  acres  of  virgin  forest,  but  death  cuts  down  alL 
He  passed  away  February  22,  1888,  and  is  buried  in  Oakland  Cemetery. 


€20 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Ransom,  Orlando,  Margaretta,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Salem,  New 
London  county,  Conn.,  July  24,  1814,  and  was  brought  up  to  farm  work.  He 
fitted  himself  for  teaching,  and  taught  two  or  three  different  schools  in  his 
native  State.  In  1837  he  went  to  Ohio  and  taught  in  Clarksfield,  Huron 
county,  during  the  winter  of  1837-38,  and  from  that  time  to  1841  in  Sandusky. 
He  then  rented  lands  and  became  engaged  in  general  farming,  in  which  he 
continued  until  1861.  He  then  moved  on  to  his  present  farm,  which,  at  that 
time,  consisted  of  200  acres,  but  now  contains  3 50  acres  of  finely  cultivated 
land.  He  was  married  January  12,  1847,  1°  Louisa  E.  Newton,  of  Sandusky. 
She  died  in  1851,  leaving  three  children,  two  of  whom  are  now  living:  Emma 
A.,  now  Mrs.  Marshall,  and  William  H.  He  married  his  second  wife,  Ellen 
L.  Osborn,  October  29,  1852.  She  was  born  in  East  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  in  1834. 
They  have  had  a family  of  ten  children,  eight  of  whom  are  now  living:  Mary 
E.,  Nettie  R , John  W.,  Rollin  M , Rush  C.,  Lillie  B , Walter  O.  and  Orley  B. 
Ellen  L.  was  a d.iughter  of  Walter  and  Mary  E.  Osborn.  Walter  was  born 
in  New  York  and  Mary  E.  in  Pennsylvania.  They  settled  in  Erie  county  in 
1836.  Mr.  Ransom  was  the  son  of  Justin  and  Anna  Ransom. 

Ray,  Winfield  Scott,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  a grandson  of  the  pioneer 
settlers  William  and  Mary  Ray,  who  came  to  this  townshi|)  in  1829,  where 
Scott  was  born  in  1846,  and  was  a son  of  Alexander  and  Jeannette  (Sickler) 
Ray,  of  Orange  county,  N.  Y.  They  were  married  in  Pennsylvania  March  15, 
1829,  and  settled  in  Margaretta  that  same  year.  They  had  a family  of  nine 
children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living:  Mrs.  Milla  Bush,  Mrs.  Lizzie  Rogers, 
Giles  W.,  P'rank,  and  W.  Scott.  Mr.  Ray  retired  fron  active  business  life  and 
settled  in  Clyde,  Sandusky  county,  in  1870,  where  he  died.  Scott  now  owns 
100  acres  of  the  homestead  which  was  purchased  by  his  grandfather  on  settle- 
ment here.  Scott  was  married  in  1868  to  Lucy  H.  Brown,  who  was  born  in 
Margaretta.  They  have  had  a family  of  six  children,  four  of  whom  are  now 
living  : Elmer  A , Charles  O.,  Ethel  and  Vernie  ; two  children  died  at  the  age 
of  seven  and  nine  respectively.  Mrs.  Ray  was  a daughter  of  Orlando  and 
Laura  (Boice)  Brown.  Mr.  Brown  died  February,  1882,  and  his  wife  in  1867. 
They  left  a family  of  seven  children.  Orlando  was  born  in  1815,  and  was  a 
son  of  Pliny  Brown,  who  settled  in  Margaretta  in  1817. 

Rehberg.  P'rederick  C.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Mecklenburg,  Germany, 
September  19,  1829,  and  was  a son  of  John  C.  and  Augusta  Rehberg.  Au- 
gusta died  in  1849,  leaving  a family  of  five  children  : William,  John,  Frederick, 
Mary  and  Helen.  John  C.  married  his  second  wife,  Frederica  Prohl,  in  1851. 
They  emigrated  to  Chicago  in  1853,  and  in  1854  settled  in  Sandusky,  O., 
where  John  died  in  1882,  aged  84,  leaving  one  son  by  his  last  marriage. 
Frederick  C.  and  his  brother,  John,  came  to  Canada  in  1852,  and  William  with 
his  family  settled  in  McCutchenville,  O.,  in  1850,  but  in  1854  they  all  settled 
in  Sandusky  and  became  engaged  in  the  fishing  business,  the  father,  John  C., 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


621 


and  his  three  sons.  In  1858  Frederick  was  engaged  in  the  fish  business  at 
Chicago,  where  he  remained  until  1859,  when  he  returned  to  Sandusky  and 
became  engaged  in  the  fish  business  with  Hosmer  & Co.  He  purchased  his 
present  stand  in  1868,  and  became  engaged  in  a general  grocery  and  provision 
business.  Mr.  Rehberg  was  married  in  1853  to  Jeannette  Berger,  at  Chicago. 
She  was  born  in  Germany.  They  have  had  a family  of  four  children  : Eliz- 
abeth, George,  Albert  and  Clara.  Frederick  C.  enlisted  in  the  O.  V.  I.,  and 
was  discharged  at  Columbus  in  1864. 

Reinheimer,  John  B.,  Kelley’s  Island,  a prominent  business  man  of  Kelley’s 
Island,  w'as  born  at  Sandusky  in  1844,  and  was  a son  of  Frederick  and  So- 
phronia  Reinheimer,  who  came  from  Germany  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in 
1836,  where  Sophronia  died  in  1849  of  cholera,  leaving  a family  of  six  children, 
three  of  whom  are  now  living;  Frederick,  John  B.  and  Kate,  Frederick  died 
in  1880,  leaving  a family  of  six  children  by  a second  marriage:  Barbara, 
Charles,  August,  Edward,  Christina  and  Alfred.  John  B.  Reinheimer  in  early 
life  was  engaged  in  various  occupations.  He  settled  on  Kelley’s  Island  in 
1865,  and  became  engaged  in  the  saloon  business,  after  which  he  sold  out  and 
went  in  the  ice  trade,  and  afterwards  became  engaged  in  the  mercantile  busi- 
ness, in  which  he  remained  until  1869,  when  he  went  into  the  fish  business, 
and  in  1875  purchased  his  present  business,  that  of  flour,  feed,  hay,  etc.  In 
1883  he  purchased  his  dock  and  storehouse,  and  now  deals  largely  in  coal  and 
grape  posts.  He  was  married  in  1866  to  Eliza  Monghan.  They  have  a family 
of  four  children:  Mamie,  Frank,  Laura  and  Jessie.  Mr.  Reinheimer  is  agent 
for  the  Sandusky  and  Kelley  Island  Steamboat  Company,  and  attends  to  the 
general  forwarding  business  of  the  island. 

Rhinemiller,  John  F.,  Huron  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  in 
1843,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Rhinemiller,  who  were  born  and 
married  in  Germany,  and  in  1833  came  to  America,  and  settled  in  Lorain 
county,  O.,  and  in  1834  settled  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  and  purchased  a farm 
of  50  acres,  and  later  made  an  additional  purchase  of  87  acres.  Mr.  Rhine- 
miller was  born  in  1803,  and  died  in  June,  1878,  and  his  wife  was  born  in  1806, 
and  died  in  January,  1879.  They  had  a family  of  eight  children,  six  of  whom 
are  now  living:  William,  Eliza,  Christina,  who  was  born  on  the  ocean;  Henry, 
John  F.  and  Joseph.  William  enlisted,  and  served  until  he  was  discharged  on 
account  of  disability.  John  in  early  life  became  engaged  in  farming,  and  now 
owns  and  occupies  the  old  homestead  farm  of  1 12  acres.  John  F.  was  married 
in  December,  1867,  to  Sarah  Garritt,  a daughter  of  Daniel  Garritt.  She  died 
May  19,  1875,  leaving  two  children,  Cora  and  Cortland.  Mr.  Rhinemiller  then 
married  his  second  wife,  Maggie  Paule,  in  March,  1878.  They  have  had  a 
family  of  three  children:  Frederick,  Arthur  and  George. 

Rhode,  William  M.,  Sandusky,  the  custom  boot  and  shoe  manufacturer  of 
Sandusky,  was  born  in  Hessen,  Germany,  in  1854,  and  emigrated  to  America 
79 


622 


History  of  Erie  County. 


in  1868,  and  settled  in  Sandusky  with  Ids  brother,  August,  who  opened  a cus- 
tom boot  and  shoe  shop,  where  William  learned  the  trade.  In  1875  he  opened 
a shop  for  himself,  and  now  enjoys  a large  patronage.  Three  brothers  and  one 
sister  came  to  Sandusky:  August,  William  M.,  Herman  and  Olinda.  William 
M.  was  married  in  1875,  to  Emma  Scherer.  They  have  a family  of  six  chil- 
dren : Emma,  Jacob,  Mabel,  Viola,  Amelia  and  Olinda.  Mr.  Rhodes  is  about 
completing  a pair  of  lady’s  shoes,  probably  the  largest  ever  required  or  worn 
by  any  person.  They  are  twenty-eight,  and  eighteen  inches  long,  and  seven 
and  a half  inches  wide  on  the  sole,  and  he  receives  $30  for  the  work. 

Richmond,  David  Chester,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Fairfield, 
Conn.,  in  1 8 1 5,  and  was  a son  of  Dr.  David  Richmond.  David  Chester  received 
a liberal  education,  and  in  early  life  became  infatuated  with  a seafaring  life,  and 
shipped  as  a midshipman  on  a vessel  which  was  on  its  way  to  China.  In 
1835,  he  in  company  with  his  father,  visited  Erie  county,  when  he  purchased 
his  present  homestead  farm  of  200  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $12  per  acre.  He 
remained  here  engaged  in  farming  until  1837,  when  he  returned  to  his  former 
home,  and  was  married  December  24,  1837,  to  Sarah  Burr,  of  Weston,  Fair- 
field  county.  Conn.  They  have  had  a family  of  three  children:  Celeste  R.,  now 
Mrs.  George  Rich  ; Sarah,  now  Mrs.  A.  W.  Prout,  and  George  B.,  who  died  in 
January,  1888.  Mr.  Richmond  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace,’and  held  that 
office  for  twelve  years ; he  was  also  elected  supervisor  of  highways.  He  held 
all  the  offices  of  his  town,  and  many  of  the  county  offices  also.  He  was  elected 
member  of  Assembly  in  1872  and  in  1874,  and  was  a prominent  member  of  the 
State  Agricultural  Society  for  six  years.  He  was  also  a member  of  the  State 
Horticultural  Society,  and  treasurer  of  the  State  Agricultural  Society.  He 
formed  the  farmers’  club,  and  was  a leading  member  and  master  of  the  grange. 
Mr.  Richmond  was  truly  a representative  man  of  his  county.  He  traveled 
much,  visiting  all  the  important  places  in  his  own  country,  then  going  to  Eu- 
rope, where  he  traveled  extensively.  Mr.  Richmond  died  February  17,  1888. 
His  widow  and  two  daughters  survive  him. 

Ritter,  Henry,  Sandusky,  the  proprietor  of  the  Sandusky  City  Cigar  and 
Tobacco  Store,  was  born  in  Vine  Hezzen,  Germany,  in  1837,  and  emigrated  to 
America  in  1853.  He  settled  in  Baltimore,  after  which  he  visited  several 
cities,  and  finally  settled  in  Sandusky,  in  1861,  as  a journeyman  cigar  maker. 
He  became  engaged  in  his  present  business  in  1864,  and  now  has  a large  trade 
for  his  own  manufactured  brand  of  cigars.  He  was  married  in  1869  to  Chris- 
tina Andrews,  of  Danbury,  Ottawa  county,  O.  They  have  a family  of  three 
sons:  William  H , Edwin  L.  and  Albert  H. 

Robertson,  Charles  W , Sandusky,  manager  of  the  Robertson  & Co.,  gro- 
cery and  provision  business,  which  was  established  by  William  Robertson,  sr., 
and  William,  jr.,  in  1852.  William  sr.,  was  born  in  Alnwick,  Northumberland 
count}',  England,  and  settled  in  Cleveland,  O.,  in  1849,  two  years  later 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


623 


(1851),  came  to  Sandusky.  William  Robertson,  jr.,  married  Mary  Stinson,  of 
Buffalo,  N.  Y.  They  were  married  in  Sandusky,  in  1855,  had  a family  of 
fourteen  children.  William,  jr.,  responded  to  the  call  for  the  first  three  months 
men,  in  the  war  of  1861,  and  served  for  two  hundred  days.  He  died  Novem- 
ber 7,  1885,  at  the  age  of  53  years,  leaving  a widow  and  six  children.  Charles 
W.  was  born  in  1858,  and  was  married  in  1880,  to  Mary  Warden,  of  Mt.  Ver- 
non, Knox  county,  O.  They  have  had  two  children,  Elinor  and  Louise. 
Charles  W.  displays  much  executive  ability  in  the  management  of  his  large 
grocery  and  provision  business. 

Boeder,  Henry,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Hesse  Darmstadt,  Germany,  May 
30,  1839,  and  was  a son  of  Melchoir  and  Elizabeth  (Long)  Roeder.  Melchoir 
died  in  Germany,  leaving  a widow  and  seven  children,  four  of  whom  are  now 
living,  Gertrude,  Henry,  John  and  Elizabeth.  Henry  came  to  Sandusky  in 
1857,  and  became  engaged  in  farming,  after  which  he  learned  the  blacksmith 
business;  in  1861  he  became  engaged  in  this  business  on  his  own  account,  and 
in  1882  closed  his  shop  and  enlisted  in  Company  E,  107th  O.  V.  I.,  under  Cap- 
tain Traub,  and  was  discharged  at  Charleston,  July  10,  1865.  He  was  married 
September  17,  i86i,  to  Frances  Moos,  who  was  born  in  Bavaria,  in  1842,  and 
came  to  America  in  1852,  with  her  parents,  who  died  of  cholera  four  weeks 
after.  They'had  a family  of  six  children:  Elizabeth  C.,  Ida  D.,  Frances  Mary, 
Charles  A.,  Catharine  A.  and  Mary  L.  On  his  return  from  the  war  Mr.  Roe- 
der opened  his  shop  and  again  engaged  in  the  blacksmith  business,  and  has 
now  a well  established  business. 

Rogers,  Benjamin  H.,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Margaretta,  in 
1834,  and  was  a son  of  Stephen  H.  and  Eliza  (Hartwell)  Rogers.  Eliza  was 
born  in  Margaretta  in  1815,  and  Stephen  was  born  in  Phelps,  Ontario  county, 
N.  Y.,  1814.  They  were  married  in  Margaretta  in  1833,  and  had  a family  of 
six  children:  Stephen  H.,  jr.,  Benjamin  H,  Mrs.  Mary  White,  Mrs.  Maria 
Clark,  and  Mrs.  Martha  Rogers  and  Mrs  Elida  Fox.  Stephen  was  a son  of 
Jeremiah  and  Phebe  Rogers,  who  settled  in  Margaretta  in  1829,  coming  from 
New  York  with  a family  of  four  sons  and  four  daughters,  two  of  whom  are  now 
living:  Richard  H.  and  Mrs.  Phebe  Paxton.  Eliza  was  a daughter  of  Plbenezer 
and  Mary  (Lookin)  Hartwell.  Mary  was  born  in  Dublin,  Ireland,  and  Ebe- 
nezer  in  Duchess  county,  N.  Y.  They  were  married  in  Canada,  and  settled  in 
Margaretta,  in  June,  1815,  where  they  died.  They  had  a family  of  nine  chil- 
dren, of  whom  Eliza  is  the  only  one  now  living.  Benjamin  Rogers  enlisted  in 
the  145th  Regiment,  O.  V.  I.,  under  the  lOO-day  call,  and  was  discharged  at 
Camp  Chase.  He  was  married  in  1859,  to  Mary  Bardwell.  They  have  had 
two  children,  Dwight  D.  and  Edna  A.  Dwight  was  educated  at  the  college  at 
Adrian,  Mich.,  and  Edna  is  now  attending  college  at  Akron,  O.  Mr.  Rogers 
purchased  the  homestead  farm  of  i 14  acres  in  1863,  for  which  he  paid  $50  per 
acre.  He  now  owns  172  acres,  which  is  under  a high  state  of  cultivation. 


624 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Rogers,  Daniel,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Lyons,  Wayne  county,  N.  Y.,  in 
1828,  and  was  a son  of  George  and  Betsey  (Ellis)  Rogers,  who  were  married  in 
New  York,  and  came  to  Sandusky,  in  December,  1833.  They  had  a family  of 
fourteen  children,  eleven  sons  and  three  daughters,  and  one  adopted  daughter, 
now  Mrs.  Mary  Ann  Sears.  Eight  sons  and  three  daughters  are  now  living  : 
Myron,  Morris,  Palmer,  Daniel,  Benjamin  E.,  Jeremiah,  Reuben,  Joel  M , Mrs. 
Mary  E.  Edwards,  Mrs.  Harriet  Gregory  and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Dunning.  One 
son.  Dr.  Smith  Rogers,  died,  leaving  a family.  The  father,  George  Rogers, 
was  born  in  1792,  and  died  in  1854;  his  wife  was  born  in  1795,  and  is  now 
living  at  the  age  of  ninety-three  years.  Daniel  Rogers  was  married  Septem- 
ber 20,  1850,  to  Isabel  Langwell,  who  was  born  in  Maryland.  They  have  had 
a family  of  four  children:  Erank  U.,  Thomas,  Edward  J.  and  Libbie.  Daniel 
enlisted  in  Company  D,  loth  O.  V.  I.,  under  Colonel  Smith.  He  was  promoted 
several  times,  but  was  wounded  and  discharged,  on  account  of  disability,  at 
Camp  Dennison,  in  September,  1864.  Mr.  Rogers  learned  the  carriage  mak- 
ing trade,  and  was  also  a carpenter  and  builder,  and  in  1882  became  engaged 
in  the  livery  business. 

Rogers,  Stephen  H.,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Margaretta,  Erie 
county,  O.,  in  1838.  His  early  life  was  passed  in  attending  school,  and  assist- 
ing his  father  with  the  farm  work.  He  enlisted  in  Company  A,  72d  O.  V. 
I.,  October  21,  1861,  and  was  discharged  at  headquarters  1st  Division  i6th  A. 
C.,  October  21,  1864.  He  was  married  in  1865,  to  Maria  L.  Bardwell,  who  was 
born  in  Margaretta,  in  1838.  They  have  had  a family  of  four  children:  Addie 
A.,  Carrie  A.,  Henry  S.  and  James  Garfield.  Maria  L.,  was  a daughter  of  Sal- 
mon D.  and  Lucy  (White)  Bardwell,  who  were  married  in  Hampshire  county. 
Mass.,  in  1834,  and  settled  in  Margaretta  that  same  year.  Salmon  was  born  in 
1796,  and  died  in  1852,  and  his  wife  in  February,  1872.  They  left  two  daugh- 
ters, Sarah  and  Maria  L.  Sarah  A.  married  a Mr.  Snowden.  Mr.  Rogers  was 
a son  of  Stephen  and  Eliza  (Hartwell)  Rogers,  who  had  a family  of  eight  child- 
ren, six  of  whom  are  now  living:  Benjamin  H.,  Mary  L.,  now  Mrs.  White; 
Stephen  H.,  Phebe  M.,  now  Mrs.  Clark  ; Martha  E.,  now  Mrs.  Rogers,  and 
Alida,  now  Mrs.  Fox.  The  father,  Stephen,  died  June  10,  1864,  aged  50 
years.  His  wife,  Eliza,  was  born  in  Margaretta,  in  1815. 

Rohrbacher,  Christopher,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Baden,  Ger- 
many, in  1808,  and  settled  in  Northampton  county.  Pa.,  and  in  1831  visited 
his  native  homeland  and  returned  to  America  with  his  parents,  and  settled  in 
Pennsylvania,  but  in  the  spring  of  1832  they  settled  in  Perkins  township,  where 
Christopher  purchased  his  present  homestead  of  57^  acres,  in  1832,  for  which 
he  paid  $6  per  acre,  and  in  1848  purchased  25  acres  adjoining  his  first  pur- 
chase. His  parents  were  Christian  and  Johanna  Rohrbacher,  who  had  a fam- 
ily of  five  children:  Christopher,  Christina,  Elizabeth,  John  and  Johanna. 
Christian  died  in  1848,  aged  75  years,  and  the  mother  in  1856,  aged  71  years. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


625 


Mr.  Rohrbacher  was  married  in  1846  to  Christina  Easterday.  She  died  in 
i860,  leaving  a family  of  five  children  : Elizabeth,  Matilda,  Henry,  Leah 
•and  Sarah.  He  married  his  second  wife,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Nicolar,  in  1862. 
She  was  born  in  Baden,  and  had  a family  of  six  children  by  her  first  husband  : 
Frederick,  Charles,  John,  Christian,  Julia  and  Ezra. 

Rosekelly,  Edward,  Huron  p.  o.,  a general  farmer  of  Huron  township,  was 
born  in  Devonshire,  England,  in  1814,  and  married  in  1840  to  Mary  Garland 
Jeffry,  of  Cornwall,  England.  They  emigrated  to  Huron  in  1842,  and  became 
■engaged  in  farming.  They  purchased  the  homestead  farm  of  61. acres  in  i860, 
for  which  they  paid  $33  per  acre.  The  homestead  farm  now  consists  of  160 
acres  of  well-improved  land.  Mr.  Rosekelley  died  in  1879.  They  had  a fam- 
ily of  six  children,  five  of  whom  were  born  in  America,  and  four  of  whom  are 
now  living:  Mary  Ann,  John,  William  and  George;  and  Elizabeth,  who  was 
born  in  England,  married  George  H.  Harris,  and  died,  leaving  a family  of  six 
■children  ; and  a son,  Edward,  was  born  in  1844  and  was  killed  by  the  fall  of  a 
tree  January,  19,  1887.  Mrs.  Rosekelley  was  a daughter  of  George  and  Eliz- 
abeth (Garland)  Jeffrey,  who  came  to  Huron  county  from  England,  in  1840. 
Here  they  died,  leaving  a family  of  ten  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living, 
four  sons  and  a daughter,  Mrs.  Rosekelley. 

Ross,  Charles,  jr.,  Sandusky,  dealer  in  stoves  and  tinware,  was  born  in 
■Sandusky  in  1856,  and  was  a son  of  Charles  and  Martha  (Margard)  Ross,  who 
were  born  in  Germany,  and  came  to  Sandusky  in  1847.  They  have  had  a 
family  of  nine  children.  Charles  jr.  was  married  in  1879  to  Amelia  Ritter,  a 
•daughter  of  Jacob  and  Theresa  (Measeg)  Ritter.  They  have  two  children: 
Frank  A.,  born  December  25,  1879,  and  Charles  A.,  born  in  April,  1885. 
Mr.  Ross  became  engaged  in  his  present  business  in  1880. 

Rudolph,  Nicholas  F , Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  a gardener  and  farmer  of 
Perkins  township,  was  born  in  Sandusky  in  1853,  and  was  a son  of  Jonas  and 
Elizabeth  Rudolph,  who  were  born  in  Kur  Hessen,  Germany,  where  they  were 
married,  and  emigrated  to  America  in  1854,  and  settled  in  Sandusky,  where 
Jonas  died  in  1856.  He  was  a weaver  in  early  life,  but  after  settling  in  San- 
dusky became  engaged  in  farming.  Nicholas  was  married  in  December,  1883, 
to  Lizzie  Halt,  who  was  born  in  Perkins  township.  They  purchased  if  acres, 
-and  now  have  a farm  of  76  acres.  He  erected  his  present  dwelling  and  out- 
tbuildings  in  1872  and  1883.  He  was  elected  treasurer  of  the  township  in 
1887  and  ’88. 

Ruff,  De  Witt  C.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Canada  in  1858,  and  was  a son 
-of  Christopher  and  Emma  (Ayling)  Ruff,  who  were  born  and  married  in  Am- 
berly,  Sussex  county,  England,  and  settled  in  Canada  in  1856,  and  moved  to 
Sandusky  in  1858.  They  have  two  sons:  William  and  De  Witt  C.  Mr.  Ruff 
Avas  a contract  builder,  and  in  1873  became  engaged  in  the  undertaking  busi- 
ness, succeeding  J.  C.  and  C.  F.  Zollinger  in  that  branch  of  trade.  In  1878 


626 


History  of  Erie  County. 


his  son,  De  Witt  C.,  became  his  partner,  and  they  purchased  the  furniture 
business  of  A.  L.  Lyman,  and  carried  on  the  business  successfully.  In  Janu- 
ary, 1886,  they  purchased  the  carpet  and  draping  business  of  C.  L.  Wagner, 
and  they  now  do  business  under  the  firm  name  of  C.  Ruff,  Son  & Kugler. 
This  firm  is  now  engaged'in  several  branches  of  trade. 

Ruggles,  Richard,  Berlin,  Ceylon  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Vermillion  in  1827, 
and  was  a son  of  Hon.  Judge  Almon  and  Rhoda  (Sprague)  Ruggles.  She  was 
a native  of  Vermont,  and  her  husband,  the  judge,  was  born  in  Connecticut. 
They  were  married  in  Erie  county.  The  judge  died  in  1840,  and  his  wife  in 
1850.  They  had  two  sons:  Charles  and  Richard.  The  judge  h id  two  daugli- 
ters  by  a previous  marriage:  Rebecca,  Mrs.  Case  ; and  Betsey,  Mrs.  Dr.  Phil- 
lips. Rhoda  left  a family  of  three  daughters,  by  a previous  marriage.  Rich- 
ard Ruggles  is  now  the  only  surviving  one  of  the  family.  He  was  married  in 
1848,  to  Elinor  E.  Post,  who  was  born  in  Fitchville,  Huron  county.  They 
have  a family  of  six  children:  Almon,  Frances,  Charles,  Ashbel,  Lilian,  who 
married  S.  L.  Hill,  and  Nellie.  Judge  Ruggles  came  to  Erie  county  in  1805, 
and  was  in  the  employ  of  the  Fireland  surveyor,  and  in  1807  settled  in  this 
county  as  a general  surveyor.  In  1808  Judge  Wright  assisted  him,  and  both 
became  active  agents  for  the  various  interests  of  eastern  owners.  Judge  Rug- 
gles purchased  one  mile  square,  which  Richard  now  owns,  and  occupies  a part. 
The  judge  was  a prominent  man  in  the  county.  The  Ruggles  grove  and  pic- 
nic grounds  are  among  the  most  attractive  picnic  grounds  in  the  county. 

Russell,  Lafayette,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Sandusky  in 
1853,  and  was  a son  of  Alonzo  and  Sarah  Ann  (Baker)  Russell.  Alonzo  was 
born  in  Greenfield,  Highland  county,  O.,  in  1817.  They  were  married  in 
Groton,  Erie  county,  in  1849.  Alonzo  died  February  17,  1873,  leaving  a 
widow  and  eight  children,  seven  of  whom  are  now  living  : Sophronia,  Lafay- 
ette, Mary,  Davis,  Emma,  George  and  Sarah.  Frank  died  at  the  age  of  nine- 
teen years.  Lafayette  was  married  September  27,  1887,  to  Nettie  Lemon, 
a daughter  of  Daniel  and  Mary  B.  Lemon,  of  Margaretta. 

Ruth,  Jacob,  Sandusky,  a dealer  in  and  packer  of  pork,  and  curer  of  hams 
and  bacon,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1831,  and  was  married  in  1858  to 
Hannah  Hoerner,  and  with  one  son  emigrated  to  America  in  1859,  and  set- 
tled in  Sandusky.  They  now  have  a family  of  three  sons.  Martin,  Jacob,  jr.. 
and  John.  Mr.  Ruth  found  employment  with  the  firm  of  Baer  & Co.,  on  set- 
tlement here,  and  on  the  death  of  Mr.  Nathan  Baer,  his  son  Abraham  and  Mr. 
Ruth  formed  the  present  partnership,  and  have  carried  on  the  business  ever 
since.  They  now  have  the  only  extensive  'packing  establishment  in  the  city. 

St.  John,  Alva  A.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Perkins,  Erie 
county,  O.,  in  1848,  and  was  a son  of  James  and  Amaritta  (Mills)  St.  John. 
Amarita  was  born  in  Wilton,  Fairfield  county.  Conn.  They  were  married  in 
Perkins  township,  where  James,  who  was  born  in  1797,  died  in  1858,  leaving 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


627 


a widow  and  four  children.  One  son,  Philo  St.  John,  enlisted  in  the  3d  Ohio 
Cavalry,  in  1861,  was  wounded  while  in  service,  and  died  at  Lexington,  Ky., 
in  1862.  The  four  children  now  living  are:  Mrs.  Almina  Freeman,  Mrs. 
Mary  E.  Hart,  Augustus  and  Alva.  Alva  was  married  in  1871  to  Fannie 
Devlin,  who  was  born  in  Huron  in  1844.  They  have  had  a family  of  four 

children  : Walter,  May,  Jane  and  Joseph.  Fannie  was  a daughter  of  Walter 

and  Jane  (Foster)  Devlin,  who  were  born  and  married  in  Ireland,  and  settled 
in  Perkins  township  about  1830.  Walter  was  born  in  1804,  and  died  in  1877, 
and  his  wife  in  1884.  They  had  a family  of  tea  children,  six  of  whom  are  now 
living.  Fannie  was  a teacher  for  several  years,  in  the  county  schools. 

Sage,  William  G.,  Huron  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Windham  county.  Conn.,  in 
1822,  and  was  a son  of  George  and  Lucy  (Davis)  Sage,  who  settled  in  Vir- 
ginia in  1827,  and  ten  years  later,  in  1837,  settled  in  Huron,  Erie  county. 
George  was  born  in  1801,  and  died  in  1840,  leaving  a widow  and  nine  child- 
ren, seven  of  whom  are  now  living  : William  G.,  Edward  and  Edwin  (twins), 
Harriet,  now  Mrs.  Parker;  Elizabeth,  now  Mrs.  Gould;  Sarah,  now  Mrs.  Case, 
and  Charles  J.  One  son,  Orrin  W.,  enlisted,  and  died,  while  in  service,  at 
Salsburv  Prison,  leaving  a wife  and  three  children.  William  G.  Sage  com- 
menced his  business  life  as  a carpenter  and  builder,  and  afterwards  was  en- 
gaged as  a contract  builder  in  Toledo  and  Huron,  until  1857,  when  he  became 
engaged  in  the  fish  business,  and  in  1861  retired  from  business  life.  In  1861 
he  purchased  his  present  homestead  of  210  acres.  He  was  married  in  Berlin, 
in  1850,  to  Elsie  I.  Douglass,  who  was  born  in  Canada,  in  1829.  They  have 
had  three  children:  Maora,  now  Mrs.  George  A.  Groat;  George  J.  and  Bes- 
sie. Elsie  was  a daughter  of  Robert  and  Mary  (Black)  Douglass,  of  Scotland, 
who  were  among  the  early  settlers  in  Erie  county. 

Schacht,  Simeon,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Schleswig  Holstein,  Germany,  in 
1835,  3rid  was  a son  of  Reimer  Schacht.  Simeon  emigrated  to  America  in 
1857,  and  after  visiting  Iowa,  New  Orleans,  and  sections  in  the  West,  he  set- 
tled in  Virginia  in  1858,  and  at  the  opening  of  the  war  enlisted  in  the  13th 
Virginia  Regiment,  in  1861,  under  Colonel  A.  P.  Hill,  and  in  1862  served  under 
Stonewall  Jackson.  He  served  four  years  and  was  wounded  three  times.  He 
settled  in  Sandusky  in  1866,  and  became  engaged  in  the  smoking  and  curing 
of  fish,  and  in  1880  embarked  in  the  business  of  freezing  and  shipping  fresh 
and  salted  fish.  He  was  married  in  1873  to  Sophia  Luedecke,  of  Sandusky. 
She  was  born  in  Hanover.  They  have  had  a family  of  five  children  : Anna, 
Julia,  John,  Henry  and  Carl. 

Schaedler,  August,  Kelley’s  Island,  one  of  the  successful  and- enterprising 
German  settlers  of  the  island,  was  born  in  Prussia,  in  1826,  and  came  to 
America  in  1849,  ^'i^l  settled  in  Cleveland  and  became  engaged  in  farming  in 
Summit  county,  O.  He  visited  Kelley’s  Island  in  1851,  where  he  visited  for 
a short  time,  and  in  1856  returned  to  the  island  and  purchased  a homestead 


628 


History  of  Erie  County. 


of  five  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $6o  per  acre,  on  which  he  erected  a dwelling- 
and  became  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  grapes  and  manufacture  of  wine. 
He  now  has  a vineyard  of  lOO  acres,  and  a farm  of  150  acres  on  the  island,, 
and  a farm  of  ninety  acres  at  Marblehead.  He  has  two  wine  cellars,  with  a 
capacity  of  65,000  gallons.  He  was  married  in  1854  to  Christina  Beatty,  who- 
was  born  in  Germany  in  1834.  They  have  had  a family  of  ten  children,  nine 
of  whom  are  now  living;  John,  Andrew,  Anna,  Philip,  Rosa,  Albert,  Clara,^ 
David,  Frederick  and  Julia.  Mr.  Schaedler  erected  his  present  fine  stone  res- 
idence in  1 873. 

Scheppel,  Frederick,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  the  kingdom  of 
Bavaria,  Germany,  in  1828,  and  emigrated  to  New  York  City  October  31,. 
1846.  He  went  to  Virginia,  where  he  became  engaged  as  a farm  hand  on  a 
plantation,  and  the  second  year  was  made  overseer,  but  resigned  this  position 
and  returned  to  New  York,  where  he  learned  the  baking  business.  He  visited 
Texas  in  1849,  in  1850  went  to  work  on  a farm  on  island  No.  82,  in  the 
Mississippi,  but  remained  here  but  a short  time  when  he  went  to  Cincinnati, 
where  he  became  engaged  in  farming  at  a salary  of  $12  per  month.  He  came 
to  Sandusky  in  1853,  where  he  found  employment  with  Addison  Kelley  on 
Kelley’s  Island,  where  he  remained  until  1858,  when  he  purchased  two  acres 
and  a half  of  land,  which  he  converted  into  a vineyard,  and  soon  had  fourteen 
acres  planted  with  grapes.  In  1867  he  lost  this  property,  and  in  1871  went  to 
Tennessee,  where  he  purchased  a farm  of  176  acres.  He  settled  here  in  July, 
but  not  being  satisfied  with  this  purchase  he  returned  to  Kelley’s  Island  and 
purchased  on  time,  for  $7,000,  his  old  vineyard  of  fourteen  acres,  which  he  paid 
for  in  five  years  from  the  proceeds  of  his  grape  crops.  He  purchased  his 
present  farm  of  1 10  acres  in  Perkins  township,  which  he  is  now  converting  into 
a vineyard  and  fruit  orchard,  having  the  finest  varieties  of  grapes,  pears  and 
apples.  Frederick  was  a son  of  Michael  Scheppel,  who  was  born  in  1801,  and 
now  resides  in  Germany,  with  his  family  of  one  son  and  three  daughters.  One 
son,  Frederick,  and  two  daughters,  Elizabeth  and  Paulina,  came  to  America, 
and  now  reside  in  Perkins. 

Scheufler,  Henry,  Sandusky,  proprietor  of  the  Lake  View  Hotel,  was  born 
in  Germany  in  1843,  was  a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Scheufler,  who 
emigrated  to  America  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1852,  where  they  died,  leav- 
ing a family  of  seven  sons  and  one  daughter.  Two  sons  enlisted  and  served 
in  the  army;  they  were  Henry  and  Fred.  Henry  enlisted  in  Company  D, 
23d  Ohio  Infantry,  under  Colonel  R.  B.  Hayes,  December  8,  1863,  and  served 
to  the  close  of  the  war  in  1865.  He  was  wounded  and  now  receives  a pen- 
sion. He  learned  the  engineering  and  machinery  trade  and  followed  the  same 
until  1884,  when  he  became  proprietor  of  the  Lake  View  House.  Henry  was 
married  in  1877  to  Elizabeth  Guth,  of  Sandusky.  They  have  had  three  chil- 
dren; Dora  E.,  Leonard  W.  and  Rosellen. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


629 


Scheufler,  Henry  A.,  Sandusky,  a grocery  and  provision  dealer,  was  born 
in  Sandusky  in  1864,  and  is  a son  of  Joseph  and  Anna  (Bork)  Scheufler,  who 
were  born  in  Germany,  and  married  in  Sandusky  in  January,  i860,  and  who 
have  a family  of  twelve  children  — nine  daughters  and  three  sons  : Katie,  John, 
Henry,  Anna,  Lizzie,  Sophia,  Laura,  Lena,  Joseph,  jr.,  Cornelia,  Ida  and 
Adelia.  Joseph  was  a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Race)  Scheufler,  who  emi- 
grated to  Sandusky  in  1851,  where  John  died  in  1852,  leaving  a widow  and 
eight  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living:  Joseph,  Catharine,  Frederick, 
Henry  and  John,  jr.  Elizabeth  died  in  1885.  Henry  A.  was  married  June 
.8,  1886,  to  Mary  Grathwohle.  They  have  one  daughter.  Pearl.  Joseph  and 
his  two  sons  became  engaged  in  the  grocery  and  provision  business  in  1881, 
and  in  1883  Joseph  and  his  son,  Henry  A.,  became  proprietors. 

Scheufler,  John  jr.,  Sandusky,  a dealer  in  stoves,  hardware  and  cooking 
utensils,  was  born  in  Hesse,  Germany,  in  1851,  and  was  a son  of  John  and 
Elizabeth  (Race)  Scheufler,  who  emigrated  to  America  in  1851  and  settled  in 
Sandusky.  John  died  in  1852,  leaving  a widow  and  eight  children,  five  of 
whom  are  now  living:  Joseph,  Catharine,  Frederick,  Henry  and  John.  Mrs. 
Scheufler  died  November  19,  1885.  Two  of  her  sons,  Henry  and  Fred,  served 
during  the  war  of  the  rebellion.  John,  jr.  learned  the  tinning  trade  in  1864, 
and  for  several  years  worked  as  a journeyman.  In  1887  he  became  engaged 
in  the  stove  and  tin  business.  He  was  married  in  1878  to  Laura  E.  Frank, 
who  was  born  in  Reading,  Pa.,  in  1858. 

Schnee,  William,  Oxford,  Bloomingville  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Dietz,  Nassau, 
Germany,  in  1836,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Catharine  Schnee.  John  died 
in  Germany,  leaving  a widow  and  four  children  : William  and  Fred,  who  came 
to  America,  and  George  and  Philopena,  who  now  reside  in  Germany.  William 
came  to  America  in  1854,  and  settled  in  Huron  county,  where  he  hired  a farm 
in  1856  and  became  a general  farmer.  He  was  married  in  1859  to  Jane  Schafer, 
who  was  born  in  Nassau,  Germany,  in  1835.  She  died  in  1868,  leaving  a 
family  of  seven  children  : Emma,  Fred,  Catharine,  Sophia,  Louisa  and  William 
J.  (twins),  and  Maggie.  They  settled  in  Oxford  in  1865,  when  Mr.  Schnee 
purchased  his  present  homestead  farm  of  153  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $30  per 
acre.  He  now  owns  246  acres  of  well-cultivated  land.  Mr.  Schnee  married 
his  second  wife,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  S.  Fisher,  in  1870.  They  have  a family  of 
three  children  : Elizabeth,  Jane  and  August.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  (Fisher)  Schnee 
had,  by  her  first  husband,  a family  of  eight  children.  She  was  born  in  Germany 
in  1835,  and  settled  in  Marion  county,  O.,  in  1841. 

Schied,  Peter,  0-xford,  Milan  p.  o.,  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  success- 
ful farmers  of  Erie  county,  was  born  in  Nassau,  Germany,  in  July,  1834,  and 
was  a son  of  Anthony  and  Catharine  Schied,  who  had  a family  of  seven  chil- 
dren, one  of  whom  died  in  Germany,  the  other  six  coming  to  America  in  1854, 
and  settled  in  Oxford,  O.  William  and  Peter  came  in  1852  ; the  other  four 


80 


630 


History  of  Erie  County. 


children,  Catharine,  Nettie,  Emma  and  Charles,  came  with  their  parents. 
Anthony  was  born  in  i8oi  and  died  in  1866;  his  wife  was  born  in  1807  and 
died  in  1881.  Peter  Schied  became  engaged  in  farming  in  Huron  county,  0.,_ 
and  was  married  February  26,  i860,  to  Catharine  Heuser,  who  was  born  in 
Nassau,  Germany,  in  1841.  They  have  had  a family  of  nine  children  : Charles, 
Peter,  Louisa  C.,  Flora  N.,  Henry  L.,  Kate  L.,  Lewis  W.,  Julia  A.,  Amanda 
and  Alda.  Mr.  Schied  was  trustee  for  two  terms,  and  treasurer  two  terms. 
He  settled  in  Oxford  township  in  i860,  then  purchasing  the  homestead  of  175 
acres,  for  which  he  paid  $35  per  acre.  His  home  farm  now  consists  of  235 
acres,  and  he  also  owns  570  acres  in  other  parts  of  the  town,  which  is  devoted 
to  general  farming. 

Schied,  William,  Oxford,  Prout  p.  o.,  one  of  the  extensive  farmers  of  the- 
county,  was  born  in  Nassau,  Germany,  in  1828,  and  emigrated  to  America  in 
1852,  and  settled  in  Huron  county,  O.,  where  he  was  engaged  in  working  on 
a farm  for  two  years,  and  in  1854  settled  in  Oxford  township.  He  was  mar- 
ried in  1855  to  Caroline  Ohr,  who  was  born  in  Bayern,  Germany,  in  1835,  and 
came  to  Erie  county,  O.,  in  1854.  They  have  had  four  sons  and  two  daughters  : 
William  Peter,  August  H.,  Albert  D.,  Adolph,  Amelia  Flora  and  Bertha  E. 
Amelia  F.  married  Daniel  Heyman  in  1881.  They  have  had  three  children: 
Ella,  Laura  and  Daniel,  jr.  Mrs.  Schied  was  a daughter  of  Matthias  and  Mary 
Ohr,  who  settled  in  Huron  county  in  1849.  Matthias  died  in  Erie  county  in 
1863,  and  his  wife,  Mary,  in  1869.  They  left  two  daughters,  Caroline  and 
Florena.  William  Schied  was  a son  of  Anthony  and  Catharine  Schied,  of 
Germany.  William  and  his  brother  Peter  came  to  America  in  1852,  and  the 
parents  in  1854  with  the  rest  of  the  family,  Catharine,  Nettie,  Emma  and 
Charles.  The  father  was  born  in  1801  and  died  in  1866;  the  mother  in  1807 
and  died  in  1881.  Mr.  Schied  purchased  his  present  homestead  farm  in  1856. 
It  then  consisted  of  183  acres;  to  this  he  added  724  acres,  and  now  has  907 
acres  of  well-improved  land.  His  success  is  attributed  to  his  industrious 
habits. 

Schmed,  George,  jr.,  Sandusky,  architect  and  patternmaker,  was  born  in 
Wurtemburg,  Germany,  in  1844,  was  a son  of  George  and  Margaretta. 
(Buhler)  Schmed.  George  learned  the  carpenter  and  patternmaker  busi- 
ness. He  was  married  in  1866  to  Mary  Durza.  They  have  had  two  children  : 
Clara,  born  in  1867,  and  Emma,  born  in  1869.  They  emigrated  to  America 
and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1881,  where  his  wife,  Mary,  died  in  1883.  Clara 
is  living  in  Germany,  and  Emma  now  resides  in  Chicago. 

Schmidt,  August,  jr.,  Sandusky,  owner  and  proprietor  of  the  old  established 
Sandusky  native  wine  manufacturing  business.  He  was  born  in  Baltimore, 
Md.,  in  1853,  and  was  a son  of  August  and  Christina  Schmidt,  who  were  born 
in  German3^  They  were  married  in  Detroit,  Mich.,  in  1851,  and  have  had  a 
family  of  five  children  : August,  jr.,  Lizzie,  Katie,  Charles  and  Emil.  August,. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


631 


jr.,  was  married  iu  1880  to  Ida  Rheiberg,  of  Little  Bass  Island.  They  have 
had  two  children,  Edna  and  Elsie.  Mr.  Schmidt  became  engaged  in  the  wine 
business  in  1880,  then  forming  the  firm  of  A.  Schmidt  & Co.,  and  purchased 
the  entire  interest  in  the  business  in  1884. 

Schmidt,  Philip,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1856,  and  was 
a son  of  Joseph  Schmidt.  Philip  came  to  America  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in 
1875.  Here  he  learned  the  baking  and  confectionery  trade,  and  in  1880  pur- 
chased a lot  and  built  his  store  and  dwelling,  and  became  engaged  in  the  gen- 
eral grocery  and  saloon  business.  He  is  also  engaged  in  the  ice  business,  and 
gives  employment  to  a large  force  of  men  during  that  season.  He  is  engaged 
in  the  real  estate  business  and  in  the  manufacture  of  grape  wine.  He  was 
married  in  1879  to  Josephine  Knauer,  of  Sandusky.  They  have  had  a family 
of  three  children  : Bertha,  Emeline  and  Carl  Philip. 

Schnaitter,  Cornelius,  Sandusky,  a merchant  tailor  and  clothier  of  Sandusky, 
was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  in  1830,  and  was  a son  of  Sebastian  and  Cath- 
arine Schnaitter,  who  emigrated  to  Canada,  and  settled  in  Ottawa  in  1847. 
They  had  a family  of  seven  children,  four  daughters  and  three  sons.  Five  of 
the  children  are  now  living:  Cornelius,  Charles,  Catharine,  Elenora  and  Fran- 
ces. The  parents  died  in  Sandusky.  Cornelius  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1849, 
as  a journeyman  tailor,  and  in  1855  was  married  to  Susanna  Kranz,  who  was 
born  in  Germany.  They  have  had  two  sons  and  three  daughters:  Frank,  Cor- 
nelius, jr.,  Antoinette,  Sarah  and  Hattie.  Mr.  Schnaitter  enlisted  in  May,  1861, 
in  the  Fourth  Michigan  Regiment  as  a musician,  and  served  until  discharged 
by  an  act  of  the  government.  He  has  served  for  several  years  on  the  school 
board,  and  is  now  a member  of  the  firm  of  Schnaitter  & Buderus,  which  was 
formed  in  1863,  and  erected  their  present  stores  in  1873. 

Schoeneman,  William,  Sandusky,  was  born  at  Westphalia,  Prussia,  in  1851, 
and  emigrated  to  America  in  1870,  when  he  settled  in  Sandusky.  He  worked 
at  the  machinist  trade  until  1874,  when  he  became  engaged  in  the  general 
grocery  and  prevision  business.  He  was  married  in  1877  to  Louisa  Biglin. 
They  have  a family  of  six  children  : Tina,  Anton,  Willie,  Edward,  Norma  and 
Louisa.  Mr.  Schoenemann  purchased  his  store  and  dwelling  in  1882.  He, 
for  years,  had  the  agency  for  the  Fleischmann  Compressed  Yeast  Company. 
He  is  also  engaged  in  the  curing  and  smoking  of  surgeon,  herring,  caviar,  and 
■deals  in  isinglass  and  fish  oil.  He  is  a member  of  the  firm  of  Paysen  & Scho- 
enemann, which  was  organized  in  1884. 

Schoepfle,  Christopher,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Baden,  Ger- 
many in  1830,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Mary  Schoepfle.  John  died  in  1847, 
leaving  a widow  and  seven  children.  Christopher  came  to  Ohio  in  1851  and 
settled  in  Margaretta,  and  in  1853  came  to  Sandusky.  That  same  year  (1853), 
his  mother  and  her  children  came  to  Sandusky,  where  she  died  in  1859.  Five 
children  came  to  America  : John,  Catharine,  Christopher,  Charles  and  Chris- 


632 


History  of  Erie  County. 


tian.  Christian  served  during  the  late  war,  and  is  now  a clergyman  in  the 
Reformed  Church.  Mr.  Schoepfle  commenced  life  as  a farm  hand,  after  which 
he  became  engaged  in  the  shipment  of  stone.  In  1874  he  purchased  his 
present  farm  of  100  acres.  He  was  married  in  1856  to  Rosa  Waltermeyer, 
who  was  born  in  Germany.  They  have  a family  of  seven  children  : Libbie,^ 
John,  Henry,  Frank,  Edward,  Clara  and  Lena. 

Schoewe,  August,  Margaretta,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  a successful  farmer  of  Mar- 
garetta,  was  born  in  Ossenburg,  Wurtemburg,  Prussia,  October  18,  1829,  and 
was  a son  of  John  and  Caroline  Schoewe,  who  emigrated  to  America  July  14,. 
1854,  and  settled  in  Margaretta.  Five  of  their  children  came  to  America. 
Ferdinand  died  in  1854,  aged  eighteen  years.  The  others  are  August,  Henry^ 
Lewis  and  Theodore.  John  was' born  in  1802,  and  died  in  1875;  his  widow,, 
Caroline,  died  April  21,  1882.  John  purchased  a farm  in  Margaretta  in  1854. 
It  comprised  lOO  acres,  and  cost  $5,000.  He  became  extensively  engaged  in 
farming,  and  loaned  money  to  about  fifty  of  his  countrymen  to  come  to  this 
countr.y,  the  most  of  whom  forgot  to  return  it  to  him,  but,  nevertheless,  he 
left  a fine  property  to  his  children.  August  Schoewe,  who  came  with  his 
parents  and  settled  in  Margaretta,  was  married  in  Prussia,  August  27,  1853,  to 
Hannah  Knut,  was  born  in  1833.  They  have  had  a family  of  eleven  children,, 
six  now  living:  Mary,  Theodore,  Amelia,  Adeline,  Andrew  and  Hannah. 
Amelia  is  now  at  college.  Mr.  Schoewe  was  a practical  miller,  and  on  his 
arrival  in  this  country  followed  that  business  until  1864,  when  he  became  en- 
gaged in  farming.  His  homestead  now  consists  of  175  acres  of  finely  improved 
land. 

Schoewe,  Henry,  Margaretta,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Wurtemberg,. 
diocese  of  Osseken,  Pomern,  Prussia,  in  1832,  and  emigrated  to  America  with 
his  parents,  John  and  Caroline  Schoewe.  Henry  was  a practical  carpenter  by 
trade,  but  after  settling  here  he  became  engaged  in  farming.  He  was  married 
in  1859  to  Elizabeth  Leidorf,  who  was  born  in  Hessen,  Germany,  in  1833. 
They  have  had  a family  of  nine  sons:  John  C.,  Israel  H.,  Adam  F.,  Theodore 
F.,  Henry  C.,  Frederick  W.,  Harman  L.,  Albert  R.  and  William  E He  has 
given  his  family  a good  education.  Elizabeth  was  a daughter  of  John  and 
Elizabeth  Catharine  (Wagoner)  Leidorf,  who  came  to  America  in  1845,  ^1^6. 
settled  in  Margaretta  township,  where  John  died,  leaving  a widow  and  two 
children  : Elizabeth  and  Conrad.  Mr.  Schoewe  is  extensively  engaged  in 
farming.  His  farm  now  consists  of  ninety-four  acres  of  finely  cultivated  land. 

Schoewe,  Louis,  Margaretta,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  a successful  farmer  of  Mar- 
garetta, was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  parish  of  Osseken,  Prussia,  in  1838,  and  was 
a son  of  John  and  Caroline  Schoewe,  who  came  to  America  July  14,  1854,  and 
settled  in  Margaretta.  They  had  a family  of  eight  children,  four  of  whom  are 
now  living:  August,  Henry,  Lewis  and  Theodore.  Three  children  died  in 
Prussia,  and  one,  Ferdinand,  died  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  in  this  country. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


633 


John  Schoewe  was  born  in  1802,  and  died  in  1875  ; and  his  widow  was  born 
in  1801,  and  died  April  21,  1882.  Lewis  Schoewe  was  married  in  1858  to 
Christina  Engle,  who  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1801.  She  died  in 
1880,  leaving  ten  children  : Emma,  Leah,  Esther,  Charles,  Edward,  Julia,  Rob- 
ert, Lewis,  jr  , Edward  and  Lydia.  Mr.  Schoewe  married  his  second  wife, 
Julia  Engel,  in  1882.  She  was  born  in  1846.  They  have  had  three  children: 
Wesley,  Cora  and  William.  Mr.  Schoewe  purchased  his  homestead  farm  of 
100  acres  in  1863.  Both  of  his  wives  were  daughters  of  Charles  and  Barbara 
(Rohrbacker)  Engle.  Emma  Schoewe  was  married  in  1878  to  Charles  Hoff- 
meyer  ; Leah,  in  1881,  to  Joseph  Miles,  and  Esther  married  Herman  Rosin. 

Schonhardt,  Anthony,  Sandusky,  a manufacturer  of  brick,  was  born  in  Al- 
sace, France,  in  1817,  and  was  a weaver  by  trade.  He  came  to  America  in 
1840,  and  settled  in  Stark  connty,  O.,  and  in  1844  was  married  to  Mrs.  Joseph- 
ine Tanauermiller  Lellar,  widow  of  Anthony  Lellar.  They  have  had  a family 
of  eleven  children  : Benjamin,  Henry,  Albert,  Josephine,  Margaret,  Magda- 
lene, John,  Rosa,  Benedict,  Virginia,  and  Margaretta.  Mrs.  Schonhardt  had 
two  children  by  her  first  marriage  : Mary  and  Otilda.  Mr.  Schonhardt,  on 
settlement  here,  purchased  his  homestead  of  five  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $720. 
He  is  now  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  brick. 

Scott,  Voltaire,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  in  1835,  and  was  a 
son  of  Jacob  and  Margaret  Scott,  who  were  born  and  married  in  New  York 
State.  Jacob  settled  at  Put-in-Bay  in  1837,  where  he  became  agent  for  Alfred 
Edwards.  Later  he  purchased  a farm  at  Port  Clinton,  and  became  engaged  in 
the  milling  business.  His  saw  and  grist-mills  were  destroyed  by  fire.  In 
1855  the  firm  of  Reynold  & Scott  was  formed,  and  they  became  engaged  in 
the  timber  and  plank  business,  and  erected  a mill,  which  was  also  burned.  In 
1859  Mr.  Scott  came  to  Sandusky,  and  in  i860  became  engaged  in  the  mer- 
cantile business.  In  1865  Mr.  Scott  and  his  son  purchased  the  new  Lake 
House  property.  In  1876  he  moved  to  Ashland,  Wis.,  to  look  after  his  min- 
ing and  lumber  interests  there.  Here  he  died  in  July,  1881,  aged  81  years. 
He  was  in  the  employ  of  the  government  during  the  War  of  1812,  at  Sacketts 
Harbor,  N.  Y.  Scott’s  Point  was  named  in  honor  of  him.  Voltaire  Scott,  in 
early  life,  was  engaged  in  clerking  at  Port  Clinton.  Later  he  became  a part- 
ner, and  then  proprietor  of  the  general  mercantile  business.  He  settled  in 
Sandusky  with  his  parents,  in  1859,  and  in  1861  was  in  the  employ  of  the  gov- 
ernment in  the  paymaster’s  department;  in  1863  became  superintendent  of 
the  soldiers’  home  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  and  at  the  close  of  the  war  returned  to 
Sandusky,  married  Eva  Schweinfurth,  who  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany.  Mr. 
Scott  is  a Republican,  and  has  held  many  of  the  town  and  county  offices. 

Shepherd,  Romanus,  Huron  p.  o.,  owner  and  proprietor  of  the  Shepherd  Ho- 
tel, at  Huron,  was  born  in  Maryland  in  1830,  and  was  a son  of  William  and 
Mary  (Langwell)  Shepherd,  who  settled  in  Margaretta,  Erie  county,  in  1836,. 


634 


History  of  Erie  County. 


where  Mary  died  in  1849,  leaving  a family  of  six  children,  four  sons  and  two 
daughters.  William  died  in  1864,  leaving  two  children  by  his  second  mar- 
riage, and  three  by  his  third.  Eleven  of  the  children  are  now  living.  Three 
of  his  sons  enlisted  and  served  during  the  war:  Romanus,  Edgar  and  A.  J. 
Edgar  died  while  in  service.  Romanus  enlisted  in  Company  M,  ist  Heavy 
Ohio  Artillery,  in  1863,  was  promoted  to  sergeant,  and  served  to  the  close  of 
the  war.  He  settled  in  Huron  in  1871.  He  has  served  as  councilman  for 
several  years.  He  was  married  in  1853  to  Sarah  Grow,  of  Margaretta.  They 
have  had  a family  of  four  children  : George  W.,  William  E.,  Edgar  R.,  Sarah. 
Mr.  Shepherd  became  engaged  in  the  fishing  business  and  mercantile  trade  in 
1872,  but  retired  from  the  mercantile  branch  in  1885.  He  is  now  engaged  in 
the  packing,  shipping  and  freezing  of  fish,  and  is  a member  of  the  firm  of  Shep- 
herd Brothers.  He  built  a steam  barge  in  1883.  The  firm  gives  employment 
in  their  fishing  branch,  to  from  six  to  twenty  men.  Mr.  Shepherd  erected  a 
block  of  six  stores  in  1872,  which  were  destroyed  by  fire  in  1883,  after  which 
he  erected  his  present  hotel  and  block  of  three  stores.  His  wife,  Sarah,  was  a 
daughter  of  Henry  and  Susan  (Berkstraser)  Grow,  who  were  early  settlers  in 
Margaretta.  The  grandfather,  William  Langwell,  was  a pioneer  settler  in 
Margaretta  township,  coming  there  from  Virginia. 

Shepherd,  William  J.,  Huron  p.  o.,  at  present  postmaster  of  Huron,  was 
born  in  Venice  in  1851,  and  was  a son  of  John  W.  and  Louisa  (Greenman) 
Shepherd.  They  have  a family  of  five  children  : William  J.,  John  H.,  Lavina, 
now  Mrs.  Stone  ; C.  Birt,  and  Kate  L.  William  J.  settled  in  Huron,  March 
4,  1869,  and  has  been  engaged  in  the  coopering,  fishing  and  grocery  business. 
He  was  appointed  postmaster  in  1885.  He  was  married  in  1877  to  J.  Louisa 
Heyman,  a daughter  of  William  C.  Heyman.  They  have  had  two  children  : 
Charles  W.  and  Ada  Shepherd.  John  W.  was  a son  of  William  and  Mary 
(Langwell)  Shepherd,  who  were  born  in  Maryland  and  settled  in  Margaretta, 
Erie  county,  in  1836.  The  grandfather,  William,  died  in  1864,  leaving  a fam- 
ily of  twelve  children.  He  was  married  three  times. 

Sherman,  William  Henry  H.,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Aure- 
lius, Cayuga  county,  N.  Y.,  May  20,  1819,  and  was  a son  of  Daniel  and  Rheu- 
latty  (Hathway)  Sherman.  Daniel  was  born  in  Connecticut,  and  Rheulatty, 
his  wife,  in  New  Jersey.  They  were  married  in  Cayuga  county,  N.  Y.,  May 
20,  1814.  They  had  a family  of  four  sons  and  one  daughter  : Elizabeth,  who 
died  at  an  early  age;  Chester,  born  in  1815  ; Stephen,  born  in  1817  ; Will- 
iam Henry  H.,  born  in  1819,  and  George,  born  in  1822.  They  settled  in 
Margaretta  in  1833,  coming  here  from  Auburn,  N.  Y.  Daniel  was  a distiller 
by  trade,  but  after  settling  here  became  engaged  in  farming.  Daniel  was 
born  in  1780,  and  died  December  25,  1867  ; and  his  wife,  who  was  born  in 
1795,  died  in  1864.  William  Henry  H.  Sherman  was  married  in  1848  to  Al- 
mira Campbell.  They  have  had  a family  of  three  children:  Wilhelmina,  Will- 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


635 


iam  H.,  and  Almira  C.  Mrs.  Almira  Sherman  was  born  in  Margaretta,  in 
1823,  and  was  a daughter  of  Dougall  and  Sylvia  Harrington  Campbell,  who 
was  born  in  New  York,  and  removed  to  Pennsylvania,  and  settled  in  Bloom- 
ingville,  O.,  with  her  parents,  in  1810.  Dougall  was  born  in  Wheeling,  W.  Va., 
Dougall  and  Sylvia  were  married  in  1815,  and  had  a family  of  three  children  : 
Ziltha,  Mrs.  Brown  ; Urban,  and  Almira,  now  Mrs.  Sherman.  Mr.  Dougall 
Campbell  was  a son  of  Captain  Dougall  Campbell,  of  Scotch  descent.  He 
was  born  in  Ireland,  and  settled  in  Virginia  at  an  early  age,  and  died  in  Gro- 
ton, Erie  county,  O.  Mr.  Sherman  purchased  his  present  homestead  in  1831. 

Siegel,  Ferdinand,  Perkins,  Bogart  p.  o.,  a general  blacksmith  of  Perkins 
township,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1849,  and  was  a son  of  Frederick 
Siegel.  Ferdinand  Siegel  came  to  America  in  1867,  and  settled  in  Sandusky, 
where  he  became  engaged  in  the  smithing  business  as  a journeyman.  That 
same  year  he  came  to  Bogart,  where  he  purchased  his  shop  and  tools  and  es- 
tablished his  present  business.  He  was  married  in  1875  to  Amelia  Boos,  of 
Huron  township.  They  have  a family  of  four  children  living  ; Emil,  George, 
Ferdinand,  jr.,  and  Amelia. 

Sloat,  Gregory  H.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Retzstadt,  Bavaria,  in  1827,  and 
was  the  son  of  Michael  and  Dorthea  Sloat.  Michael  Sloat  died  in  Bavaria, 
Germany,  in  1831,  leaving  a family  of  five  children:  Vincent,  Eva,  Gregory 
H.,  Julia,  and  Anna  M,  Gregory  H.  started  to  serve  his  apprenticeship  in 
1840,  at  Wurtzburg,  Bavaria;  accepted  a position  as  steamboat  engineer  on  the 
River  Rhine,  in  1846;  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  1853;  settled  in 
Newark,  N.  J.,  until  December,  1853  ; then  went  to  Piermont,  N.  Y.,  where 
he  worked  for  the  Erie  Railroad  Company,  and  in  June,  1862,  settled  in  San- 
dusky. Here  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  C.  S.  and  C.  Railroad  Company, 
holding  different  responsible  positions.  In  1880  he  was  appointed  foreman  of 
the  machine  shops.  Mr,  Sloat  is  termed  an  expert  mechanic.  G.  H.  Sloat 
was  married  in  New  York,  in  1854,  to  Theresa  Muehleisen,  who  was  born  in 
Rechberghausen,  Wurtemburg,  Germany,  in  1833.  They  have  had  a family 
of  ten  sons  : Karl  A.,  died  in  infancy;  Herman,  J.,  Ferdinand  B.,  William  H., 
August,  died  in  infancy;  Joseph  T.,  Lewis  F.,  Frank  J.,  Frederick  W.,  Henry 
N.  Herman,  Ferdinand,  William,  Lewis  and  Frank,  are  now  holding  respon 
sible  mechanical  positions.  Joseph  holds  a mercantile  position  ; Frederick  and 
Henry  attend  school. 

Smith,  Daniel  B.,  Huron  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  O.,  in 
1840,  and  was  a son  of  Joseph  and  Mary  (Bozworth)  Smith,  who  were  mar- 
ried in  England  and  came  to  America  in  1833,  and  settled  in  Lyme,  Huron 
county,  with  a family  of  three  children.  They  had  a family  of  ten  children, 
seven  of  whom  were  born  in  America;  three  of  whom  are  now  living:  Mrs. 
Mary  A.  Quayle,  Daniel  B.,  and  Joseph  W.  One  son,  Thomas,  died,  leaving  a 
widow  and  one  son;  and  a daughter,  Mrs.  Garlick,  died,  leaving  two  children,. 


636 


History  of  Erie  County. 


a son  and  daughter.  Joseph  Smith  was  a shoe  manufacturer,  and  dealer  in 
boots  and  shoes,  and  was  born  at  Northampton,  England.  They  settled  in 
Huron  in  1836,  where  they  died.  Mr.  Smith  purchased  a farm  of  60  acres, 
when  he  first  settled  here,  to  which  he  has  made  additions  from  time  to  time, 
until  now  he  has  a fine  farm  of  250  acres.  He  was  born  in  1801,  and  died  in 
1870.  His  wife  was  born  in  1803,  and  died  in  1876.  Mr.  Smith  was  a hard- 
working and  successful  man.  Daniel  B.,  and  his  brother,  Joseph,  were  part- 
ners in  the  general  farming,  stock  dealing  and  shipping  business,  until  1876, 
when  they  dissolved  partnership.  Daniel  B.  has  never  married.  He  now  car- 
ries on  an  extensive  farming,  live  stock  dealing  and  shipping  business. 

Smith,  Frederick,  Groton,  North  Monroeville  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Baden, 
Germany,  in  1833,  and  came  to  America  in  1853,  and  settled  in  Groton  and 
hired  a farm.  He  is  now  actively  engaged  in  stock  raising  and  shipping,  and 
general  farming,  having  a farm  of  337  acres,  producing  from  2,500  to  5,000 
bushels  of  corn  yearly,  with  other  grains.  He  was  married  in  1856  to  Anna 
Mary  Staigle,  who  was  born  in  the  kingdom  of  Wurtemburg  in  1835.  They 
have  had  a family  of  thirteen  children,  nine  of  whom  are  now  living,  two  hav- 
ing died  in  infancy.  Those  living  are  F.  Jacob,  John  P , Charles  D.,  George 
W.,  Henry  G.,  Louis  J.,  Rudolph  C..  Mary  G.,  Caroline,  Julia'and  Eliza.  Mr. 
Smith  has  been  justice  of  the  peace  one  term,  and  trustee  two  terms.  He  was 
a son  of  Christian  and  Gottlieben  Smith.  Christian  died  in  Germany,  leaving  a 
widow  and  five  children:  Jane,  Eliza,  Frederick,  Caroline  and  John  Philip. 
John  P.  enlisted  in  the  army  in  1862,  in  the  107th  Ohio  Infantry,  and  died  in 
the  hospital  of  fever. 

Smith,  Joseph,  Perkins,  Prout  p.  o.,  one  of  the  successful  farmers  of  Perkins 
township,  was  born  September  25,  1827,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Mary 
Smith,  who  were  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany.  They  had  a family  of  ten  chil- 
dren, three  of  whom  came  to  America  : Louis,  Mary  and  Joseph.  Joseph  came 
in  1849  ^iicl  settled  in  Sandusky,  where  he  became  engaged  in  teaming,  after 
which  he  went  to  Cleveland,  where  he  learned  the  cooper’s  trade.  He  then 
returned  to  Erie  county,  where  he  secured  a position  in  the  Mad  River  Rail- 
road machine  shop.  He  soon  became  foreman  at  the  round  house,  where  he 
remained  eighteen  years,  resigning  in  1871.  He  then  became  engaged  in 
farming,  and  in  1878  purchased  his  present  homestead  of  250  acres  in  Perkins 
township,  for  which  he  paid  $68  per  acre  for  150  acres,  and  $100  per  acre 
for  the  rest.  He  was  married  in  1852  to  Mena  Schied,  who  was  born  in  Ger- 
many in  1835.  They  have  had  a family  of  eight  children  : Louis,  Fred,  An- 
thony, William,  Joseph,  Henrietta,  Minnie  and  Catharine.  Henrietta  was  mar- 
ried in  1878  to  Alfred  Kromer.  Mr.  Smith  commenced  business  life  poor ; 
he  now  has  a fine  farm  of  250  acres,  on  which  he  has  erected  a fine  dwelling. 

Smith,  Joseph  W.,  Huron,  one  of  the  representative  business  men  of  his 
town  and  county,  was  born  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  in  1845.  He  was  brought 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


637 


up  on  his  father’s  farm,  but  at  an  early  age,  desiring  to  extend  his  business 
beyond  the  common  farm  interests,  he  became  engaged  largely  in  general 
farming  and  stock  dealing.  He  now  owns  the  well-known  Hollister  farm  of 
235  acres,  where  he  now  resides.  He  is  also  interested  in  the  elevator,  grain 
and  coal  business  in  Huron,  and  several  outside  enterprises.  He  was  married 
in  October,  1872,  to  Lydia  Rylatt,  who  was  born  in  England  in  1844.  They 
have  had  a family  of  five  children:  William  D.,  Charles  R.,  Susie  B.,  Jay  T. 
and  George  H.  Mr.  Smith  was  a son  of  Joseph  and  Mary  (Bozworth)  Smith, 
who  emigrated  to  Huron  county  in  1833,  and  in  1836  settled  in  Erie  county. 
They  had  a family  of  thirteen  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living:  Mary, 
Daniel  B.  and  Joseph  W.  Daniel  B.  and  Joseph  W.  were  partners  in  a gen- 
eral farming,  stock  raising  and  shipping  business  until  1876,  when  they  dis- 
solved partnership. 

Smith,  Warren,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Sandusky  January  7,  1824,  and 
was  a son  of  William  B.  and  Elinor  (Kelley)  Smith,  who  were  married  in  San- 
dusky in  1819.  They  had  a family  of  ten  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  liv- 
ing: Warren,  Hiram  R.,  Jarvis  L.,  Richard  and  Mrs.  Clara  Conway.  William 
B.  was  born  in  1796  and  died  in  1876,  leaving  a widow,  Elinor,  born  in  1801. 
He  was  a son  of  Asa  and  Hannah  (Richmond)  Smith,  who  settled  in  Huron 
township  in  1 8 1 o,  where  Asa  died  in  1815,  aged  fifty-five  years  ; Hannah  died  in 
Clyde  in  1842,  aged  sixty-nine.  Two  of  their  children  are  now  living,  Hiram 
and  Mrs.  Clarissa  McFall.  William  B.  settled  in  Sandusky  with  his  mother  in 
1817.  He  was  the  first  county  treasurer,  and  erected  the  first  brick  residence 
in  the  county.  His  wife  was  a daughter  of  William  B.  Kelley,  who  settled  in 
Sandusky  with  his  family  in  1818.  Warren  Smith  was  married  August  20, 
1849,  to  Clarissa  M.  Townsend,  of  Milan.  They  have  had  two  daughters: 
Marietta,  now  Mrs.  E.  McFall,  wife  of  William  H.  McFall,  jr. ; and  Nancy  F., 
wife  of  J.  P.  Lockwood.  Mr.  Smith  in  early  life  was  engaged  in  the  grocery 
business,  but  in  1847  became  engaged  in  the  livery  business,  and  is  to-day  the 
pioneer  liveryman  of  northwest  Ohio.  He  has  held  some  of  the  offices  of  the 
city,  and  is  prominent  in  all  city  affairs. 

Snowden,  James  G.,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  a representative  man  of  his 
town,  was  born  in  Luzerne  county.  Pa.,  in  1840,  and  was  educated  at  the  Wy- 
oming Seminary.  He  was  a son  of  Rev.  E.  H.  and  Elizabeth  A.  (Smith)  Snow- 
den. Elizabeth  was  born  in  Florida  and  her  husband  in  New  Jersey.  James  G. 
Snowden  commenced  business  life  as  a clerk,  after  which  he  became  interested 
in  railroading  and  became  a brakeman.  He  was  afterwards  promoted  to  con- 
ductor. He  settled  in  Margaretta  in  1858,  where  he  became  engaged  in  farm- 
ing, and  in  1859  went  to  Memphis,  where  he  was  in  the  employ  of  the  Mem- 
phis and  Chattanooga  Railroad.  In  1861  he  resigned  his  position  and  returned 
to  Margaretta,  where  he  was  married  that  same  year  to  Mrs.  R.  M.  Bardshar, 
a daughter  of  Samuel  H.  and  Rachel  (Mack)  Smith.  They  have  had  a family 
81 


638 


History  of  Erie  County. 


of  three  children  : Maggie  G.,  Samuel  H.  and  Ethel  S.  Mr.  Snowden  enlisted 
in  the  145th  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  under  the  100-day  call,  and  was  dis- 
charged at  Camp  Chase.  His  wife  died  in  1883,  and  he  married  his  second 
wife,  Mrs.  Ann  S.  Graves,  in  1885.  She  was  a daughter  of  Salmon  D.  and 
Lucy  A.  W.  Bardwell,  who  settled  in  Margaretta  in  1834.  Mr.  Snowden  is 
now  largely  engaged  in  farming,  and  his  homestead  farm  consists  of  220  acres. 
He  is  also  largely  engaged  in  the  sale  of  real  estate  in  the  Southwest. 

Snyder,  Dr.  Morris  H.,  Kelley’s  Island,  the  physician  and  surgeon  of  Kel- 
ley’s Island,  was  born  in  Steuben  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1846,  and  was  a son  of 
Hiram  and  Elsie  Snyder.  He  was  graduated  from  the  University  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  in  1876  attended  the  Eclectic  College  of  Cincinnati,  and  in  1877 
was  at  the  Homeopathic  College  in  Cleveland.  In  1877  he  went  to  Michigan, 
where  he  remained  until  1887,  when  he  came  to  Kelley’s  Island.  He  was 
married  in  1880  to  Clara  Frazier,  of  New  York.  They  have  one  son,  Allen 
Frazier  Snyder,  born  in  1887. 

Sprowl,  Hon.  Thomas  M.,  Huron,  a representative  man  of  Huron  town- 
ship, was  born  in  Huron  township,  Erie  county,  O.,  December  22,  1842,  and 
was  a son  of  John  A.  and  Betsey  (Miller)  Sprowl.  John  A.  was  a native  of 
New  Jersey,  and  was  married  in  Erie  county,  December  28,  1837.  He  was 
born  March  25,  1813,  and  died  December  8,  1884,  leaving  a widow  and  five 
children;  Sarah  M.,  Mary  Ann  and  Marion  (twins),  Thomas  M.  and  Charles 
J.  He  followed  the  business  of  ship-carpenter  and  farmer.  Thomas  M.  Sprowl, 
the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  a graduate  from  Oberlin  College  in  1867,  after 
which  he  became  engaged  in  various  pursuits — teaching,  farming,  and  later,  in 
the  real  estate  business.  He  was  elected  councilman  in  1876,  serving  two 
terms  ; was  elected  mayor  for  three  terms  in  succession  ; the  first  in  1883,  which 
office  he  still  holds.  He  was  married  January  i,  1867,  to  Celesta  Phelps,  of 
Huron,  O.  They  have  had  three  children  : Thomas  E.,  Arthur  J.  and  Irma  B. 

Stahl,  George,  jr.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  September 
25,  1825,  and  emigrated  with  his  parents  to  America  in  1834,  and  settled  in 
New  York  city,  where  they  resided  for  several  }'ears.  His  father,  George  Stahl, 
was  a master  mechanic  in  Germany.  He  and  his  wife  settled  in  Erie  county, 
N.  Y.,  where  they  resided  until  their  deaths.  They  had  a family  of  seven  sons 
and  one  daughter,  five  of  whom  are  now  living:  John,  George,  Michael,  Henry 
and  Margaret.  George,  jr.,  in  early  life  adapted  himself  to  any  occupation 
that  was  honorable  He  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1848  as  a porter,  and  was 
married  in  1850  to  Elizabeth  Raeinmiller,  of  Sandusky.  She  was  born  in 
Germany.  They  have  had  two  children:  John,  and  Mary,  who  married  John 
Beck.  George  became  engaged  in  the  saloon  business  in  1850,  and  in  1865 
purchased  his  present  store  and  became  engaged  in  the  wholesale  liquor  and 
tobacco  bu^in.’ss  at  No.  727  Water  street.  He  was  county  treasurer  for  one 
term,  and  chief  engineer  of  the  fire  department  for  four  years,  and  in  early  life 
was  infirmary  director. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


639 


Stang,  Frank,  Sandusky,  a brewer  of  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Huron  county 
in  1851,  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1869,  where  he  soon  became  general  man- 
ager of  a brewing  establishment  with  a capacity  of  8,000  barrels.  He  was  mar- 
ried January  8,  1880,  to  Mrs.  Magdalena  (Jorden)  Bender,  who  died  at  Den- 
ver, Colo.,  of  consumption,  September  29,  1886,  leaving  one  daughter,  Ida, 
born  in  1880;  and  one  son  by  her  first  marriage,  John  Bender,  jr.,  born  in 
October,  1873.  Mr.  Stang  became  owner  of  his  brewery  in  1880,  and  has  now 
increased  the  capacity  to  15,000  barrels,  manufacturing  his  own  malt.  The 
brewery  was  built  in  1852  by  Philip  Dauch.  Mr.  Stang  is  a son  of  Peter  and 
Magdalena  Stang.  Peter  was  born  in  Baden  in  1813,  and  settled  in  Huron 
county  in  1 832.  His  wife  died  May  13,1 886,  leaving  a family  of  five  children  : 
Frank,  Louisa,  Charles,  Mary  and  John. 

Starr,  John.jr.,  Huron,  an  extensive  and  successful  farmer  of  Huron  town- 
ship, was  born  in  Malta,  Saratoga  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1813,  and  was  a son  of 
John  and  Sarah  (Chandler)  Starr,  who  settled  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  in  1828, 
with  their  family  of  six  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living:  John,  jr., 
Joseph  and  Samuel;  Warner  and  Mary  died,  leaving  families.  The  father, 
John,  died  May  7,  1831,  and  his  wife,  Sarah,  August  12,  1861,  aged  eighty- 
two  years.  John  was  a hatter  by  trade,  but  on  settling  in  Huron  purchased  a 
farm.  John  Starr,  jr.,  was  married  in  Huron,  in  1850,  to  Miss  D.  M.  Wilkin- 
son, who  was  born  in  Yates  county,  N.  Y.,  July  30,  1828.  They  have  had  a 
family  of  four  children:  John  W.,  Arthur  E.,  Mary  and  Ella.  Mary  married 
Mr.  Charles  W.  Hart,  and  Ella,  Mr.  Louis  Link.  Mrs.  Starr  was  a daughter 
of  Benoni  and  Polly  (Hardy)  Wilkinson.  Benoni,  of  Maine,  and  Polly,  of 
Rhode  Island.  They  were  married  in  Jerusalem,  Yates  county,  N,  Y.,  and 
were  among  the  early  settlers  of  Huron  county,  O.  Mr.  Starr  received  twen- 
ty-two acres  from  his  father’s  estate,  and  now  has  in  all  a farm  of  404  acres  of 
the  best  land  in  the  county,  which  he  has  well  improved. 

Stautzenberger,  Henry,  Oxford,  Perkins  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Nassau,  Ger- 
many, in  1830,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Mary  Stautzenberger,  who  had  a 
family  of  four  children  : Christopher,  Henry,  Jacob  and  Nettie.  Two  came  to 
America,  Henry  and  Jacob.  Henry  setttled  in  Erie  county  in  1853,  and  com- 
menced his  farm  life  in  Groton.  He  was  married  in  September,  1858,  to  Mag- 
dalena Lothamer,  who  was  born  in  1838.  They  have  had  a family  of  four  chil- 
dren : Nettie,  Magdalene,  Catharine  and  Louie.  Nettie  was  married  in  De- 
cember, 1 88 1 , to  William  Lewis.  They  have  one  child:  Magdalene.  Mrs. 
Stautzenberger  was  a daughter  of  Theobold  and  Magdalene  Lothamer,  of  Elsas, 
Germany.  Henry  purchased  his  homestead  farm  of  130  acres  in  1866,  for 
which  he  paid  $7,500.  He  now  owns  226  acres  of  finely  cultivated  land. 

Stedman,  Oscar  C.,  Huron,  agent  for  the  Wheeling  and  Lake  Erie  Railroad 
Company,  was  born  in  Pittsford,  Hillsdale  county,  Mich.,  August  26,  1855,  and 
was  a son  of  Lysander  G.  and  Submit  R.  (De  Land)  Stedman,  who  were  born 


History  of  Erie  County. 


640 

in  Tyringham,  Berkshire  county,  Mass.,  in  1816,  and  married  in  1839.  They 
settled  in  Micliigan,  where  Submit  died  in  1872,  leaving  a family  of  four  chil- 
dren : Perry  L.,  Fontell,  Estelle,  now  Mrs.  Coombs;  and  Oscar  C.  Perry  L. 
enlisted  in  the  First  Michigan  Artillery,  and  was  discharged  on  account  of  dis- 
ability. Lysander  Stedman,  on  settlement,  became  engaged  in  the  mercantile 
business  and  farming.  Oscar  C.  Stedman  received  a liberal  education,  and 
for  several  years  clerked  in  his  father’s  store,  until  1873,  when  he  became 
bookeeper  and  agent  for  the  Lake  Shore  Railroad,  and  in  1883  received  his 
present  appointment.  He  was  married  May  16,  1885,  to  Alice  E.  Miller,  of 
Stark  county.  She  was  a daughter  of  H.  P.  Miller. 

Steuk,  Edward  L.,  Sandusky,  a manufacturer  of  grape  wine,  was  born  in 
Russia,  and  was  a son  of  William  and  Johanna  Steuk,  who  emigrated  to 
America  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1852.  William  became  engaged  in  the 
clothing  business,  and  in  1863  engaged  in  the  grape  culture,  and  in  1865  be- 
gan to  manulacture  grape  wines.  He  died  in  1876,  leaving  a widow  and  four 
children;  Edward  L.,  born  in  Russia  in  1850;  Matilda,  Huldah  and  Adelaide 
Margaret.  Edward  L.  became  a partner  in  the  wine  business  in  1875,  the 
firm  being  William  Steuk  & Son,  and  in  1882  he  became  sole  proprietor.  He 
has  capacity  for  manufacturing  twenty-five  thousand  gallons  yearly.  He  was 
married  in  1881  to  Julia  Harms,  who  was  born  in  Put-in- Bay.  They  have 
had  three  children  : William.  Elmer  and  Carl.  Julia  was  a daughter  of  Lewis 
Harms,  of  Euclid. 

Steurzinger,  Gottlieb,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Dosenbach, 
Amt  Schopheim,  Baden,  Germany,  in  1842,  and  came  to  America  and  settled 
in  Sandusky  in  1867.  He  was  married  January  i,  1869,  to  Dora  Bruckner, 
who  was  born  in  Germany  in  1845.  They  have  had  a family  of  ten  children: 
William  J.,  Otto,  Christina,  Emma,  Edward,  Albert,  Bertha,  Charles,  Cath- 
arine and  Dora.  Dora  was  a daughter  of  Peter  and  Margaret  Bruckner,  who 
were  born  in  Germany  in  1813,  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1847.  They  had 
a family  of  eleven  children,  ten  of  whom  are  now  living.  Mr.  Stuerzinger  pur- 
chased his  farm  of  twenty-nine  acres  in  1871,  and  settled  on  it  in  1877.  He 
erected  his  present  dwelling  in  1882. 

Stewart,  Squire  John  C.,  O.xford,  Kimball  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Cortland  county, 
N.  Y.,  in  1833,  and  was  a son  of  Alexander  and  Irene  (Judd)  Stewart.  Irene 
was  born  in  Marietta,  Washington  county,  O.,  and  Alexander  was  born  in 
Washington  county,  N.  Y.  They  moved  to  Cortland  county,  N.  Y.,  and  in 
1839  settled  in  Ohio.  John  C.  went  to  live  with  his  uncle,  John  B.  Stewart, 
who  was  born  in  Herkimer  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1802,  and  settled  in  Oxford  in 
1835,  where  he  became  engaged  in  farming.  He  died  February  i,  1867-  He 
never  married,  and  John  C.  inherited  the  old  homestead  of  200  acres.  John  C. 
was  married  in  1863  to  Angie  M.  Rockwell,  who  was  born  in  Chautauqua 
county,  N.Y.,  in  1 844.  They  have  had  a family  of  seven  children  : Charles,  May,^ 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


641 


John  B.,  Hiram,  Rutherford  B.  Hayes,  Nellie  and  Robbie.  John  B.  died  in 
1878;  the  other  children  are  all  living.  Mrs.  Angie  M.  was  a daughter  of 
John  and  Sarah  Rockwell,  who  settled  in  Erie  county,  O.,  in  1846.  J.  C.  Stew- 
art was  elected  town  clerk  in  i860,  and  served  six  terms  ; has  served  as  justice 
of  the  peace  for  four  terms;  in  1867  was  appointed  postmaster  at  Blooming- 
ville,  and  also  held  other  minor  offices.  He  enlisted  in  Company  G,  72d  Ohio 
Volunteers  in  October,  1861,  and  served  until  wounded  at  the  battle  of  Tupelo, 
Miss.,  July  13,  1864,  when  he  was  discharged  from  service,  on  account  of 
wounds  received,  in  October,  1864,  for  which  he  receives  a pension.  He  is 
now  engaged  in  farming. 

Stokes,  John,  jr.,  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  in  Munster,  Ireland,  in  1828, 
and  was  a son  of  John  and  Ellen  Stokes,  who  had  a family  of  five  children; 
James,  Thomas,  John,  Margaret  and  Mary.  John  and  Mary  came  to  America 
and  settled  in  Massachusetts  in  1850.  Mary  married  a Mr.  Duhig,  of  Cali- 
fornia. John  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1853,  and  became  engaged  in  farming. 
He  purchased  his  homestead  farm  of  ten  acres  on  Kelley’s  Island  in  1856,  for 
which  he  paid  $1,000,  and  became  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  grapes,  and 
now  has  a vineyard  of  seventeen  acres,  and  a peach  orchard  of  nineteen  acres, 
his  farm  now  consisting  of  seventy  acres.  He  commenced  the  manufacture  of 
wine  in  1865,  and  is  now  completing  a wine  cellar  which  has  a capacity  for 
65,000  gallons.  Mr.  Stokes  was  married  in  1859  to  Miss  Honora  Welsh,  who 
was  born  in  Ireland.  They  have  a family  of  nine  children  : John,  Thomas  F., 
James,  Joseph,  Robert,  Charles,  Mary  E.,  Margaret  and  Honora. 

Storrs,  Arden  A.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,one  of  the  representative  farmers 
of  Perkins  township,  was  born  in  Perkins  township  November  19,  1851,  and 
was  a son  of  Elisha  and  Jerusha  (Taylor)  Storrs  who  married  in  1843.  Jeru- 
sha  was  born  in  Perkins  in  1820,  and  her  husband  in  Dunkirk,  N.  Y.,  in  1821. 
He  settled  in  Milan,  Erie  county,  with  his  parents,  Reuben  and  Lucy  (Robert- 
son) Storrs.  Reuben  died  in  Perkins  in  1881,  aged  ninety-four  years;  his  wife 
in  i860.  They  left  two  daughters  and  one  son.  Elisha  died  in  December  26, 
1886,  leaving  a widow  and  one  son,  Arden  A.  Storrs.  Jerusha  was  a daughter 
■of  Joseph  and  Sophia  (House)  Taylor,  who  were  born  in  Connecticut,  and  mar- 
ried in  Perkins  township  in  1819.  Sophia  was  born  in  1800,  and  Joseph  in 
1789.  They  came  to  Perkins  with  their  parents  in  1815.  They  had  a family 
of  three  children:  Leman.  Jerusha  and  Jemima.  Joseph,  jr.,  was  a son  of 
Joseph  and  Louise  (Bell)  Taylor,  old  pioneers.  Arden  A.  Storrs  was  married 
December  7,  1876,  to  Mina  H.  House,  a daughter  of  Lindsley  and  Margaret 
Ann  House,  and  granddaughter  of  Squire  Julius  House.  Arden  A.  and  Mina 
have  had  a family  of  three  children  : Edith  D.,  Maud  L.  and  Blanche  E. 

Strobel,  John  G.,  Sandusky,  one  of  the  representative  men  of  Sandusky, 
was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  in  1837,  was  a son  of  John  and  Anna  Stro- 
Bel,  who  emigrated  to  America  in  1852,  and  settled  in  Pennsylvania,  and  in 


642 


History  of  Erie  County. 


1855  moved  to  Steuben  county,  N.  Y.  John  G.  was  married  in  i860  to  Louisa 
Fleischhaner,  of  Steuben  county,  N.  Y.  She  was  born  in  Prussia.  They  have 
had  a family  of  five  children:  John  A.,  Magdalena,  Kate,  Christina  J.,  and  Em- 
ma L.  John  and  Anna  Strobel  settled  in  Sandusky,  in  1871,  where  they  died, 
leaving  two  children,  Margaret,  and  John  G.  who  settled  in  Cincinnati  in  1861, 
and  became  engaged  in  the  brewing  business;  later  became  engaged  in  the 
grocery  trade.  In  1871  he  purchased  an  interest  in  a brewing  establishment  in 
Sandusky,  where  he  settled  in  1872.  In  1879  he  sold  his  interest  to  Mr.  Ilg, 
and  became  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  grape  wines.  He  now  has  capacity 
for  30,000  gallons  of  wine  in  his  extensive  cellars. 

Stubig,  Christian,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Nassau,  Germany,  in  1835,  and 
came  to  America  in  1861,  settling  in  Sandusky.  In  1866  he  became  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  boots  and  shoes,  and  now  he  has  one  of  the  most 
extensive  and  well  assorted  stocks  in  the  city.  He  was  married  in  1865,  to 
Catharine  Lanz,  who  was  born  in  Germany.  They  have  had  a family  of  five 
children:  Lena,  Wilhelm  Oranien,  Emma,  Karl  Kienzen  and  Victor  Hugo. 
Mr.  Stubig  enlisted  in  the  Hoffman  Battalion  in  December,  1861,  which  com- 
pany served  on  guard  at  Johnson’s  Island,  over  the  prisoners  of  war  from  the 
Southern  army,  for  three  years.  The  first  year  two  companies,  A and  B,  were 
on  guard;  in  1862  two  more  companies  were  formed,  and  in  1863  six  more 
were  added  for  protection,  and  called  the  128th  Regiment.  He  re-enlisted  in 
the  Hancock  Corps  and  served  until  April,  1866,  being  located  at  Washington, 
Hartford,  Burlington,  Vt.,  and  Staten  Island  and  Bedloe’s  Island,  New  York 
Harbor.  He  was  a son  of  Christian  and  Maria  Magdalena  Stubig. 

Swissinger,  Paul,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  in  1849,  and 
came  to  Sandusky  in  1865.  In  1869  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  fire  depart- 
ment, and  in  1871  was  appointed  on  the  police  force,  which  position  he  resigned, 
in  April,  1883,  and  was  appointed  agent  to  the  humane  society,  and  resigned 
in  1884.  He  purchased  his  grocery  and  provision  business  from  Mr.  Daniel. 
He  carries  on  a beer  bottling  business  in  connection  with  it.  He  was  married 
in  1871  to  Anna  Schnyder,  who  was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany.  They 
have  two  children,  Edward  and  Alma.  Paul  was  a son  of  Peter  and  Barbara 
(Luther)  Swissinger,  who  emigrated  to  Sandusky  in  1869,  and  died  in  Iowa, 
leaving  four  sons  and  four  daughters  : Paul,  August,  Charles,  Gottlieb,  Mar- 
garet, Kunigunde,  Louisa  and  Hannah. 

Tamm,  Augustus  W.,  Sandusky,  a manufacturer  of  and  dealer  in  boots  and 
shoes,  was  born  in  Ludwigslust,  Germany,  in  1847,  and  emigrated  to  America 
in  1869,  when  he  settled  in  Sandusky,  and  became  engaged  as  a journeyman 
shoemaker,  with  Mr.  Cable.  He  was  married  in  Sandusky  in  1873,  to  Catha- 
rine A.  Asm  us,  who  was  born  in  Germany.  They  have  had  a family  of  two 
children,  Oscar  W.  and  Hattie  Magdalena.  Mr.  Tamm  embarked  in  the  manu- 
facturing and  repairing  of  shoes  in  1875,  and  in  1873  purchased  his  lot  and. 
erected  his  dwelling.  In  1886  he  erected  his  present  boot  and  shoe  store. 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


643 


Taylor,  Dennis  G.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Perkins  township 
in  1821,  and  was  a son  of  Jesse  and  Julia  (House)  Taylor  who  was  born  and 
married  in  Hartford  county.  Conn.,  and  emigrated  to  Erie  county,  O.,  in  1815, 
in  company  with  twelve  other  families.  Jesse  was  a son  of  Joseph  and  Louisa 
(Bell)  Taylor,  who  had  a family  of  six  children.  Jesse  and  Julia  had  a family 
of  five  children:  Elory,  Maria,  Elizabeth,  Julius  H.  and  Dennis  G.  Dennis  G. 
was  married  in  1844,  to  Phebe  A.  Wright,  of  Berlin.  They  had  one  son,  Tru- 
man B.,  born  in  Eebruary,  1846.  Phebe  was  a-daughter  of  Rev.  B.  B.  Wright, 
who  settled  in  Erie  county,  in  1833.  Truman  B.  was  married  in  1872,  to  Mary 
Eddy.  Dennis  G.  Taylor  commenced  farming  with  90  acres  that  he  now  lives 
on,  and  in  connection  with  his  son,  Truman  B.,  has  over  500  acres  of  land. 
They  also  deal  largely  in  farm  implements,  foundry  sand  and  produce,  and  ne- 
gotiate real  estate  and  money  loans. 

Taylor,  Elory,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o , who  settled  in  Perkins  township  in 
1815,  was  born  in  Glastonbury,  Hartford  county.  Conn.,  February  21,  1808, 
and  was  a son  of  Jesse  and  Julia  (House)  Taylor,  who  settled  in  Perkins  town- 
ship with  their  family  of  three  children,  in  1815.  The  children  were  Elory  and 
Maria;  Elizabeth  R.,  Julius  H.  and  Dennis  G.  were  born  in  Perkins  township. 
They  emigrated,  in  company  with  eleven  other  families,  from  Connecticut. 
They  made  this  long  journey  with  ox  teams,  consuming  seven  weeks  and  four 
days  for  the  trip.  Elory  Taylor  was  married  in  April,  1830,  to  Mabel  Taylor, 
who  was  born  in  Glastonbury,  Hartford,  county.  Conn.,  in  1808.  She  died  Sep- 
tember I,  1836,  leaving  a family  of  three  children:  Mary  M.,  Julia  E.  and  Da- 
vid J.  He  was  married  again  on  March  12,  1835,  to  Mary  Ann  Hunt,  who  was 
born  in  South  Glastonbury,  February  23,  18 1 1.  They  have  had  a family  of  ten 
children:  John  H.,  born  1836;  George  E.,  born  1837;  William  D.,  born  1839; 
Ralph  E.,  born  1841  ; Mabel  A.,  born  1843  ; Martha  A.  and  Minerva  (twins), 
born  in  1845;  Harriet  E.,  born  1847;  Emma  C.,  born  1850,  and  Robert  E., 
born  1853.  George  E.  was  educated  at  Oberlin  College,  and  was  graduated 
from  there,  and  also  from  the  Nashville  Medical  College.  Mary  Ann  was  a 
daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Pulcifer)  Hunt. 

Thorn,  Henry,  O.xford,  Prout  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Aldorph,  Nassau,  Germany, 
in  1822,  and  was  a son  of  Henry  and  Frankfield  Thorn.  Henry  Thorn  served 
eight  years  under  the  military  rule  of  Germany.  He  learned  the  shoemaker’s 
trade,  and  in  1852  came  to  America,  and  settled  in  Huron  county,  where  he 
became  engaged  in  farming.  He  was  married  in  1858  to  Elizabeth  Russel, 
who  was  born  in  Nassau.  She  died  in  April,  1882,  leaving  a family  of  three 
children,  Catharine,  August  and  Henry,  jr.  Catharine  was  married  in  1878,  to 
William  Stotz.  They  have  had  two  children.  Mr.  Thorn  settled  in  Oxford 
in  i860,  and  purchased  a farm  of  68  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $35  per  acre. 
He  now  owns  a farm  of  200  acres,  and  a fine  brick  residence. 

Titus,  Jared,  Kelley’s  Island,  a member  of  one  of  the  old  representative 


644 


History  of  Erie  County. 


families  of  Kelley’s  Island,  was  born  at  Cato,  Cayuga  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1827, 
was  a son  of  John  and  Mehitable  (Chapel)  Titus,  who  settled  here  in  1838- 
They  came  from  New  York  and  settled  in  Erie  county,  on  the  peninsula,  in 
1836.  They  died  leaving  a family  of  nine  children,  eight  of  whom  are  now 
living:  Harriet,  Zipporah,  Julius,  Nancy,  Lydia,  Julia,  Sabra  S.,  Jared  and 
James  W.  Jared  Titus  was  married  in  1850,  to  Eliza  Hamilton.  They  have 
had  a family  of  six  children  : William,  Lydia  D.,  Warren,  Orlando,  Anna  and 
John.  Mrs.  Titus  was  a daughter  of  Samuel  and  Elizabeth  (Mitchel)  Hamil- 
ton. Mr.  Titus  has  been  constable,  trustee  and  a member  of  the  school  board. 
In  early  life  he  was  engaged  in  the  quarrying  of  stone,  and  as  a carpenter  and 
builder.  For  several  years  past  he  has  been  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of 
grapes. 

Tompkins,  John  K.,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  dealer  in  agricultural  imple- 
ments, mowers,  reapers,  cultivators,  harrows,  etc.,  was  born  in  Putnam  county, 
N.  Y.,  in  October,  1846,  and  was  a son  of  Nelson  and  Hannah  (Knapp)  Tomp- 
kins. John  K.  came  to  Margaretta  in  1859.  He  enlisted  in  Company  A,  72d 
Regiment  of  Ohio,  under  Captain  C.  G.  Eaton,  in  1861,  and  was  discharged 
July  14,  1865,  at  Knoxville,  Tenn, 

Traub,  John,  Sandusky,  the  notary  public,  steamship  and  foreign  exchange 
passenger  agent,  and  commission  merchant  of  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Sandusky 
in  1857,  and  was  a son  of  Captain  Lewis  Traub,  who  settled  in  Sandusky  in 
1847.  John  was  educated  at  the  public  schools  of  Sandusky,  and  became 
engaged  as  clerk  in  a bookstore  at  Tiffin,  O.  He  returned  to  Sandusky,  and 
became  engaged  as  a clerk  and  bookkeeper,  and  at  the  death  of  his  father  in 
1881,  succeeded  him  in  his  well  established  business.  He  was  married  in  1885 
to  Maggie  Messner.  They  have  had  two  sons:  Ralph  Gardner  and  Bruce. 
Maggie  is  a daughter  of  John  and  Margaret  Messner,  of  Bucyrus,  O. 

Trieschmann,  Henry,  Kelly’s  Island,  a general  meat  market  man  of  Kelly’s 
Island,  was  born  in  Hesse,  Germany,  in  1843,  and  was  a son  of  Justus  and 
Catharine  E.  Trieschmann,  who  had  a family  of  five  children.  Henry  and  his 
brother,  John,  who  was  born  in  1848,  came  to  Sandusky  in  1865,  where  Henry 
became  engaged  in  the  butcher  business.  In  1872  he  came  to  Kelley’s  Island 
and  opened  a market.  He  also  became  engaged  in  the  culture  of  grapes,  and 
now  has  a vineyard  of  twelve  acres.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the 
Sweet  Valley  Wine  Company  in  1887,  with  a capital  of  $50,000.  He  is  now 
president  of  the  company.  He  was  married  in  1868  to  Catharine  Grau,  who 
was  born  in  Wurtemburg,  Germany.  They  have  had  a family  of  seven  chil- 
dren: Albert  J.,  Henry  Anthony,  Emma,  Catharine,  Clara,  Julia  and  Edna. 
Mr.  Triechmann  erected  his  fine  residence  in  18/6.  He  has  served  as  trustee 
for  one  term,  and  as  a member  of  the  school  board  for  six  years. 

Trinter,  Martin  J.,  Vermillion,  is  the  third  son  of  George  Trinter,  and  was 
born  in  Europe  May  i,  1853,  emigrating  to  America  with  his  parents  in  1864, 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


645 


and  settling  in  Vermillion  township,  Erie  county,  O.,  purchased  a farm  of  sev- 
enty-five acres.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  was  raised  on  the  farm  and  re- 
ceived his  education  at  the  public  schools  of  township.  His  father  died  Feb- 
ruary 17,  1887,  leaving  the  farm  to  Martin  J.,  who  was  married  November  23, 
1882,  to  Miss  Edna  Hageman,  daughter  of  Conrad  Hageman,  of  Lorain  county, 
O.,  and  have  two  children  living:  Phillip  C.  and  Elmer  C.  He  was  elected 
constable  of  township  in  1875  and  held  office  three  years  ; at  the  expiration  of 
that  office  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace,  (in  1878)  which  office  he  still  holds, 
having  been  commissioned  by  Governors  Bishop,  Foster  and  Hoadley.  Mr. 
Trinter  and  family  are  members  of  the  German  Reformed  Church,  of  Vermillion. 

Tucker,  Electa,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Tolland,  Tolland 
■county.  Conn.,  in  1811,  and  was  a daughter  of  Hope  and  Lucy  (Hulbert) 
Tucker,  who  were  born  and  married  in  Tolland  county.  Conn.,  and  came  to 
Perkins  township  with  a family  of  eight  children.  Three  daughters  and  two 
sons  are  now  living:  Alden,  born  in  1805;  Electa,  Solomon;  Lucy,  Mrs. 
Rogers  ; Emily,  now  Mrs.  Wood.  Mr.  H.  Tucker  died  in  185  i,  aged  seventy- 
three  years,  and  Lucy  died  in  1868,  aged  ninety  years.  Three  of  their  chil- 
dren have  died  : Roxana,  Hope,  jr.  and  Orange.  Miss  Electa  now  owns  fifty 
acres  of  the  homestead  farm  of  100  acres. 

Upp,  Ephraim  E.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Richland  county  in  1834,  and 
was  a son  of  John  W.  and  Catherine  (Yeiser)  Upp,  who  were  born  and  mar- 
ried in  York,  Pa.,  and  settled  in  Richland  county  in  1822,  and  came  to  Erie 
county  in  1835,  and  died  in  Sandusky.  John  W.  was  born  in  1810,  and  died 
in  1878.  His  wife  died  in  1842,  leaving  four  children,  three  of  whom  are  now 
living  : Ephriam  E.  ; Isabella,  now  Mrs  S.  P.  Towne  ; and  Mrs.  Eliza  Clark. 
John  VV.  was  proprietor  of  the  renowned  Steamboat  Hotel  for  several  years. 
Ephriam  E.  in  early  life  became  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  sash,  doors 
and  blinds,  after  which  he  became  engaged  in  the  fish  and  commission  busi- 
ness with  his  brother,  H.  Y.  Upp,  and  shipping  trade  from  1855  to  1861  ; 
went  into  the  ice  business  in  1855,  erecting  his  storehouses  as  his  increasing 
business  required,  and  is  now  a member  of  the  firm  of  L.  J.  Seek  & Co.,  of 
Toledo.  Mr.  Upp  was  married  in  1861  to  Eliza  H,  Horner,  who  was  born  in 
Vermont.  They  have  had  a family  of  eight  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  liv- 
ing : Mary,  Kittie,  Lucy,  Willis,  Clark  and  Alice.  Mary  graduated  from 
Oberlin  College  in  the  class  of  1885,  and  was  married  in  1886  to  John  B. 
Abell,  Springfield,  O.,  who  was  also  a graduate  of  that  class.  The  remaining 
five  children  are  now  students  at  Oberlin. 

Wadsworth,  Francis,  Margaretta,  Venice  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Margaretta  in 
April,  1853,  and  was  a son  of  Richard  and  Sarah  (Linebaugh  Baker)  Wads- 
worth. They  had  a family  of  five  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Francis,  Richard,  jr  and  Sarah.  The  grandparents  were  Richard  and  Susan 
(Barnes)  Wadsworth,  who  came  to  Margaretta  from  Livingston  county,  N.  Y , 
82 


646 


History  of  Erie  County. 


in  1834.  Francis  Wadsworth  was  married  December  2,  1875,  to  Rosanna 
Farrell.  They  have  had  a family  of  eight  children  : Francis  R.,  James  E.,  S. 
Edna,  P.  Leroy,  Henry  Lloyd,  Mary  Irene,  Joseph  Merritt  and  John  Farrell. 
Rosanna  was  a daughter  of  Patrick  and  Mary  Farrell,  and  was  born  in  Decem- 
ber, 1855.  Mr.  Wadsworth  now  owns  forty  acres  of  the  land  which  was  pur- 
chased by  his  grandfather  in  1834.  He  has  a fine  fruit  orchard  and  a vine- 
yard covering  five  acres  of  ground.  He  is  also  one  of  the  inventors  of  a graia 
separator. 

Wadsworth,  Richard,  jr.,  Margaretta,  Venice  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Margaretta 
in  1855,  and  was  a son  of  Richard  and  Mrs.  Sarah  (Linebaugh  Baker)  Wads- 
worth. Sarah  was  born  in  Fairfield  county,  O.,  and  Richard  in  Livingston 
county,  N.  Y.,  September  29,  1815.  They  were  married  in  Venice  January 
13,  1851,  and  died  March  27,  1874,  and  Richard  February  16,  1882.  They 
had  a family  of  five  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living:  Francis,  Richard 
and  Sarah.  Richard  was  township  trustee,  and  held  several  of  the  district 
offices.  He  was  a son  of  Richard  and  Susan  (Barnes)  Wadsworth,  who  came 
to  Margaretta  from  Livingston  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1834.  The  Wadsworths 
came  from  New  England  and  settled  in  Western  New  York,  where  they  were 
extensive  land  owners.  Richard,  jr.  was  married  October  31,  1879,  to  Emma 
L.  Barnes,  who  was  born  in  Sandusky  county  in  i860.  They  have  had  a 
family  of  four  children:  Charles  R.,  Jennie  D.,  Nora  M.  and  John  B.  Emma 
was  a daughter  of  Reuben  and  Nancy  (Daniel)  Barnes.  Daniel  was  born  in 
Livingston  county,  N.  Y.,  and  Nancy  in  Sandusky  county,  O.  The  grand- 
parents, Richard  and  Sarah,  had  a family  of  thirteen  children,  five  of  whom 
are  now  living.  Two  of  the  sons  enlisted  and  served  during  the  war,  Captain 
D.  C.,  and  William  H.  H.  Mrs.  N.  E.  Prentice  is  the  only  one  living  in  Erie 
county. 

Wagoner,  C.  V.,  Sandusky,  the  general  harness  manufacturer  and  dealer  in 
blankets,  robes,  etc.,  was  born  in  Saxony,  Germany,  in  1827,  and  settled  in 
Sandusky  in  1849,  where  he  became  engaged  in  the  harness  business  as  jour- 
neyman. In  1857  he  became  engaged  in  the  manufacturing  of  harnesses, 
and  now  has  one  of  the  most  complete  stocks  in  the  city.  He  was  married  in 
1853  at  Bellevue,  O.,  to  Mary  Richard,  who  was  born  in  Germany.  They 
have  had  eight  children,  seven  of  whom  are  now  living:  Odelia,  P'lora,  Fred- 
erica, Nellie,  Charles,  Cora,  Edwin  and  Frederick  (deceased.) 

Waldock, 'Frederick  David,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  one  of  the  prominent 
business  men  of  Perkins  township,  was  born  at  St.  Ives,  Huntingdonshire, 
England,  in  1830,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Ruth  Waldock.  He  was  mar- 
ried in  1849  to,Fannie  Green.  They  have  had  a family  of  six  children  : Fred- 
erick, jr.,  John  P.,  Charles  A.,  William  A.,  George  W.,  and  Fanny  A.  Mr. 
Waldock  became  engaged  in  the  butcher  business  in  early  life.  He  emigrated 
to  America  in  1857  settled  in  Oxford  township,  where  he  remained  until 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


647 


1871,  when  he  purchased  his  present  homestead.  He  is  still  engaged  in  the 
butchering  business  and  dealing  in  stock.  He  also  devotes  a part  of  his  time 
to  his  farm,  which  consists  of  260  acres  of  well  cultivated  land. 

Waldron,  Allen,  Berlin,  Ceylon  p.  o.,  the  brick  and  tile  manufacturer  of 
Berlin  township,  was  born  in  Steuben  county,  Ind.,  in  1849,  was  a son  of 
Tobias  and  Betsey  (Conklin)  Waldron.  He  was  married  in  1872  to  Ellla 
Hobbs,  who  was  born  in  1851.  They  have  a family  of  four  sons:  Charles  R., 
Henry  B.,  Floyd  L.,  and  Howard  R.  Tobias  Waldron  was  born  in  Utica, 
Oneida  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1825,  and  married  in  Indiana  in  1847.  He  died  in 
1852,  leaving  one  son,  Allen.  His  widow  was  a daughter  of  John  and  Sarah 
(Austin)  Conklin.  John  was  a native  of  Cayuga  county,  N.  Y.  He  had  a 
family  of  ten  children  by  a previous  marriage,  and  one,  Allen,  by  the  second. 
Five  of  the  children  are  now  living:  Charles,  Katie,  Rachel,  Hannah,  and  Mrs. 
Betsey  Waldron. 

Ward,  Fdmond,  Kelley’s  Island,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Kelley’s  Isl- 
and, was  born  at  Pleasant  Valley,  Fssex  county,  N.  Y.,  June  16,  1812,  and  was  a 
•son  of  Reuben  and  Mary  (Laven)  Ward.  Reuben,  who  was  born  in  Vergennes, 
Vt.,  served  during  the  War  of  1812,  and  was  married  in  Lower  Canada,  after 
which  he  settled  in  Wolcott,  Wayne  county,  N.  Y.,  where  he  died.  Ed- 
mond became  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  iron.  He  was  married  in  Sep- 
tember, 1835,  to  Nancy  C.  Titus,  who  was  born  in  Cayuga  county,  N.  Y.,  in 
1817.  They  had  a family  of  eight  children:  Melissa,  John,  Emily,  Uriel  L., 
Hattie,  Mary,  Adda  and  Bert.  John  enlisted  in  Company  B,  8th  Ohio  Regi- 
Tnent,  was  wounded  in  action,  and  died  in  the  hospital  at  Nashville,  aged  23 
years.  Melissa  married  F.  Wait;  Emily,  K.  H.  Holbrook,  and  Mary  is  now 
the  wife  of  Henry  Worden.  The  daughters  all  received  liberal  educations  at 
Oberlin  College,  and  have  taught  in  the  graded  schools.  Mr.  Ward  visited 
Wisconsin  in  1842,  and  in  1844  left  New  York  State  with  the  intention  of  set- 
tling in  Wisconsin,  but  while  on  his  way  there  concluded  to  visit  Mrs.  Ward’s 
parents  on  Kelley’s  Island,  and,  being  pleased  with  the  place,  decided  to  settle 
there.  In  1848  he  purchased  a farm  of  83  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $25  per 
acre.  Twenty-eight  acres  he  has  converted  into  a vineyard,  and  has,  in  addi- 
tion to  this,  1,200  peach  trees  planted  on  the  farm.  Mrs.  Ward  was  a daugh- 
ter of  John  and  Mehitable  (Chappy)  Titus,  who  settled  on  Kelley’s  Island 
in  1838,  and  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  families  on  the  island.  They 
had  a family  of  nine  children,  eight  of  whom  are  now  living : Harriet,  Mrs. 
Woodford;  Zipporah,  Mrs.  Lincoln;  J.  R.,  Nancy  C.,  Mrs.  Ward  ; Lydia  T., 
Mrs.  Dwelle;  Julia,  Mrs.  Wadkins ; Sabra,  Mrs.  Hamilton;  Jared,  and 
James  W. 

Warden,  William  H.,  Huron  p.  o.,  proprietor  of  the  Huron  Elevator  Com- 
pany, dealing  in  grain,  coal,  plaster,  cement,  and  engaged  in  the  shipping  of 
produce,  was  born  in  Lorain  county,  in  1850,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Ann 


648 


History  of  Erie  County. 


(Bailey)  Warden,  who  were  natives  of  England.  They  were  married  in  Lorain' 
county,  O.,  where  they  died.  Mrs.  Warden  died,  leaving  a family  of  five 
children.  John  left  three  children  by  a previous  marriage,  making  a family  of 
eight  in  all.  William  II.  was  married  in  1873,  to  Julia  Root,  of  Lorain 
county.  They  have  one  son,  Harry.  William  H.  Warden  was  reared  to  farm 
life,  and  became  engaged  in  early  life  in  dealing  in  grain,  and  came  to  Huron, 
Erie  county,  where  he  became  engaged  in  business.  He  extended  his  grain 
and  other  produce  business,  and  leased  the  Huron  Elevator.  He  was  a mem- 
ber of  the  council  for  four  years.  He  is  now  one  of  the  prominent  business 
men  of  the  township. 

Weber,  John  Paul,  Margaretta,  Venice  p.  o.,  a merchant,  carpenter  and  con- 
tract builder,  was  born  in  Venice  in  1854,  and  was  a son  of  George  and  Eliz- 
abeth (Leidorff)  Weber,  who  were  born  in  Germany.  George  was  born  in  Ba- 
varia, in  1828,  and  emigrated  to  America  in  1850,  and  settled  in  Buffalo,  N. 
Y.,  where  he  remained  until  1851,  when  he  came  to  Venice.  He  was  married 
in  1853,  and  his  wife,  Eliza,  died  in  1861,  leaving  two  sons:  John  P.  and 
Henry.  George  enlisted  in  Company  G,  123d  O.  V.  I.,  in  1862,  under  Colo- 
nel Wilcox,  and  served  to  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  discharged  with  his- 
regiment  at  Camp  Chase,  in  June,  1865.  He  was  a prisoner  at  Libby,  and 
also  at  Belle  Isle,  but  was  exchanged.  John  Paul  Weber  was  married  in 
1874  to  Amelia  Matt,  a daughter  of  John  Matt,  of  Margaretta.  They  have 
four  children  : Edward  G,,  Russell  L.,  Pearl  Amelia,  and  John  L.  Mr.  Weber- 
worked  at  the  cooper  business  with  his  father,  as  journeyman,  until  1875,  when 
he  became  engaged  in  business  as  a contract  builder.  In  1884  he  went  into 
the  general  mercantile  business  at  Venice.  His  father  married  for  his  second 
wife,  Isabella  Roukre,  a Hessian  by  birth. 

Westerhold,  Fred.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Sandusky,  and  was  married  in 
1884  to  Caroline  Lange,  who  was  born  at  Kelley’s  Island.  They  have  one 
son,  Eugene.  Fred,  was  the  son  of  Paul  and  Mary  (Hoegi)  Westerhold. 
Mary  was  born  in  Baden,  and  married  at  Sandusky  in  1856.  Paul  was  born 
at  Cologne,  Germany,  in  1830,  and  emigrated  to  America  in  1850,  settling  in 
Sandusky  in  April  of  that  year,  as  a journeyman  carriage  and  wagon  manu- 
facturer, and  in  1855  he  embarked  in  the  carriage  manufacturing  business.  In 
1863  he  became  engaged  in  the  jewelry  and  fancy  goods  trade,  and  now  has 
the  most  prominent  establishment  of  that  kind  in  the  city.  His  son  Fred,  is 
now  succeeding  him  in  the  business.  Paul  and  Mary  had  a family  of  four 
children  : Fred.,  Mary,  Charles  and  Elizabeth. 

Wetterer,  Charles  F.,  Sandusky,  dealer  in  tobacco  and  cigars,  was  born  in 
Sandusky,  O.,  in  1865,  and  was  a son  of  Isidore  and  Theresia  Wetterer,  who. 
were  born  in  Germany  and  married  in  Sandusky.  Isidore  died  in  March^ 
1886,  leaving  a widow  and  seven  children  — five  sons  and  two  daughters: 
Mary  Isabella,  Isidore  F.,  Anthony  F.,  Charles  F.,  Emil  J.  and  John  A„ 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


649 


Charles  F.,  October  28,  1882,  became  engaged  in  the  cigar  business  with  a 
cash  capital  of  twenty  dollars.  He  now  has  a large  store  with  an  inviting 
stock,  and  is  doing  a successful  business.  He  removed  to  his  present  store  in 

1884,  at  No.  224  Columbus  avenue. 

White,  Elijah  D.,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Hatfield,  Hamp- 
shire county,  Mass.,  in  1824,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Sophia  White,  wha 
were  married  in  Massachusetts,  and  with  a family  of  five  children  settled  in 
Groton  township  in  1834.  The  children  were  Ebenezer,  Elijah,  Mary  S., 
George  and  John  J.  Elijah  is  now  the  only  surviving  one.  The  father,  John 
White,  was  born  in  1792,  and  died  in  1863.  He  was  captain  in  the  old  mil- 
itary State  organization,  and  held  several  of  the  town  offices.  John,  jr.  served 
three  years  in  the  late  war  in  the  lOist  Regiment.  Elijah  D.  White  was  mar- 
ried on  December  15,  1852,  to  Harriet  Smith,  who  was  born  in  Barrytown, 
Duchess  county,  in  1831.  They  have  had  one  son,  Erederick  E.,  born  in 
1853,  and  married  in  1878  to  Mary  Zabest.  They  have  had  a family  of  three 
children  : Elmer  O.,  Charles  and  Flossey.  Harriet  was  a daughter  of  William 
and  Sultana  (Hemingway)  Smith,  who  came  to  this  township  from  New  York 
in  1833.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  White  have  an  adopted  daughter,  Hattie  A.  B.  White. 

White,  Stephen,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Margaretta  in  1862, 
and  was  a son  of  John  and  Mary  (Rogers)  White.  Mary  was  born  in  Mar- 
garetta in  1836,  and  was  a daughter  of  Stephen  and  Eliza  (Hartwell)  Rogers. 
John  and  Mary  were  married  March  2,  1858,  and  had  a family  of  two  children: 
Sophia  E and  Stephen  H.  Mr.  White  died  March  28,  1883.  Sophia  was 
married  in  1879.  John  White  enlisted  in  Company  G,  loist  Ohio  Regiment, 
in  August,  1862,  and  served  to  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was  discharged  at 
Nashville.  He  was  a son  of  John  and  Sophia  White.  Stephen  H.  received  a 
liberal  education,  and  afterwards  became  engaged  in  farming.  He  now  owns 
and  occupies  a portion  of  the  old  homestead.  He  was  married  in  December,, 

1885,  to  Nettie  P.  Jones.  They  have  had  one  daughter,  Leonora  E.,  born 
January  i,  1888. 

Wickham,  John  W.,  Huron,  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  in  1806,  and 
was  a son  of  William  and  Catharine  Wickham,  of  Rhode  Island.  John  W. 
settled  in  Norwalk,  Huron  county,  in  1833,  and  became  engaged  in  the  mer- 
cantile business  as  a member  of  the  firm  of  Wickham,  Allen  & Christian.  Mr. 
Wickham  erected  his  warehouse  at  Huron  in  1834,  and  became  engaged  in  a 
general  produce  shipping  business  and  boat  building.  He,  in  company  with 
Captain  Augustus  Walker,  built  the  steamboats,  Colinnbiis,  Great  Western,  and 
several  others.  He  was  one  of  the  first  to  engage  in  the  fish  business  in  the 
county.  In  1865  he  commenced  this  line  of  business,  freezing,  packing  and 
dealing  in  salt  fish.  He  was  also  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  as  a member 
of  the  firm  of  Wickham  & Ryan.  He  was  married  three  times.  His  first  wife, 
Sarah  M.  Van  Rensselaer,  to  whom  he  was  married  in  1836,  died  in  1838.  He 


■650 


History  of  Erie  County. 


was  married  the  second  time  to  Sarah  F.  Van  Rensselaer,  who  died  in  1847, 
leaving  two  children  : Sarah  M.  and  John  W.  He  then  married  his  third  wife, 
Elizabeth  Van  Rensselaer.  They  have  one  child  ; John  W.,  jr.  Mr.  Wickham 
retired  from  active  business  life  in  1884.  His  son,  John,  is  his  successor  in  the 
business. 

Widmer,  Jacob,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Berne,  Switzerland,  in  1842,  and 
was  a son  of  Casper  and  Frena  Widmer,  who  emigrated  to  Sandusky  in  1852, 
having  a family  of  seven  children,  three  sons  and  two  daughters  are  now  liv- 
ing : John,  Jacob  and  Fred,  and  Verena  and  Katie.  Mrs.  Frena  Widmer  died 
in  Ottawa  county,  in  1877.  Jacob  was  married  in  1868  to  Mary  Christina  Hall, 
who  was  born  in  Holstein,  Germany.  They  have  had  a family  of  five  chil- 
dren : Dora  Ella,  Minnie  Catharine,  Elizabeth  Viola,  and  Gertie  Mary  and 
Jacob  Jay.  Mr.  Widmer  was  janitor  of  the  county  court  house  from  1881  to 
1885,  when  he  resigned,  and  became  engaged  in  the  general  grocery  provision 
and  saloon  business. 

Wiedel,  Albert,  jr.,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  was  born  in  Sandusky  in  1855, 
and  was  married  in  1883  to  Margaret  Lucal.  They  have  had  two  children  : 
Edith  and  Walter  Margaret  is  a daughter  of  William  and  Catharine  Lucal. 
Albert  was  a son  of  Albert  and  Margaret  (Beall)  Wiedel,  who  were  born  in 
Germany,  and  married  in  Sandusky.  Albert  died  in  1875.  He  came  from 
Germany  to  Sandusky  in  1848.  He  was  educated  for  a clergyman,  but  after 
settling  in  Sandusky  found  employment  as  an  engineer  and  machinist,  and  in 
1867  purchased  a farm,  and  was  engaged  in  farming  up  to  the  time  of  his  death. 

Wiedel,  Christian  J.,  Sandusky,  a merchant  tailor,  and  dealer  in  gents’  fur- 
nishing goods,  was  born  in  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Braunschweig,  Germany,  now  the 
kingdom  of  Prussia,  and  emigrated  to  America  in  1857,  and  settled  in  Sandusky 
as  a journeyman  tailor.  He  enlisted  in  Company  E,  8th  Ohio  Regiment; 
served  one  year  and  four  months;  was  transferred  to  Company  C,  6th  United 
States  Cavalry,  served  twenty  months,  and  was  discharged  June  25,  1864,  hav- 
ing been  promoted  sergeant.  On  his  return  to  Sandusky  he  became  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  grape  wine,  the  saloon,  concert  hall  and  theater  business. 
He  was  married  in  1865  to  Amena  Beck,  who  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany. 
They  have  a family  of  three  children  living:  Othilde,  Hedwig  and  Emma,  one 
son,  Alfred,  died  in  1883.  He  sold  his  saloon  business  in  1886,  and  the  same 
year  became  engaged  in  his  present  business.  He  was  .elected  sheriff  of  Erie 
county  in  1 888. 

Wiegel,  Bernard  H.,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  0.,in  1839, 
and  was  a son  of  Bernard  and  Anna  Martha  (Mantz)  Wiegel,  who  were  born 
in  Germany,  and  emigrated  to  America  in  July,  1833,  and  settled  in  Buffalo, 
where  they  were  married  in  1834.  They  came  to  Erie  county,  O.,  in  1837, 
and  settled  in  Margaretta  township  in  1845,  where  Mr.  Wiegel  died  in  1872, 
aged  sixty- five  years.  He  left  a widow  and  a family  of  seven  children  : Bern- 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


65  r 

ard  H.,  Anna  Martha,  Sarah  W.,  Caroline,  John  P.,  August  Frederick  and  Mil- 
ton.  Bernard  H.  enlisted  in  Company  H,  55th  Regiment,  Ohio  Volunteers,  in 
1861,  under  Colonel  Lee;  was  discharged  January  8,  1863.  He  was  wounded 
at  the  battle  of  Bull  Run,  and  now  receives  a pension.  He  re-enlisted  in  1864, 
in  the  176th  O.  V.  L,  and  served  to  the  close  of  the  war,  being  discharged  at 
Columbus,  in  June,  1865.  He  was  married  in  1865  to  Louisa  Jane  Mears,  of 
Venice,  O.  They  have  had  a family  of  five  children  ; Lewis  Stewart,  William 
Henry,  James  Burdett,  Emma  Louisa,  and  Katie  Cedelia,  who  died  in  1881,. 
aged  three  years  and  five  months.  Mr.  Wiegel  commenced  the  general  mer- 
cantile business  in  1876,  and  in  1883  settled  in  Sandusky,  where  he  became 
engaged  in  the  hotel  business,  and  in  1887  retired  from  this  and  became  en- 
gaged in  the  grocery  and  provision  business.  In  early  life  he  was  engaged  in 
farming.  He  was  a member  of  the  board  of  education  of  Margaretta  township 
for  many  years  ; also  for  several  years  in  Townsend  township,  of  Sandusky 
county. 

Winchell,  Addison  H.,  Huron,  one  of  representative  citizens  of  the  county,, 
was  born  in  Detroit,  Mich.,  in  1842,  and  was  a son  of  Gardner  and  Emma  Win- 
chell. Emma  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  and  Gardner  in  Chautauqua 
county,  N.  Y.  Addison  H.  commenced  his  business  life  in  1856,  when  he  be- 
came engaged  in  the  grocery  business,  after  which  he  went  into  the  book  busi- 
ness in  Detroit,  and  later  went  to  New  York  city,  where  he  remained  until 
1865,  when  he  returned  to  Detroit  and  became  engaged  in  the  wholesale 
grocery  business.  In  1870  he  settled  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  and  in  1873 
organized  the  present  firm  of  Wickham  & Winchell,  now  engaged  in  the  fish 
business,  and  dealing  largely  in  lumber,  cement,  lime,  coal  and  grain.  They 
are  also  engaged  in  a general  shipping  business,  owning  their  own  boats.  Mr. 
Winchell  was  elected  mayor  of  the  corporation  eight  terms.  He  was  married 
in  1867  to  Mary  E.  Gardner,  a daughter  of  George  F.  Gardner,  of  Detroit. 
They  have  one  daughter:  Belle  Christian,  born  in  1869. 

Witter,  James  B.,  Margaretta,  Castalia  p.  o.,  one  of  the  most  enterprising 
farmers  of  this  township,  was  born  in  Ontario  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1818,  and  was 
a son  of  Elijah  and  Eunice  (Bardon)  Witter,  who  died  in  New  York.  They 
had  a family  of  eleven  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living  : Mrs.  Zilphia 
Field,  Mrs.  M.  Lewis,  R.  Livermore,  James  B.,  Mrs.  Susan  Prentice  and  Mrs. 
Louis  Abbott.  Amos  enlisted  from  Michigan,  and  died  at  Cincinnati  of  fever. 
James  B.  Witter  received  a common  school  education  and  chose  farming  as 
his  life  occupation.  He  came  to  Margaretta  in  1846,  and  purchasad  his  home- 
stead of  1 10  acres,  for  which  he  paid  $1,650.  He  now  owns  a farm  of  309 
acres.  He,  in  company  with  nine  other  gentlemen,  organized  the  Castalia 
Milling  Company,  but  failed,  after  having  sunk  over  $90,000  in  the  enterprise. 
He  was  married  in  1847  to  Miss  Arena  Campbell.  They  have  had  a family  of 
ten  children,  three  died  at  an  early  age.  Those  now  living  are  Mrs.  Rebecca 


1652 


History  of  Erie  County. 


Guinall,  Mrs.  Sarah  Dining,  Mrs.  Mary  Vale,  Douglas,  Mrs.  Flora  Ransom,  Eli- 
jah and  Ruel.  Arena  was  a daughter  of  John  and  Sarah  (Morris)  Campbell, 
who  were  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  married  in  Groton  in  1819,  where  Sarah 
died  in  1831. 

Witty  & Parker,  Messrs.,  Huron,  general  merchants  of  Huron,  Erie  county. 
Mr.  C.  L.  Witty  was  born  in  Vermillion,  Erie  county,  in  1859,  and  was  a son 
of  Conrad  and  Catharine  (Galmarhote)  Witty,  who  were  born  in  Germany,  and 
married  in  Erie  county,  where  Mr.  Witty  died  in  1867,  leaving  a widow  and 
four  children  : Mary,  Emma,  C.  L.  and  August.  Mr.  E.  E.  Parker  was  born 
in  Newburn,  Geauga  county,  O.,  March  4,  1861,  and  was  a son  of  L.  A.  and 
Almira  P.  (Brinsmade)  Parker,  of  Ohio,  and  had  a family  of  five  children,  four 
of  whom  are  now  living:  E.  E.,P'.  F.,  A.  L.  and  E.  Frankie.  The  grandfather, 
Alanson,  an  early  settler  from  New  England,  coming  here  with  his  parents  in 
1804,  and  settling  in  Cuyahoga  county.  The  firm  of  Witty  & Parker  was  or- 
ganized in  March,  1886,  and  become  engaged  in  a general  grocery  business  in 
1887,  and  in  the  same  year  purchased  a large  stock  of  dry  goods,  crockery, 
and  a complete  line  of  gents’  furnishing  goods.  They  were  formerly  clerks 
in  the  store  of  Messrs.  Hull  & Rand. 

Wolverton,  Charles.  Huron,  was  born  in  New  Jersey  in  181 1,  and  came  to 
Huron  with  his  parents  in  1824.  His  father,  Bailey  Wolverton,  was  born  in 
New  Jersey,  and  his  mother,  Elizabeth  Pery,  was  born  on  the  ocean,  of  Ger- 
man parentage.  Both  died  the  year  following  their  arrival  at  Huron,  leaving 
a family  of  seven  children,  two  of  whom,  a son  and  daughter,  died  within  the 
same  year.  Charles  is  now  the  only  surviving  one.,  He  was  married  in  1835 
to  Betsy  D.  Aikins,  of  Perkins,  who  died  in  1841,  leaving  a family  of  five 
children  : Lavina,  Job.  Ezekiel,  Elizabeth  and  Betsey.  Ezekiel  enlisted  in  the 
Twelfth  Ohio  Calvary,  and  served  to  the  close  of  the  war,  being  discharged 
with  his  regiment  in  1865.  Mr.  Wolvertpn  married  his  second  wife,  Catharine 
Hamilton,  March  4,  1846.  She  was  born  at  Chenango  Forks,  Broome  county, 
N.  Y.,  in  1808.  They  have  had  two  children,  Eliza  and  Winthrop.  Mrs. 
Wolverton  settled  in  Huron  with  her  parents,  William  and  Hannah  Hamilton, 
in  1822.  They  died  in  Sandusky  county.  Mr.  Wolverton  purchased  his  pres- 
ent homestead  of  118  acres  in  1839,  for  which  he  paid  $35  per  acre. 

Wright,  Alfred,  Perkins,  Sandusky  p.  o.,  one  of  the  representative  men  of 
Perkins  township,  was  born  in  Groton,  Erie  county,  O.,  in  1846,  and  was  a 
son  of  John  and  Betsey  (Ford)  Wright,  who  were  born  in  England,  and  married 
in  Erie  county  in  1844.  Mrs.  Wright  died  in  1886.  They  had  a family  of 
ten  children,  seven  of  whom  are  now  living.  John  Wright  has  retired  from 
active  business  life,  and  now  is  away  on  a visit  to  his  native  land  and  other 
foreign  countries.  He  has  distributed  3,000  acres  among  his  children.  Alfred 
Wright  was  married  in  1869  to  Mary  Megginson,  of  Huron  county.  They 
liave  a family  of  three  children:  John  Alfred,  Edward  Richard  and  Emma 


Brief  Biographical  Sketches. 


653 


Louise.  Mr.  Wright  is  engaged  in  general  farming  and  the  manufacture  of 
tile  and  brick.  His  farm  consists  of  400  acres  of  fine  land. 

Wright,  Winthrop  H.,  Huron,  was  born  in  Huron,  Erie  county,  in  1813, 
and  was  a son  of  Hon.  Judge  Jabez  and  Tamer  (Ruggles)  Wright,  who  were 
natives  of  Connecticut,  and  married  in  Huron.  Mr.  Wright  settled  in  Huron 
in  1808,  and  became  engaged  in  surveying,  and  early  became  agent  for  several 
large  tracts  of  land.  He  was  elected  judge,  and  also  served  as  a member  of 
the  Legislature,  also  held  many  of  the  town  and  county  offices.  He  was  also 
postmaster  for  a number  of  terms.  He  died  December  16,  1840,  and  his 
widow  in  1849,  leaving  a family  of  five  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  liv- 
ing: Winthrop  H.,  Lucy,  Douglass,  Abigail  and  Ruggles.  Winthrop  H.  was 
married  in  i86i  to  Eliza  Jane  Brown,  of  Erie  county.  They  have  one  daugh- 
ter, Gertrude.  Mr.  Wright  became  engaged  in  farming  in  1837,  ^.nd  in  1866 
became  engaged  in  the  fish  business,  which  he  has  carried  on  ever  since.  He 
-owns  his  own  fishing  fleet,  and  superintends  his  extensive  farm  interest  of  over 
1,000  acres. 

Zipfel,  Constantine,  Sandusky,  one  of  the  leading  farmers  and  marketmen 
of  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1839,  and  was  a son  of  Joseph 
and  Mary  (Mann)  Zipfel.  Joseph  emigrated  to  America  in  1852,  and  his  wife 
and  son  came  to  Sandusky  in  1855,  where  she  died  in  1857,  Joseph  in 
1878,  leaving  one  son,  Constantine,  who  was  married  in  i860  to  Mary  Daniel, 
who  died  June  28,  1886,  leaving  a family  of  seven  children:  Charles,  Joseph, 
Lizzie,  Mary,  Ida,  Laura  and  Alfred.  Mrs.  Zipfel  was  a daughter  of  Christo- 
pher Daniel.  Mr.  Zipfel  was  councilman  for  two  years. 

Zimmerman,  Gottlieb,  Sandusky,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1846, 
and  was  a son  of  John  Martin  and  Rosa  (Boos)  Zimmerman,  who  came  to 
America  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1859.  They  had  a family  of  ten  children, 
eight  of  whom  are  now  living  : William,  Rosa,  Caroline,  Christina,  Gottlieb, 
Barbara,  Christian  and  George.  Gottlieb  was  married  in  1873  to  Elizabeth 
Bickel,  who  was  born  in  1852.  They  have  had  a family  of  five  children  : Clara, 
Lena,  Minnie,  Jacob  M.  and  Robert.  Mr.  Zimmerman  is  bookkeeper  at  the 
establishment  of  Jacob  Kuebeler. 

Zimmerman,  Henry,  Sandusky,  a farmer,  stock  dealer  and  feeder  and  re- 
tired butcher,  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  in  1834,  and  was  a son  of  Michael 
Zimmerman.  Henry  emigrated  to  America  and  settled  in  Sandusky  in  1854, 
and  in  1855  became  engaged  in  the  butcher  and  market  business.  He  retired 
from  that  business  in  1883  and  became  engaged  in  farming  and  dealing  in 
stock.  He  was  elected  member  of  the  city  council.  He  was  married  in  i860 
to  Rosa  Zimmerman,  who  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany.  They  have  had  five 
children  : Rosa,  Carrie,  Christina,  Charles  H.  and  George  Martin.  Rosa  was  a 
daughter  of  John  M.  and  Rosa  Zimmerman. 


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